Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Prince Klassen

I am extremely happy to welcome Prince Klassen to Too Much Love this Saturday. All the way from Austin, Klassen is a 12-year DJ, experienced party-rocker, and member of the Fully Fitted crew (along with most of the Spank Rock affiliates).

For a preview of his mixing styles, check out the Prince's Mi Fresh mix CD. Or if you're DJ-inclined (or just get-on-down inclined), download a whole pack of his signature edits right here!

I asked PK a few questions, so he can let us know what he's all about. Check it:

Who is Prince Klassen?
Well that is hard to say. I thought I knew up until recently. Kind of like Faith No More's "Mid life Crisis" only it is a quarter life. All kidding aside, I am a Texas native that enjoys music, photography, and cycling.

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?
I started djing 13 years ago now in the fine kitchen of my brothers house in my home town of San Antonio Texas. My current home is Austin Texas, but am trying to move out as soon as possible. I have a few weekly residencies as well as monthly ventures with my man Dj Orion.

Describe your sound in five words or less.
HOLY F*CK THATS MY JAM

Can you tell us a little about Fully Fitted and any projects you have coming up?
Fully Fitted is Devlin, Darko, XXXchange, Amanda Blank, Pase Rock, Ghost Dad, and myself. As you know, most of those other guys are all from Spank Rock or affiliated and Fully Fitted pretty much started as an imprint to get their records out. We have the blog that has pretty fun features from time to time, including the "Live at Home" series, which is a s
eries of mixes that we have friends of ours make for us of music they would love to play but don't have the outlet for.

As far as Fully Fitted goes, XXXchange has a new re edit/ re mix single coming out soon with a big time disco feel to it. Amanda just put her record out on Downtown with Devlin and Darko supporting her on tour.

I am working on a new mixtape that follows up where last year's Mi Fresh left off. Still have a lot of new Disco edits I have been working on. I am also in the works with Insect Records to put out a 12 inch of raw beats. I am really looking forward to that!

What's Austin like, DJ-wise or otherwise?
Austin is an interesting place. I have only lived here for a few years now, but have seen it change a ton. I moved here as the internet was slowly shifting people's perspective on anything they ever knew, and have seen the town slowly become something I don't think it was quite ready for.
As far as the DJ scene goes here, I have my really close friends that can absolutely kill it night to night and situation to situation, but just like every other town now, EVERYONE IS A DJ. I don't want to go on the typical DJ rant you hear everywhere now, so I will leave it at that.

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?
Oh man, I knew this was going to be in here at some point. Let's see. This is in no order what so ever. This is for the peak hour jump off:

Baobinga - State of Ghetto Jacking (original and dave nada remix)
Rye Rye vs Adonis - Bang (Tommie Sunshine blend)Duck Sauce - aNYway (prince klassen edit)
Bamabounce - Hey Buddy
Major Lazer - Pon De Floor (prince klassen blend)

Drink of choice?
TOPO CHICO ALL DAY!!!! I don't drink alcohol, as I am straight edge, so I gots to have my Topo. I would also like to say that ZICO COCONUT WATER is sent from the (Mexican) gods as well, I know Dave Nada knows what Im talking about...

Friday, August 21, 2009

Nacho Lovers Interview


To get prepped for his appearance at TML tomorrow, I asked Scott a few questions about Nacho Lovers.

Who are Nacho Lovers?
Nacho Lovers are Andrew Ross and Scott Seewhale. Andrew is from Toronto, Scott is from Hamilton (Canada).

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?
Started collecting records in the 90s. Started playing out seriously 2002/2003 - We have a few residencies between us in Toronto which include Wrongbar, and Drake Hotel.

Describe your sound in five words or less.
House

Can you tell us about what projects you have coming up?
We are hard at work on quite a few original tunes. They are covering a much wider range of style then what we have put out up to this point. These tracks should start making there way in Autumn.

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?Santos - Hold Home
Rolling - Zero Time
Kenton Slash Demon - Khattabi
Pitto - FeelinTim Green - Bee Layin

Drink of choice?
a tall glass of OJ

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Pandapalooza '09

It's my birthday weekend, and to celebrate I've invited some of my favorite local DJs and best friends to help us all party. Join us as we drown out the anticipated end of summer with dancing, drinking, and debauchery, Saturday at First Avenue and Sunday at the Kitty Cat Klub.

Saturday, August 15
Too Much Love @ First Avenue
10pm - 2am
$3 / $1 students / 18+
2-4-1s on rails & domestics before midnight

Sunday, August 16
Denial @
Kitty Cat Klub
7pm - 11pm?
FREE / 21+
bloody marys, huge selection of wine, beer, and booze, great food, big couches, pool tables, at the Kitty Cat Klub in Dinkytown, while we spin a wide variety of tunes for your dancing and listening pleasure

DJs include:
Naughty Wood (Nation)
717 Boys (Moon Goons/Wurst)
Jonathan Ackerman (Moon Goons)
Midnight Energy (Elite Gymnastics)
Sovietpanda (birthday boy)

---

As usual, as a preview, I am posting an interview. Except this time I am the interviewee, while my pal Midnight Energy asks the questions. How narcissistic of me:

1. So, what's your deal?

Ask my therapist.

2. It's my friend's birthday, and for her bachelorette party she really wants to hear Lady Gaga. Do you guys take requests?

No, we don't take requests. And I fucking hate Lady Gaga. And that would normally be my shit. There aren't any hooks. It's just bad. Why do you even like her? I like Katy Perry. I'll play Katy Perry later. I heard Lady Gaga is a hermpahrodite. Why is your bachelorette party here at 10 p.m.?

3. Please take a moment to explain "Evil Peter" for all the folks out there who might be considering buying you birthday shots. They should know what they're getting into.

I don't know much about Evil Peter except for what other people have told me. I'm pretty sure Evil Peter lurks in the hearts of all men. He thrives on whiskey. He subliminally convinces you to drink liquor so he can come out to play. His freedom from soceital norms is refeshing in some ways. But he's evil.

4. Five favorite tracks to play out in 2007?

Cut Copy - Hearts on Fire (Modular)
Escort - A Bright New Life (Escort)
Holy Ghost! - Hold On (Black Joy Mazego Groove) (DFA)
Rihanna - Don't Stop The Music (Def Jam)
Simian Mobile Disco - It's The Beat (Wichita)

5. Five favorite tracks to play out in 2009?

Curses! - The Deep End (Holy Ghost! Day School Dub feat. Nancy Wang & Juan Maclean) (Institubes)
Deepgroove & Jamie Anderson - Invaders (Klang Elektronik)
Dustin Zahn - Stranger to Stability (Len Faki Podium Mix) (Rekids)
Mark E - R&B Drunkie (Golf Channel) [this came out a while ago but I can't stop playing it]
Tiga

6. And finally, your drink of choice?
Jameson / Red Stripe

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Brent Tactic



This Saturday, Too Much Love has Brent Tactic coming in to drop a special guest DJ set. Brent is part of Kansas City duo Tactic, who have rocked TML twice before and always bring a mad party, and also runs dance label Think 2wice Records. I asked Brent a few questions before he drops in to First Ave this weekend.


Who is Brent Tactic?

Just a dude who loves good music, loves playing good music and loves putting good music out.

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?

Got my tables for Christmas of 2000 while I was in college and have been addicted ever since. I have a couple residencies in Kansas City and always trying to play in other cities and lay down my sound. Minneapolis here I come!

Describe your sound in five words or less.

Banging. Sexy. Futuristic. Fun. Tasty.

Can you tell us a bit about Think 2wice and what projects you have coming up?

Think 2wice is a label I started with Ben Tactic (other half of Tactic). Lot's of home grown KC/Lawrence talent like Norrit, DJ B-Stee, Thunderous Olympian, Potions (watch the fuck out for this kid), etc. But we're branching out to the west coast and overseas. Just dropped an ep from Phosho (aka SALVA) from San Fransisco that's on a futuristic flip of some old school electro. New EPs coming from Gavin Burrows, Tactic, Potions, Norrit, and many many more.

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?

1. Joker - Do It
2. Tactic - Down
3. Phosho ft. Cerebral Vortex - Control (DJ B-Stee Remix)
4. Armand Van Helden - Illin It N Fillin It (Starkey Remix)
5. Dubbel Dutch - Neva Let You Go

And finally, your drink of choice?

Give me a shot of Maker's and I'll be your friend, maybe for life.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Midnight Energy


Saturday I will be joined by my very good friend Midnight Energy for a DJ set at Too Much Love. For a preview, check out Midnight Energy's new mix, Have You Ever Been Alone in a Room?, and then read this interview:

Who is Midnight Energy?

I'm James Brooks. I play in a band called Elite Gymnastics. I also DJ.

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?

I don't know how much of the answer to this question I'm comfortable discussing in a public forum, but one thing to remember is that many common, over-the-counter cold syrups like Robitussin and it's generic derivatives contain a chemical called Dextromethorphan (DXM) that has been known to cause dissociative, psychedelic states when exceeding label-specified dosages.

Describe your sound in five words or less.

Remember "Tarzan Boy?" Shit ruled. [ed. note: see here]

Can you tell us about your latest mix?

My latest mix is called "Have You Ever Been Alone In A Room?" and was posted on the popular BMX blog Defgrip for some reason. I don't even know how to ride a bike. Seriously, never learned. I tried the other night and I totally fell off my friend's fucking fixie in the middle of a downtown crosswalk.

It contains tracks by Runaway, Cold Cave, HEALTH, and Yamataka Eye from the Boredoms' "tribal house" project the Lift Boys. I like noisy, weird dance music.

Also, my band, Elite Gymnastics, which includes Peter Lansky (Sovietpanda) [ed. note: that's me], Josh Clancy (Moon Goons) and Dominique Davis (Dearling Physique) will be playing the Clapperclaw Music & Arts Festival on September 5th.

Five of your favorite tracks to play out?

The Lift Boys - Anarchy Way
Syclops - The Fly
Shit Robot - Simple Things (Serge Santiago Remix)
Animal Collective - Brothersport
Crystal Fighters - Xtatic Truth (Renaissance Man Remix)

And finally, your drink of choice?

Stella Artois, bro. Europeans think it tastes like piss, but Europeans have never had Bud Light.

---

1. Teengirl Fantasy – Hollywood Hills
2. HEALTH – Die Slow (Midnight Energy 12″ Edit)
3. Lemonade – Big Weekend (4AM Remix)
4. Lift Boys – Anarchy Way
5. YACHT – Summer Song
6. Roxy Music – Angel Eyes (Serge Santiago Epic Edit)
7. Runaway – Use Me
8. The Juan Maclean – Happy House (Chateau Flight Remix)
9. Cold Cave – Love Comes Close
10. Shit Robot – Simple Things (Serge Santiago Remix)
11. Syclops – The Fly

Friday, July 17, 2009

Bach to the Future

[Facebook Event]

This Saturday I'm joined by my friend DJ Bach at TML. A character on and off the decks, and one of the original TML DJs, Bach answered a few questions so we might get to know him better before he celebrates his birthday with us on Saturday.

Who is DJ Bach?

DJ Bach is a DJ/Producer from Minneapolis

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?

I started in 96' making beats with drum machines, samplers, and synths. In 99' I wanted to learn how to scratch and am still to this day mastering new techniques. Keep an eye out for a monthly scratch night I'm starting in collaboration with the Fifth Element.. it's gonna be a session in the store for scratch DJ's to meet up, flex chops, and for people to come and listen. It's gonna be called, "Cut Class." I passionately want to revive interest in scratching.. make it cool again. For my mixing and party rocking, you can catch me at the Kitty Cat Klub the 4th Saturday of the month.

Describe your sound in five words or less.

dance inducing genre humping

You've been a part of Too Much Love from the beginning. Any favorite TML memories?

My favorite memory of Too Much Love has to be our very first night in the VIP room. We made it go nuts!

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?

Overtime - Tiga
1980 Gutter Remix - Dirt Nasty & Aaron Lacrate
Back Up In This (Nadastrom Remix) - Designer Drugs
Skeletons (Bird Peterson Remix) - Felix Cartal
Fuck Work (Proper Villians & Jubilee Remix) - Cubic Zirconia

And finally, your drink of choice?

Stoli on the rocks ;)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Who is Naughty Wood?


Tomorrow I'm joined by my good friend Naughty Wood on the decks at Too Much Love. In anticipation of his set, I asked him a few questions.

Who is Naughty Wood?
Naughty Wood is a Minneapolis based electronic music artist, Disc Jock, Singer/Songwriter and Composer.

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?
I started spinning records and producing my own dance parties in the late 90's.
Over the last six months I've hosted a couple late night exclusives and rocked a wedding party on a Sunday night for Denial [ed note: I can verify that].

Can you tell us a bit about Nation and what you have coming up?
Yes, good question! Nation is an exclusive dance beyond dance label founded by the artist Traxx from Chicago.
The releases are limited to 500 copies vinyl only. At the moment I'm promoting the release of Nation 006 where I did some vocal production on a track entitled Sikk Truth by Villan-X. Other than that, I'm programming in the studio everyday. You'll hear some new pieces of mine on Saturday!

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?
Mutant Beat Dance- In a Daze feat Eric D. Clark (Discos Capablanca)
JTC Feat. Rodger Devine - Monolith (Nation 006)
In Flagranti/Holy Ghost! - Business Acumen (Kitsuné)
Nancy Fortune- The secret life of Nancy Fortune (Viewlexx)
Hercules & Love Affair - Blind - Frankie Knuckles remix (DFA)

And finally, your drink of choice?
Cristal Champagne 2002

Friday, May 22, 2009

Meet Scott Butters

Scott Butters, one of the OG TML DJs, returns to First Avenue this Saturday to spin with me. It's always a pleasure listening to this guy DJ, as he has great taste and excellent skills. In addition to the usual party madness, there will be a guest photographer from party photo site Rony's Photobooth snapping pics. [Facebook event]

In order to learn a little bit more about the man known as Scott Butters, I asked him a few questions about DJing:

Who is Scott Butters?
A chronic romantic.

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?
Oh maybe in 2000 or 2001. Recently I've played at AZIA, the Kitty Cat Klub and on KFAI for Norton Fortune's Strictly Butter.

Describe your sound in five words or less.
House music.

In your mind, what makes a good DJ set?
Musicality, progression and an eye on the levels.

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?
I can never remember what I play out.

And finally, your drink of choice?
Grand Marnier I suppose. Trouble.

Friday, May 15, 2009

GIGAMESH


[Facebook Event]

Minneapolis DJ and producer Gigamesh joins me for Too Much Love this Saturday. Known chiefly for his productions with the DiscoTech outfit, Matt aka Gigamesh answered a few quesitons as a preview of his DJ set tomorrow. Also, check out his latest mix here.


Who is Gigamesh?
A musician from south Minneapolis with big dreams. More specifically, he is 1/3 of the DJ/production team DiscoTech.

When and where did you start DJing and/or producing? Where do you play now?
Started doing both during early high school (Waconia HS, Minnesota), but temporarily stopped DJing during college because I decided it wasn't for "serious" musicians. I've since come to my senses. [I play] mostly around the twin cities, but occasionally the greater Midwest.

Describe your sound in five words or less.
Krinking, Sips, Krunkle-Kick, Richardson Richardson

How would you say production and DJing influence each other?
DJing has had a big influence on how I make music, mainly because it forces me to think "how is this going to stay DJ/dancefloor-friendly without being too boring or repetitive?"

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?
Tiga - Shoes (especially the original and Mr. Oizo remix)
Radiohead - Everything in its Right Place (Gigamesh Remix)
Todd Rivers - One Track Lover (Synthia Remix)
Señor Stereo feat. Look Book - Babe We're Gonna Love Tonight
PNAU - Baby (Breakbot Remix)...a little old, but always good

And finally, your drink of choice?
Grain Belt Premium (Minnesota love!)

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Hood Internet Interview

As a prelude to this Saturday, I asked DJ STV SLV from the Hood Internet a few questions about DJing...

Who is DJ STV SLV?
Just a dude from West St Paul. Also: half of the Hood Internet.

When and where did the Hood Internet start? Where does the Hood play now?
Hood Internet started in Chicago in 2007; me and ABX just started postin up
tracks one day and that was that. Eventually we started doing live sets.
Nowadays we play all over the U.S., and sometimes Canada.

Describe your sound in five words or less.
It's mashups, or perhaps: re-thinkings.

What can people expect from a Hood Internet DJ set?
Lots of the Hood jams we've cooked up over the past couple years, plus other
stuff we like, and the "boing" sound effect thrown in ad nauseum.

Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?
The Juan Maclean "One Day"
Kid Sister "Pro Nails" (Rusko RMX)
Dizzee Rascal/Armand Van Helden "Bonkers"
Hood Internet "Comfortable Up Here" (Lil Wayne x Royksopp)
Hood Internet "Good Ol Fashion Rump Shaker" (Beastie Boys x Matt & Kim)

And finally, drink of choice?
High Life, duh

Friday, May 1, 2009

Johnny Love Speaks

I asked Johnny Love a few questions as a prelude to his DJ set at Too Much Love tomorrow night. Hopefully we'll be treated to some of his new solo material at First Ave.

As an added bonus, check out this Guns N Bombs mix over at the Fader as a little preview for Saturday.

Who is Johnny Love?

a jetsetting dionysian playboy hustler king from the southside of chicago


When and where did you start DJing?

first party I played was a rave called wonderland in bloomington where a bunch of my then heroes were also djing (delta 9, bio booster, kid entropy, submerge101)


Describe your sound in five words or less.

jacking heavy death bass


Any word on new Guns N Bombs material?


no new gnb material, im focusing all my attention on my solo/collaboration project called deathface, working on tracks with the aforementioned kid entropy (now known as the entro mc), 12th planet, and Noize/Floor Crew (which includes another one of my rave heroes, Angel Alanis)


Five of your favorite tracks to play out lately?

bombaman - look behind you
buraka som sistema - ic19 (deathface rework)
jackbeats - what
guns'n'bombs - riddle of steel (12th planet + Tea Long remix)
ac slater - banger (drop the lime remix)


And finally, your drink of choice?


beer: la fin du monde
mixed drink: campari and oj

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Dongers



[Facebook Event]

This Saturday, our special guest DJs are The Dongers from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I have played a couple times with Jason, aka DJ Tanner, from The Dongers, and he's a great DJ with an equally great selection of vinyl in his crate. He usually manages to have the most current stuff I like to play, except on record instead of digital. I asked Jason a few questions to help unravel the mystery that is The Dongers...


Who are the Dongers?


The Dongers are a collaboration between Jason Van Nurden & Kirk Leinenkugel. Dongers Unite.

When and where did you start DJing? Where do you play now?


Started playing at the Stones Throw in Eau Claire Wisconsin and random house parties here and there. Next year we'll be touring with Prince probably.

Describe your sound in five words or less.

Dance Music

You guys play vinyl, and always seem to have the latest stuff on 12". Any thoughts on the digital/analog divide?

To each their own, we understand why people play digital but that's not our thing. We collect vinyl and DJ because we love the music and we love collecting the music. Plus ya gotta love that analog warmth.

Five of your favorite records to play out lately?

Woolfy - A Pint A Day
Franz Ferdinand - Ulysses (beyond the wizard's sleeve re-animation)
I:Cube - Acid Tablet
Tiga - Mind Dimension
Foals - Olympic Airways (supermayer mix)

And finally, your drink of choice?

Leinies Red