You have recently launched a brand new record label called Vertical Tones. Tell us about the master plan?
I have around 30 unreleased tracks just sitting in the vault and therefore launched the record label as an outlet, at least to start off with as a conduit for my unreleased music. Note that these are not tracks that have been rejected by other labels – they are unfinished ideas of mine! I hope that having to feed the label gives me the kick to finish off what I think are brilliant ideas – in the future – who knows!
Voltage Controled EP is your debut release from Vertical Tones, what inspired the four tracks and the deal with Juno?
The original ideas came from the process which I have explained above, they have been re-worked especially for the first release.
I wanted a P&D deal to make it easier to get records released and it is also less stressful for me to have the expertise of my label manager, James at Juno.
You’ve been busy remixing recently and we love the 2500 on Prins Thomas label Internsjonal. What else should we expect?
Ah, I love that release too, Every track was programmed on the MPC 2500. Prins Thomas is a really cool guy and he is really into the music which is very important to me. Expect 2500 Volume II this year – it’s all mastered and ready to go.
Llama Farm Studios is your base in Stafford, how did you end up at a farm with Llamas and such a notorious collection of vintage synths?
I met a guy called Richard who is also a synth collector. The farm is literally 8 minutes from my house. I cannot believe we never met before. We decided to pool all of our synths together and they are now securely housed in a converted barn on the farm. Llamas? Richard loves his livestock!
Who’s visited or is it all cloak and dagger?
The most regular visitor has been Raf Rundell from the Two Bears. He has been working on his album. Todd Terje has visited and had a twiddle, Ed from Friendly Fires has been in but mostly I am in every day writing. It’s not a commercial studio (yet) and if people want to come in generally they just need to message me and we can take it from there…
Who would you like to work with?
Martin Gore – ever since I was a teenager I have wanted to work with him. I was lucky enough to meet him once at a back stage party but unfortunately I came over star struck and lost the ability to speak.
I will forever regret not following up on the chance that I had to work with the amazing Jaki Liebezeit. Can were and still are a huge influence on my music.
When did your love of synthesisers start and why?
My love of synthesisers started by watching the proper Dr Who when I was a kid. I found out about Delia Derbyshire and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. I had to find out how to make those noises this is the reason I bought an EMS VCS3 finally.
Like A Machine was your last Emperor Machine album. When’s the next one due?
Now. This year hopefully but realistically early next 2018. I’m writing and finishing it off now and it is sounding pretty good. So many projects, so many synths and such little time!!
Can you tell us more about The Emperor Machine DJ and live set up?
Well the idea is to DJ and play live at the same time, It will involve drum machines and synths, it will be more scaled down compared to the last live show setup, the idea to DJ a bit more this year and incorporate a live element is something I have been wanting to do for a while now.
Favourite Emperor Machine gigs, spaces and places?
Gigs – Trades Club Hebden Bridge.
Spaces – Llama Farm
Places – San Francisco Haight Ashbury Record shops
What other projects have you got bubbling?
I seem to be doing a lot of mixing other peoples music at the moment in between finishing my EM album, not remixing – just mixing down. I did loads of remixing last year. It’s just all so busy right now! Dean Meredith and myself are back in the studio to record a new Chicken Lips 12” in the next month or so, I’m also compiling my 1st synth album. Also, still working with Raf Rundell he’s back at the studio this month.
Bizarre Inc are playing a selection of choice shows in between Emperor Machine gigs
Where can we see The Emperor Machine live this year?
Alfresco Festival which is 26-28th May is confirmed I’m playing on Saturday. Rosalia is talking to festivals and clubs in London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin and I think there’s a gig potentially booked in November for The Golden Lion in Todmorden.
You can purchase The Emperor Machine’s Voltage Controled EP from http://www.juno.co.uk/products/the-emperor-machine-voltage-controled-ep/633959-01/ it’s out in April.
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