“We bloody love what we do but wish there was less bullshit and politics that came with it.”
Interview by Dan Prince
Alex, Stef welcome back to DMCWORLD. Where in the world are you right now?
“Hey guys, thanks for having us back, were currently in the studio in London working on our album.”
What was the first piece of music you heard this morning?
“It was the first edit of a remix for our label Get Twisted Records by DJ Q that is coming later this year.”
Well what an amazing start to 2015 – ‘So Freakin’ Tight’ all over the airwaves, a killer remix package doing serious dancefloor damage…you must be over the freakin’ moon with how it’s going?
“It’s tight tight tight! The campaign is going really well and the support has been insane. We never thought we’d get a reaction like this off a record which was initially only meant as a DJ tool for our club sets.”
Please talk us through the history and sounds of the track…
“We made the track way back in 2013 and as we mentioned before it’s initial purpose was to be a DJ tool for our sets. We both have a love for RnB and we like to chop and edit familiar vocal loops throughout our show. We often looped the signature line from the “Freek’N You” acapella and would throw it over other records. Eventually we decided to make our own edit of it based on elements of house, garage and bass line combined. With the help of our manager we actually managed to acquire the rights to use the sample and set it up for release on our own label Get Twisted. Through the support it received a few major labels showed interest and we decided that Island would be the perfect home for it.”
Loving the video that features crazy South African comedian Ron Van Vuuren taking up the role as a swimming pool attendant. How did the hook up with Ron happen and who was behind the whole video shoot? It’s hilarious…
“Craig Moore came up with the concept of the video, which we instantly liked. We like to have fun, its not to serious and slightly, tongue in cheek. The lead role is really what the video is based around so we knew it would have to be delivered really well. Luckily Craig and the team at Familia managed to reach out to Ron who we all agreed would be perfect. Ron loved the song and the concept
anddelivered an amazing performance.”
Check the video here : http://vevo.ly/2iuvHO
The remix package includes Hannah Wants, S-Man, S.P.Y, Luvstuff & WestFunk. What were your thoughts on each rework?
“The first guys we asked were Luvstuff, they’re a firm part of our label Get Twisted and have delivered a stunning remix that epitomizes their unique sound. We’ve been working with Roger Sanchez on a couple of original collaborations so it only seemed right that he stepped up and gave his S-Man stamp. He provided an upfront, crisp and timeless house mix. Our mix with Hannah leans towards that grittier warehouse sound, dedicated to the big dark rooms and bass lovers. When you want a stand out dnb remix, S.P.Y is the man. He provided his trademark energy to the package. It got the seal of approval from friction and the hospital records team, which speaks volumes. Last but not least is the WestFunk remix. A late edition to the package, which provides that dance floor friendly style. We wanted to keep the package as diverse as possible and cater for numerous markets. That said we are looking at more remix options for additional club release later in the year so hold tight for those.”
Your catalogue of remixes include work for Clean Bandit and Shift K3Y…what is next on the studio agenda…?
“Most of our time at the moment has been spent working on our follow up single as well as album material. We managed to get the legend that is Ginuwine into the studio with us in London to recreate his 90’s hit Pony, which should be out this summer. It’s really amazing to be working with artists that we grew up listening to who have definitely had a huge impact on our sound as Tough Love. There are a few more remixes and some heavyweight club material on the way.”
What are the 5 big tunes in your box this weekend…
Tough Love – So Freakin Tight.
“Big, Bumpy & fun.”
Taiki Nulight – Higher.
“Coming on our label later this year, it’s a bass monster that simply destroys the dancefloor.”
Tough ve – Bought It Back.
“We made this in the car on the way to play MOS recently. A bass heavy mashup full of classic vocal chops.”
Mandal – Mr Sunshine.
“We dropped this for the first time last weekend and we don’t think it will budge from our sets for a while now...”
Purple Disco Machine – Soul So Sweet.
“The perfect uplifting summer record. Out later this year on GTR.”
A celebrity you would not want to get stuck in a lift with?
“Solange, we don’t fancy receiving a few haymakers in a small space like a lift!”
When was the last time you pressed rewind and listened to a track over again because it was so damned good?
“We recently singed a record called “first time” by a new artist called Taim. Must have replayed it 10 times in a row!”
Tell us 3 bucket list adventures you wanna do in your lifetime?
“So many to mention…
Travel The World, everywhere and anywhere.
Some form of space exploration if and when it becomes available to the public.
Win A Grammy Or Award of Similar Significance…”
A tune nestling in your set that just won’t go away from last year?
“Joy Orbison – TIP. Still hasn’t left since we starting playing it again in 2013!”
A date in your DJ diary you cannot wait for…
“Tough Love present Get Twisted Records at Ministry Of Sound London April 18th. We can’t describe how big this night is going to be!”
When was the last time you two had a big barny over music?
“As boring as it sounds we’ve actually never had a big barny over music. Not yet anyway…!”
And finally gotta ask, what is the toughest love you two have ever encountered?
“Trying to succeed in this music industry, we bloody love what we do but wish there was less bullshit and politics that came with it.”
Great answer.
***
Tough Love ’So Freakin Tight’ is out on the 16th March via Get Twisted / Island Records
Pre-order here : http://po.st/SoFreakinTight4
Links :
www.facebook.com/toughlovemusic
twitter.com/toughlovemusic
soundcloud.com/toughlovemusic
