New album and festival for our techno legend. Egg London watch out
Interview : Rob Chadwick
Juan welcome back to DMCWORLD…where on planet dance are you today?
“Hey Rob, I’m at home right now just resting up, working and getting ready for the road again this weekend.”
You are showing no signs of slowing down dude, what an incredibly busy time you are having right now!! Let’s kick off with Model 500 – a new album swinging our way? What can you tell us about it…?
“Yeah, really excited about this one. We are rolling it out on R&S, not quite sure on the release date right now as still putting some final touches to it but it’s going to be great.”
An interesting thing you said in an interview recently, Even though with the advancement in technology you are still finding it hard to source new music…you spent three hours the other day shopping online but ended up only buying two records that you admitted weren’t even that good. So – is our ever advancing technology making it just too easy for people to make music?
“Ha, you know I did find some quality tracks in the end, that was just a rant. There is so much good music out there but I do think that the quantity vastly over rules the quality. Sometimes you just can’t dig deep enough to get to the quality. I don’t think its really a bad thing with technology being readily available as I think it creates more awareness and helps the economy of the industry, but I think people should maybe take more control for sure.”
You are now favouring vinyl again as a DJ weapon. Did you always think our beloved source of music was going to one day come back again?
“Wow, I really think it shouldn’t have left you know. I have and always will throw down some vinyl in my sets. Its great to see it back as one of the industries main formats so I guess it was kind of a good thing it left as we wouldn’t have had this resurgence.”
What is the pressing plant situation like in the States at the moment, surely it is causing you problems getting stuff made for your newly re-launched Metroplex label?
“I think in general right now the pressing plant aren’t in as high demand which is just a shame but it will get better I’m sure of it.”
The latest bombshell to hit the city of Detroit isn’t political, it’s musical. Tell us about your involvement with the Detroit Electronic Music Festival which you will be appearing at on July 4th…can the city support two techno festivals and probably competition from Chicago’s Wavelength?
“Yeah I really think so you know. We are not doing it to step on anyone’s toes and I know the other guys aren’t too. So its all cool. I’ll be artist program director and producer of the show. I’ll be playing also but its a little under wraps on my show right now.”
True or false? You used to make music in your mother’s living room?
“Yep, very true, I used to play and make music from when I was like 13 or something. I had some great first memories that will always stay with me.”
Beautiful story concerning the re-release of Model 500’s ‘No UFO’s’ and Green Velvet. Tell us about the vintage tape player…
“Well Curtis (Green Velvet) asked me to release No UFOS and that he wanted to do the remix. I was like, that sounds cool. The only thing was it was on a tape. Curtis, being one to never give up bought an old vintage placer off eBay and shipped it straight to my home so we could work on it. The track is also going to have a Derrick May remix too. I’m looking forward to the release.”
Who are some of the producers around the world you are giving high fives to at the moment?
“Too many to choose from man, but the scene is so strong right now and especially here in the States. We are now coming back with some great producers to rival those over in Europe. So that’s a huge positive.”
And finally, you have the UK rubbing it’s hands in glee at the prospects of May 10th at Egg London where you will be joined by the formidable Joey Beltram, Christian Burkhardt and Adam X. An incredible club and an incredible line up…why does London hold such special memories and anticipation for you?
“Yeah, will be great to see those guys. I have heard about the club’s new system so I’m really looking forward to that one. London has always offered very strong memories and they really love their music over there.”
http://www.metroplexrecordings.com
