The techno giants get ready to rock Egg Ldn this weekend
Esteemed techno masters Pig&Dan return to Egg Ldn to headline the Sabajaq party on Saturday February 27th, They also release their highly anticipated fourth album, ‘Modular Baptism’ in March via their own label Elevate. Nicky Trax gets stuck in…
‘Modular Baptism’ sees the duo make a triumphant return to the techno world and the talented duo (Igor Tchkotoua and Dan Duncan) are set to tour the album this spring and summer. The duo hooked up after a chance meeting on a plane, with Dan already a major Drum&Bass DJ/Producer for 10 years and Igor already making a name for himself in House and Techno scene. “When we connected in the studio that synergy and crossover of styles just seemed to gel right away,” remembers Dan. “It just really worked. And as we were both living in Mallorca with no real influences of trends or other scenes we were able to just make the music we wanted to make – Techno with D&B influences.” Since then they’ve gone on to release three acclaimed albums plus remix and collaborate with some of the industry’s biggest names including Underworld, DEADMAU5, John Digweed and Innercity for their classic ‘Goodlife’. They’ve also performed at some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and venues including Ultra, Tomorrowland, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), Amnesia Ibiza, Crobar Buenos Aires and Womb Tokyo plus release music on iconic labels such as Sven Väth’s Cocoon, Slam’s Soma, John Digweed’s Bedrock, Monika Kruse’s Terminal M and Richie Hawtin’s Plus 8.
What can party people expect from your set, styles and sounds at the Sabajaq Egg party?
We are all about dynamics and euphoric sounds. We are renowned for sets that are non linear and appeal to both sexes luckily. We play Techno with a lot of melodic influences although it’s not considered cheesy. Hands in the air and smiles upon faces
Can you tell us what’s new for the new year in terms of productions, remixes, projects etc. ?
We’re just releasing a track on Solomon’s label Diynamic and then in March we’re launching our new album ‘Modular Baptism’ on our own imprint Elevate.
How does playing in London, especially @ Egg London compare to other cities or countries, and do you count London as one of your favourite spots?
It’s my place of birth so of course it’s always nice to return to the London crowd in particular. We love Egg Ldn and always have such an epic experience playing there. Hi energy all the way!
How does it feel to have been working in Techno for the last 10 years – what are your proudest moments/memories?
It’s amazing to be part of a genre that’s really outlived so many trends in music. Our proudest moments were playing at venues where we went as ravers ourselves, for example the main room in Amnesia Ibiza. I was so nervous the first time I shook so hard I could hardly control the pitch. Lol. Also of course being accepted and taken seriously by releasing with labels such as Cocoon, Plus 8, Bedrock, and being able to work with artists such as Underworld, Paul Kalkbrenner and Monika Kruse.
How do you manage to keep it fresh, new and vital? Is it a case of pressure as DJ/Producer to always be one step ahead in the house/techno scene?
We don’t follow any trends and do what we feel. I think it’s pretty obvious to the crowd that we really love what we do and the reason being is because we are playing mostly our own music and when people enjoy it, it’s mega rewarding. We only write music that we would play! It sounds selfish but that’s what keeps us focused and our drive to always better ourselves and push the envelope.
Recording and Producing must keep you busy. How is your label doing – is there anyone or track that you’re particularly proud of any and are you psyched about any new stuff upcoming?
Our label Elevate is going great and we are amazingly proud about the incredible music people submit. With the likes of Monika Kruse, Skober, Mark Reeve, Vinicious Honorio, Uakoz, Alex Lentini, M.I.T.A, and many more on board, it’s overwhelming how honoured we are.
What was your first big break in the industry?
We were incredibly fortunate from the first release really. Back in 2002 we released with a Dutch Label Sadie, and Anthony Pappa picked up our track and pushed it really hard. From then on we progressed but it was really when we released on Cocoon that we spread our sound to a wider audience.
Dan, you grew up in London, New York and Mallorca whilst Igor was born in Mallorca but also lived in London and California. How much of an influence did the neighbourhoods around you have on your path towards music? Were there any other major influences such as key people, DJ’s, producers or clubs etc.?
Of course we’re sponges and our upbringing was a massive impact on us. I was a Drum & Bass artist/DJ for years working with LTJ Bukem and Fabio so that rubbed off a lot of course. Igor adds that Balearic sound all the way but also has a huge past in music collecting of all genres much like myself.
So what does the future hold for you?
Who knows – all I know is it’s looking good and we are very determined folk. Lets see where this path guides us.
And before you leave us, can you tell us something you think we should all be listening to before we head out the door to the Sabajaq party at Egg London?
Put on some good time music like soul or reggae and set that mood. Then prepare for take off because it’s going to be roaring at Sabajaq.
Pig & Dan headline Sabajaq alongside Pleasurekraft, ZDS, Paride Saraceni, Vinicius Honorio, Rodor, Kyle E, Warboy and Joe Roberts on Saturday February 27th at Egg Ldn. In The Loft check out the performances of Benjamin Milan and IMMA/MESS with East London’s Sol Invictis takeover in the Apothecary with Prince Kongo & Oyinboy, Mr Wize, Yōtei (aka Buster Bennett), Pontufex, Xii and Fleshdrive and Eugene Ankomah Live. www.egglondon.co.uk
