Stefan, Eddie, welcome to the DMC world. A brilliant release coming out in December ‘Studiorevox Taperecordings’ (great name by the way) coming out on the great Circle Music. You have had serious support from the likes of Ashley Beedle, Ralph Lawson, Patrick Chardronnet and Brendon Moeller – how does that feel?
Lopazz & Zarook: “We are always happy to get support by DJs as they know how the tracks work for them and the people respond on the floor. We are grateful for the huge support by Alex Flatner, he made a big effort on the release of this record, that´s why we gave the tracks to him!”
Where are you both from?
Lopazz: “I am from Heidelberg an ancient city, close to Frankfurt far from Berlin – a very picturesque and moody town. Eddie is born in Iran, but he moved here many years ago – we both met two years ago, Eddie hosts the best club in Heidelberg, The UV-Klub, by far the most succesful there and I was invited.”
What artists were you listening to growing up that got you into dance music?
Lopazz: “Well as a German robot. I love all kinds of fusion stuff like Krautrock bands, Kraftwerk and of course ‘Black & White’ stuff produced by Rick Rubin ( Beastie Boys, RUN DMC, Johnny Cash ). Heidelberg has always been a melting pot with hip-hop, jazz, rock and dance. We´ve both been professional guitarists, we like all kinds of handmade music. The Wildpitch Times with DJ Pierre inspired us a lot. In fact, I used my tapemachine for pitching my stuff ridiculously in the 90´s, very funny and trippy stuff. As I have been doing film scores since 1999, I love soundtracks like Vangellis’s Blade Runner – and even funny stuff like Bud Spencer´s Oliver Onion which inspired me too.”
Stefan, you are no stranger to Circle Music, having previously had several collaborations with Alex Flatner plus tunes on Cocoon, Get Physical and International Deejay Gigolos. What has been you favourite releases over the years?
“That´s hard to say as my productions are quite eclectic. But some releases have been special to me. The first one I did with Casio Casino on Freund (Isolée Remix), the ‘I Need Ya’ and ‘Blood’ releases on Freundinnen, “Migracion” and ‘Share My Rhythm’ on Get Physical, the latest one with M.A.N.D.Y. on Renaissance (produced in Iceland ) and of course the Bad Cop Bad Cop stuff.
I am a big fan of collaborations – I appreciate the work with artists like Eddie and Alex. It´s always helpful to team up. Right now I am also very happy about the second release of ‘Ambient Film Themes’ showing the best of our film music work…”
Big 10 tunes you are into at the moment?
Imagination – ‘Music & Lights’ – WEA
Thin Lizzy – ‘Bad Reputation’ – Vertigo
Éthiopiques, Vol. 10 – ‘Ethiopian Blues & Ballads’
Moodymann – ‘Dem Young Sconies’ – Planet E
Maurizio – ‘MO4A’ – Maurizio 04
Markus Nikolai – ‘Kiss Your Mind’ – Perlon
Ø – ‘Lasi’ – Sähkö
Rick Wilhite – ‘What Do You See?(Moodymann Mix)’ – Rush Hour
Jason Emsley – ‘ltd #13’ – Platzhirsch
MR Raoul K – ‘Moment Psyche’
Delik – ‘BBS’
Best German club ever?
Lopazz: “HD800 based in Mannheim / Heidelberg.”
Who do you think is/are the best producers in the world at the moment?
Lopazz and Zarook: “Our moms – they did it.”
What one artist would you most like to get in the studio and make a track with?
Lopazz and Zarook: “Martin Maischein ( Force Inc.)”
Who is your favourite ever German DJ and worldwide DJ?
Lopazz: “I loved Dman set’s ! He´s been so eclectic, breaking and deep ! He inspired and helped me so much ! I think DJ Koze is the best German DJ right now !
How long were you practising in the studio before your first release (s) came out?
Lopazz: “I never practised. Tracks like ‘I Need Ya’ for example just happened and most of the time I just jam and go with the flow. I started in the late 80´s, recording on tape and the first releases came out 1991. My own label 800achtspur started more or less the same time. My secret is to keep the moment, work like on a documentary – I don´t like the perfectly trimmed, tuned and balanced shit. I love the dirty, rough and deep stuff. That´s why I have some problems with the new ‘automated’ music, most of it sounds boring and too flat and perfect to me.”
Best record ever made?
Lopazz: “‘Pet Sounds’ by The Beach Boys ??? I don´t know what to say to this “best ever” question, I am not a fan (except my footbal team ) and I don´t have a favourite band or record. I enjoy all kinds of stuff. Right now I listen to Ethiopian music all the time because I’ve just got back from an amazing trip and filmshoot there, the music takes me back emotionally.”
What’s next from the studio from you two, you teaming up again?
Lopazz and Zarook: “Working on a remix for Al Zhimer, a follow up for Get Physical and some punk rock recordings.”
Lopazz and Zarook’s ‘Studiorevox Taperecordings’ is released on Circle Music in December 2009.
