The first Atjazz EP was released back in '96. Which do you think the main highlights of the last ten years or so for you?
I think the highlights are pretty spread out, ten years is quite a while to have been doing this, I think some remixes and some gigs were pretty awesome to be involved with but just knowing people really like your music is the biggest pat on the back I ever got.
Your last album Labfunk came out in 2001, now more then 6 years later the brand new album "Full Circle" is out soon on Mantis. Was it a difficult and long proccess to finish the new LP?
It's been a very difficult album to make to be honest, I wanted to make sure that the Atjazz fans had something a little special when I drop this one. The album is a full vocal album and I'm not sure people are expecting that as in the past I've been know to be a bit of an instrumentalist.
How much has your sound changed since "Labfunk"?
Well, it's definitely more grown up, a little 'dadjazz' If I may say so, also with it being a song based album it's probably got more shelf life than Labfunk, Labfunk was a real experiment for me, I enjoyed it very much (apart from the bit where my studio was stolen !! Nice
My sound has gotten more detailed but at the same time less complicated, easier to get to grips with for the listener and more genre defined.
Could you tell me more about the recording of the album? Who will be featured on it?
Well, Full Circle has been recorded all over the place really, I've had two different studios in the time it's taken to make so the sound was re-mixed in the new studio so that took some time. I tried to record as much of the vocals at Mantis but some were done over seas, Amalia recorded in Vancouver, Clara was recorded in Berlin by Axel from Jazzanova and Daniel
Paul from Slope, Cee Rock The Fury recorded in New York. One great thing was that I got Robert Owens into the studio, he's a real superstar, just gets on with it, lots of coffee, lots of chatting, then one hour of singing and the turn out was awesome. We are currently setting about a new project together so keep your eye and ears at the ready for that one!
You and Charles Webster have a great side project 'Version', what's the word behind this collab and what future remixes or releases to be expected this year?
Charles and myself have grown really close over the 10 years we've know each other, we both work alone in the studio and find it hard to collaborate with other people. I think when you have a strong sound it's hard to trust the other producer in the studio so it pretty much turn to crap, but Charles and I really like each others production styles and we never step on each other toes and we aren't too precious about anything so it work amazingly well for us! Version is our way of expressing our House / Dance side of what we do; It's hard, sexy, funky and most of all it really works on the dance floor. Check out our Remix of Furry Phreaks 'All over the world' featuring Tera Deva later this year on Defected.
You have also started the brilliant 'The Collectors' project on Mantis in '06. What's the main concept of it? Are you a big 'collector' yourself?
Well, the collectors are a different thing for Mantis for sure. Extreme talents, very intelligent fellows, and they love the more ambient folky side of the fence. We love the sound they get from the limited equipment they use and the whole styling of the project too. I myself started out writing Ambient music back in 1992 and I guess I still have a soft spot for itn really. I only collect cooking books and tottoro paraphernalia, though. The Collectors are currently working on a new LP and sound clips should be available soon at
www.mantisrecordings.com
Do you still work on soundtracks for computer games? Have you ever thought of working on a big movie score?
I would love for someone to offer me a score for a film but it's a jungle out there and there are a lot of very big animals already used for the work. If it comes it comes, if it doesn't then someone has lost out on a great score! I'm currently working the soundtrack for "Shellshock Vietnam 2" for Rebellion, Eidos PLC. Then I gotta really concentrate on finishing new LP ...
On remix front, What can we wait from you or the Mantis family?
I remixed Victor Davies for his new album project, that's pretty sexy stuff. Got a remix coming for Andrew Zimmer & Dj Yellow too and also look out for the new Clyde album sampler featuring Capitol & Phoebe One. This one also features an Atjazz remix on the hiphop tip! The other guys are constantly in the studio working on remixes etc ... With the new Mantis site you will be able to keep up to date with what everyone is up to!
As a master of studio productions, what do you think of the mp3 or the download shops, will the vinyl survive the spread of digital downloads or takeover of cdrs?
Vinyl unfortunately has had a kick it will probably never recover from; Collectors and DJ's will always want a bit of vinyl but you know, it's about the music at the end of the day and whatever happens as long as I can buy the next Slum Village album be it on CD, Vinyl or Download I would probably go the easiest and cheapest way of getting it! I think most people
'vinyl lovers included' would think similar.
Thanks for your time and words, much appreciated.
Atjazz - 'Love Someone' feat Robert Owens and Slope Remixes is out on Mantis
Atjazz - "Full Circle" LP will be released soon on Mantis
Atjazz feat Mark de Clive Lowe - Sweet No Sleep EP is coming out next year on Mantis
Atjazz - Dirty Ride - Plastic City
Atjazz - New 'The Epicurians' Project inc Mark de Clive Lowe, Osunlade, Zed Bias and many more.
Atjazz - Looking Glass - Reincarnation Records
Atjazz - Remixes for Little Big Bee, No Tenshun, Victor Davies are out on various labels.
Atjazz - Exclusive EP for Slam Jam Neroli
Version - EP on Innervision and new LP in 2008
www.atjazz.co.uk
www.mantisrecordings.com
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