Hexstatic and DJ Krush Exclusive Interview!

One cinema screen, a couple of thousand drunk people.. all trying to dance with 3D glasses on. This would be the latest solo project entitled ‘Holotronica’ from Hexstatics’ Suart Hill. (Hexstatic are  Stuart Warren Hill and Robin Brunson and have been together since 1997 but have both set about on solo projects.. Robin’s current  solo project at the moment is called Trailer Trax). The musical beats trigger holographic visuals to create a visually stimulating and groundbreaking show.. if you get an opportunity to do so go see it. More futuristic style gigs like this please!

They’ve already supported Ghostpoet –  Breton are a relatively new band on the scene. A five piece from South London they are a collaboration of musicians and indie film makers – who are due to release their debut album entitled Other People’s Problems in February 2012 on FatCat. DEFINITELY an innovative band add these to your list of bands to see in 2012… I’m pretty sure I saw Tom Vek in the audience too.

They next perform at Corsica Studios – Weds 28th March 2012 – LINK.

And finally – here is an interview with DJ Krush (real name Hideaki Ishii) a Japanese turntablist and producer that started off as a bedroom DJ in the mid 80’s. He is performing a 20th Anniversary Tour at The Forum in Kentish Town on the 28th January as a celebration of 20 years since his first ever live gig where he will be performing a 3 hour live set. Interview questions by Sophie Lasson.

Your sound is very unique. How would you describe your style of music?
My roots are firmly set in hip hop, but I thought it wouldn’t work if I did the same thing as American DJs were doing back then. I was determined to feed my family with my music from the very beginning of my career, and I really strived to be original. Lots of people used to say that what I was doing wasn’t hiphop at all, but I always had faith in my style and still do.

Who or what are your influences?
Everything from everyday life. Not only music but also my family and also the many trivial things of daily life inspire me. Touring abroad always excites me as well.

What made you decide pursue a career in the music industry?
I’ve been into music since I was a kid. I was in a marching band at elementary school, and then I started playing drums at junior high school. There was a time when I lived without having anything to do with music, but the film ‘Wild Style’, which I just happened to watch at a cinema in Shinjyuku in 1983, made me realize…that’s what I should live for.

A mashup video from Hexstatic of the film Wild Style

Are there any musicians you work closely with on a regular basis?
I usually perform and produce on my own, but I’m also in a band called ‘Method of Defiance’ along with Bill Laswell, Bernie Worrelle and Toshinori Kondo. We released the album in 2010, which featured some guest musicians including Herbie Hancock. A new record is due to be released in spring.

Do you prefer to work within a studio environment or perform live to your fans? Why?
I love both! There are all kinds of exciting things that I experience during touring that makes me feel like producing new material, and when I’m stuck within a studio I’m dying to perform live in front of an audience!

How has Japanese hip-hop changed since you first started out?
Hip hop was far less known in Japan back then,  and it wasn’t easy to keep informed  about what was happening overseas. Nowadays it’s becoming more familiar to everyone including both overground & underground artists. Although some media just don’t understand its roots and this leads to people misunderstanding what it’s really about. But original and inspiring artists do exist including DJ Kentaro & KIREEK who won DMC 5 years in row. They are role models for the younger generation and there’s a very positive mood about it.

DJ Kentaro:

Who has been your favourite rapper to collaborate with so far?
All the rappers I’ve worked with so far are my favourites! And there are some I’m hoping to work with in the future. I can’t name them yet but hopefully I will be able to show the outcome before long.

What projects have you got coming up in the future?
I’ve been releasing digital singles monthly since last September as a part of my 20th anniversary project, and it’ll continue til this summer. These won’t be included in the next album so check them out. Also the vinyl which include the first 3 releases of the digital single series will be available exclusively at my shows. It won’t be distributed nor re-pressed, so it’ll be quite rare stuff. The next studio album is on its way too of course, and I’m hoping to release it by the summer. And alongside all that, I’m looking forward to going on tour and playing in over 40 cities all over the world until the end of April!

What would be your dream collaboration?
I’m looking forward to jamming with Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix when I’m dead…! Hope it won’t be too soon though as I’m still developing!

Do you have any advice for budding music producers or DJ’s?
Try to find your own style and dedicate yourself to it. It’s not only about being a musician  it’s also important for every other area in life I believe.

BOOK TICKETS HERE: www.soundcrashmusic.com/

In relation to all that I’ve just been recommended this from @mrtunes on twitter… introducing Amon Tobin ‘ISAM’

Right have a GREAT Sunday… Becki Bx

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