Twenty Questions

The Kleptones

2005-05-03T16:17:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why "The Kleptones", since there's already a band with the same name?

Well, there's actually been two other artistes with that name, & also there was also a record label co-run by Vicki Bennett from People Like Us - not that we knew about any of them when we adopted the name four or five years ago - it started as a side project from something else I was involved in (it was derived from the name of one of the tunes we did), & blossomed from there. We checked the name on a couple of band registers & it came up blank, so we used it.

We were boggled to find the other Kleptones, but nobody seems to be getting us confused (apart from a couple of people on GYBO), so that's cool. In these enlightened, google-enhanced days, we're a lot more careful about checking out names & stuff now.

What are you up to these days?

At the moment, assembling stuff for the next two albums - there's probably going to be a Detroit To J.A. Part Two, & then the one after that, but I'm not saying anything yet - it's far too soon!

So what are the tunes that have been bangin' in your head lately?

Apart from ours? All sorts of stuff as usual - Kaiser Chiefs' album is a blast, looking forward to seeing them next week. Loving "$10" off the M.I.A. album, The Boy Least Likely To album, Aphex's "Analord" singles, the new Out Hud album, Optimo's How To Kill The DJ mix album, the new NIN single (dunno about the album though), Gruff Rhys's album. And Amerie's "1 Thing" - tune of the summer by a mile. Tons of stuff.

Can you list out five of your all-time favourite albums?

I always refuse to answer these - it's bloody impossible. Off the top of the head, then, here's my favourite five classic (almost) forgotten 80's albums:

It's Immaterial - Life's Hard & Then You Die
Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age Of Wireless
Propaganda - A Secret Wish
Wolfgang Press - Birdwood Cage
Dexy's Midnight Runners - Don't Stand Me Down

Bugger, should really include Talk Talk's Spirit Of Eden in there too...see how impossible this is?

When was the first time you bought a record that was utter brilliance? Where did you buy it?

David Bowie's "Space Oddity". It was the first record I bought, from the record department of the Co-op on Dover High Street. I remember being with my Mum & pointing up to the singles rack, going "that one, please!!". "Bohemian Rhapsody" followed soon after, so you could say I was off to a good start...

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Bill Hicks (not now, obviously).

Can you recall what are some of the most bizarre or embarrassing moments that you have encountered? Give us the juicy details!!!

Most are too disgusting or embarrassing to recall, but the first time I ever mustered up the courage to DJ at a party, someone was so appalled at my ineptitude (or it might have been my choice of tunes) that they flung a huge cut glass ashtray at me that bounced off the deck, just missed my head, then smashed through the window behind me. Even the people throwing the party were pissing themselves laughing. It took quite a few months of courage-building before I tried it again... Some would say I haven't improved much!

What is the most outrageous rumour you've heard that is said about you?

That I'm Norman Cook in disguise.

The Last of The Kleptones:

Last film that gave you the creeps = The original Japanese Ring. Don't watch many creepy films though...

Last encounter with the opposite sex that involved a music album = A couple of days ago. And yes, it was one of our albums. And no, I'm not saying any more.

Last book or mag you read that gave you wood = Kembrew McLeod's Freedom Of Expression.

Last concert you went to that was awesome = Dead Can Dance @ The Forum in London t'other week.

Last mash-up you heard that made you go "Damn! Why didn't I think of that?!!" = DJ Zebra's "Are You Gonna Be My Motherf**ker". Been playing it out loads - chopped & re-edited it up with more Jet bits, though.

In your opinion, where do you think the whole bootlegging scene is heading?

To hell in a handcart, & no-one's driving. Which is the way we like it.

How about the concept of bootleggin' an entire album? You seem to have mashed-up quite a fair amount of albums yourself. What is the allure of doing an album?

You get to hold people's attention for longer. We like the idea of having a concept, or a thread, to tie things together - it makes it easer to smuggle in opinions & comments, & to get people listening to things they never would have picked out of a download list. Maybe it's also something to do with all the prog rock I was exposed to at an early age too. We want to take people on a journey, maan.

Have you received any legal warnings or praises from the people involved with the albums you booted?

Not directly, no, although Waxy, who was linking to mirrors of A Night At The Hip-Hopera got a cease & desist threat from Disney, who own Queen's catalogue in the States through their Hollywood Records subsidiary. But it faded away quickly, thank zod. Ironic really as we were poking fun at EMI on the album, not realising that they didn't own the Queen catalogue outside of Europe. Doubly ironic given that Z-Trip is signed to Hollywood Records too - no wonder he had such a hard time trying to do his mix album.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Aldi.

Has the involvement with bootlegging changed the way you listen to music nowadays?

Not really. I've always been a sample-head, so I always listen to everything with the mental scissors primed, just in case there's something worth appropriating. Can't help it.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

The Heptones = Fatty Fatty.
Dragon Attack = Blessed Brian.
Loo & Placido = 80.75 BPM in the key of A.
Bastard = Motorhead before Motorhead.
Mercury Rev = They hold the sun in their hands.
GYBO = At it's worst, a million monkeys with typewriters. At it's best, a hotbed of inspiration & creativity. Usually, it's a hotbed of a million monkeys.
Acid Pro = A wall on which to throw shit.
MOJO = Mine's working.
Jennifer Aniston = Irrelevant.
Starbucks = Waste of money.

Which genre of music do you consider the most "under-used" in bootlegs? Why?

Ambient. A while ago someone (can't remenber who, sorry) did a few excellent boots that used things like Autechre, Global Communication etc... I thought they were excellent. Maybe we should do some...

What do you remember about the following years:

1984 = Sexcrimes
1987 = Pointy boots
1993 = 101s, 303s & 909s
1997 = Choppin' breaks
2004 = Sorry, short-term memory is totally shot. Who are you again?

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Queen - "Don't Stop Me Now"

And your Sunday morning one?

David Bowie - "Station To Station"

So what can we expect from The Kleptones in the near future?

See above. And more blogging. And more gigging - Off to the States soon, so we'll see how that goes.

Complete the following sentences:

I describe me as...one of the good guys.

Music changed me by...giving me a medium in which to express myself.

When it comes to vices...I'm your man.

The last time I cried was...Dead Can Dance gig last week. Heartbreakingly beautiful. First time I've cried at a concert since I saw Brian Wilson sing "You Still Believe In Me" for the first time.

My most treasured possession is..."I can't tell you but I know that it's mine..."

The way to heaven is...self-realisation.

If I have any regrets...they don't affect the way I live.

Lastly, I'd like to be remembered as...the best great-great-great-great grandfather that ever lived.

You can check out The Kleptones' website here or visit their "Downloads" page directly here.

DJ Paul V

2005-04-19T17:27:00.000+08:00

First of all, how the devil are you & what are you up to these days?

I'm really happy, excited, & doing great! Still doing all my club events (DJ-ing & VJ-ing), & writing my bi-monthly music reviews. The biggest news has been getting my mash picks & my 30-minute "Smash Mix" on Indie 103.1 radio here in LA. That heaps on some extra pressure to come up with a "smashing" new mix every week, but I ain't complaining! It's a dream come true. Indie 103.1 is just an amazing radio station to be a part of.

So what are the tunes that have been ringing in your head lately?

I have to admit I'm a sucker for the new "new wave" bands. I was around for the original wave (Gang Of Four is one of my all-time fave bands) & I played all those bands in the clubs in the early '80s. I'm really digging Futureheads, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs et al. (XTC deserves some royalties, baby) And man, the new LCD Soundsystem is mind-blowingly great.

Can you list out five of your all-time favourite albums?

Yikes...that's like asking me what was my favourite breath was. But ok, I'll go for it:

The The - Soul Mining
One of most tuneful, poignant, brilliant records ever made.

Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking
Pure adrenaline, & a real moment in time for me.

Prince - Dirty Mind
This helped me add funk & grooves to my rock fandom.

The Pretenders - Pretenders
A coming of age record for me. Chrissie = genius.

U2 - Boy
See Pretenders. These songs hold up completely. Another amazing debut.

When was the last time you bought a record that was groundbreaking? Where did you buy it?

I'll tell ya - these days that is SO rare. Just give me anything by Patti Smith, Public Enemy, Roxy Music, or LCD Soundsystem (which I just bought at my local mom & pop shop).

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Pablo Picasso. Because he wasn't an asshole. And he was Italian too - and Italians rule, baby. Capiche? By the way, the "V." stands for a beautiful Italian last name that everyone butchers when trying to pronounce it. And no, I won't tell you what it is...But...it means "long life" in English.

Can you recall any embarrassing or bizarre moments during your entire DJ-ing career? Give us the juicy details!!!

This will always be etched in my mind: My first DJ gig, at an 18+ dance/rock club in Boston. These kids were i-n-s-a-n-e...& horny. I can't tell you how many girls I saw getting boned on the pinball machine in the dark corner outside the DJ booth! And of course, any time some drunk shithead slams into the booth & skips your tune - or drops his/her drink on your equipment. I've actually stopped the music & gone on the mic to say: "Well, there was another asshole skipping my record!"

It's a well-known fact that you DJ in drag. What do you think is the greatest convenience being in drag?

You're kidding, right? I only DJ in drag because it's attached to what we created with that one particular club (Dragstrip 66). Since our mantra for our patrons has always been "Come dressed in drag for the theme!" - me & my club partner do it EVERY month to participate & set the example. But if there was a convenience, it's being able to grab a guy's crotch or ass without any tension. Of course, they forget *I* have a dick at that moment too...

In your opinion, what is the most misunderstood fact about drag queens?

That they somehow ruin the "masculine gay man's" image or cruising experience. In reality, that freedom of expression only heightens any party, because it assures a sense of humor & camaraderie & makes it all less SERIOUS. Plus - lest ANYONE forget that it was drag queens who stood up to the homophobia & police harrassment in NYC in 1969, thus starting the modern gay rights movement. Rock on, sisters!

What is the most ridiculous rumour you've heard about you?

That I'm a Republican who doesn't believe George W. Bush is a murderer, a thief, & the most dangerous man alive on the planet right now. All I can say is: Where's Lee Harvey Oswald when you really need him?

The First of DJ Paul V:

First film that gave you the creeps = Jaws
First sexual encounter that involved a music album = Totally drawing a blank here
First book you read that set you tripping = And I Don't Want To Live This Life (The Nancy Spungeon Story)
First concert you went to that was life-changing = David Cassidy, then KISS
First mash-up you heard that turned you on to the whole bootleg bizzness = Like just about everyone else - Freelance Hellraiser's - "A Stroke Of Genie-Us"

Interestingly, you've mentioned that you used to work with Porno For Pyros. Care to share with us some of the wildest tales? Humour us please...

I wish there was more humour in the story! While I love Perry with all my heart, at the time, he (& every person involved with PFP) were completely gacked on drugs - hard, harsh drugs. Only Steve Perkins (drummer) basically just got stoned - he was always easy to deal with. Worst story is Perry missing his LA-to-NYC flight to play Woodstock '94. He somehow ended up in San Francisco with his insane girlfriend (crackhead), & had to charter his own flight to NYC, arriving within hours of us having to leave for the gig. We were all freaking out over it.

What is the greatest pain as well as the biggest joy running a radio show that champions mash-ups?

The biggest joy is the joy we all share - that moment when someone hears that brilliant vision of putting music together so creatively. There really isn't a pain - except when you try to explain what a mashup is to someone who hasn't heard one yet. It's sort of like trying to explain what an orgasm feels like to a virgin?

In your opinion, what are the factors that make a good mash-up?

Obviously, they gotta be technically smooth (timing/tuning etc.), but I think the best ones are where the mixer heard how similar chords matched, or structure, & I always gravitate towards the mashes that f**k with each genre's audience (without resorting to a damn rap vocal). GHP's "Ray Of Gob" is one of the zeniths on that level.

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving RuPaul, Dsico, David Hasselhoff & Cartel Mike. C'mon, give it your best shot...

Cartel Mike samples Dsico's groans from his date with RuPaul & her strap-on, & makes a jazz-fusion techno loop out of the sounds of David Hasselhoff burning his pubic hairs.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Frenchbloke = Extremely broad & diverse tastes in the left of center stuff. Love it!
Carmen Electra = Very sweet, actually. And went from being a joke to a star.
Divine = Fearless. A legend. An original. An inspiration.
BitTorrent = I haven't a clue...
Billy Corgan = Some great songs & melodies - usually drowning in that whiny voice.
The Arcade Fire = Completely warranted hype.
Soundhog = See Divine. He's someone I'd love to meet.
Flip The Switch = Um...& the light goes on?
Jesus = The most exploited fictional character ever used to rationalize killing & oppression.
Madonna = Unstoppable...even when she kinda sucks.

Which genre of music do you consider the most "under-used" in bootlegs? Why?

Probably Nuggets-era garage rock, or 60's/70's rock in general, 'cuz those live drummers were most likely high & their timing can be a bitch.

What do you remember about the following years:

1983 = Meeting Stevie Nicks & Robert Plant - she's tiny, he's a giant!
1987 = My DJ career hitting amazing heights in Boston, thus being hired by Warner Records.
1994 = Quitting Warner, managing bands, buying my house, a big earthquake, & the OJ trial
1999 = Thrilled that the rightwing zealots couldn't take down Clinton.
2002 = Discovering 2 things: Mashups (great!), the Bush administration Jihad (very bad!)...

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Dandy Warhols - "Bohemian Like You". The only people not dancing to this are either on the toilet taking a dump, passed out, or 6-feet-under.

And your Sunday morning one?

Groove Armada - Vertigo

Complete the following sentences:

I describe myself as...honest, hard-working, polite to a fault, yet 100% bullheaded Taurus.

Music changed me by...keeping me young with the joy of daily discovery. And making me realize that everyone is touched by music, with no labels attached.

When it comes to vices...mine is smoking. I never hit the booze or drugs hard. I'm in the middle of quitting cigs as we speak, actually.

The last time I cried was...the end of a recent relationship. And when my mom passed [away].

My most treasured possession is...my imagination, & my dog Lulu.

If I have any regrets...it's not doing remixes or putting my ear/talents to even better use at a much younger age. And not making my OWN mashes yet! They're on the way tho...

When we die...our souls leave a beautiful impact, but that's it. End of the ride, folks.

Lastly, I'd like to be remembered as...a huge fan of music who was lucky enough to stumble into a career where I can give joy to people with the POWER of all kinds of music. And being a gay guy who refused to accept the dreck & shit music that most gay clubs play, so I created my own places to entertain people - gay & straight - who felt the same way. And I will brag a little: my club Dragstrip 66 is the longest running underground event in LA (maybe anyplace?). All word of mouth & no advertising for 12+ years now. And next year is my 25th anniversary of DJ-ing. I'll be the first to admit I'm blessed by all this.

You can download DJ Paul V's Smash Mix series here (the mixes are also available via Culture Deluxe here), or visit his site here. Meanwhile, you can also check out Indie 103.1FM here.

Prank Monkey

2005-03-30T10:01:00.000+08:00

Starring Nick Foster, Richie Deluxe & Pheugoo

Just for the record, what's the story behind the name 'Prank Monkey'?

Nick Foster: From The Simpsons episode - "Homer vs. Dignity". Not one of the best, but the Malibu Stacy musical bit in it is inspired.

Richie Deluxe: Pretty much what he said. I wanted to call the label "Clarence".

Pheugoo: Is called Prank Monkey?!

So what're the "monkeys" up to these days?

Nick: We've got our first release Cowboy Boots coming out on the 4th April. It's a 12" EP & eleven-track virtual album combo (the virtual album is only available if you buy the 12") & should be available from most record emporiums.

Richie: After that we have the vinyl release of an infamous bootleg album.

Pheugoo: Uhm...do "the monkeys" still exist? I thought they broke up ages ago!

And what 'choons' are currently ringing in the office?

Nick: Dunno 'bout Richie or Pheugoo, but at the moment I'm listening to a version of "Ain't No Sunshine" by Eva Cassidy - not by choice I may add.

Richie: At the moment I'm listening to the Wedding Present & These Animal Men.

Pheugoo: I'm listening to "Una Paloma Blanca (2005)" over & over again. Don't ask me why.

If push comes to shove, can you list out five of the greatest monkey-related songs?

Nick: Eerrrr..."Funky Gibbon" by The Goodies (sorry Richie, I had to have this one)...the theme from Monkey the TV series..."Daydream Believer" by The Monkees...ummm...George Michael did one but it was shit...eemmm...the theme from King Kong...no, that's it I'm spent.

Richie: Well, since he's nicked the "Funky Gibbon" right from under me..."Luther The Anthropod" by the Jimmy Castor Bunch, "Monkey Magic" by Shaft, "Work Mi Body" by Monkey Mafia, "I Wanna Be Like You" from The Jungle Book & er..."Randy Scouse Git" by the Monkees - purely cos it's the least likely song title for a manufactured American band.

Pheugoo: Manu Negra - "King Kong Five", Millencolin - "Monkey Boogie", The Kinks -"Apeman", Wobbie Williams - "Me & My Monkey" & any song from Wacko Jacko.

When was the last time any of you bought a record that made you go totally ballistic? Where did you buy it?

Nick: Not brought a record for a long time, been spending most of my time transfering my CD collection onto my iPod. Last album I brought was Eels - Daisies Of The Galaxy, which I downloaded off iTunes.

Richie: I liked the Chromeo album a lot, although the last one to make me go mental was probably the Datsuns first one!

Pheugoo: The last record I bought... hmm tough question. I can tell you what the last record I should have bought: Little Barrie - We Are Little Barrie.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you guys ever wanted to be?

Nick: Syd Barrett, Arthur Lee...my god the list is endless.

Richie: Bill Drummond, Adamski, Mike Nolan.

Pheugoo: David Carson, Roy Liechtenstein, & some musicians as well

The First of Prank Monkey:

First record you ever bought =

Nick: Slade - "Merry Xmas Everybody" 7" single for 50p

Richie: The Greatest Hits Of Shakin Stevens in 1984!

Pheugoo: Hollands Hakkuh 2

First sexual encounter that made you go bananas =

Nick: Err...

Richie: Discrete fumbling many years ago

Pheugoo: Actually with my current missus 7 years ago (or something)

First prank you played that went overboard =

Nick: Em...

Richie: I once gave Rod Hull the wrong directions to the local theatre

Pheugoo: Don't know where I have to start

First movie that gave you wood =

Nick: Oh...

Richie: Teen Wolf when that lady takes off her bra

Pheugoo: Karate Kid IV! Wrauw!

First outrageous rumour you heard about Prank Monkey =

Nick: That we're corporate whores who are only in it for the money - not actually a rumour as yet, but give it time...

Richie: That we release any old shit

Pheugoo: That I'm in it

Could you tell us a slight history on how Prank Monkey Records came about?

Nick: Started [out] as a drunk conversation with Richie D in Harrow.

Richie : I thought it was actually a hungover conversation in Rickmansworth? But the Harrow legend is better - it's been retold in song you know, but you'd need to get hold of our virtual CD to hear it.

Pheugoo: In Trier Nick asked me if I wanted to help him out with some dark underground project he was launching, by accident I said yess.

Of all the genres, why a release on country-themed mash-ups?

Nick: It was originally only going to be a virtual album release of C&W boots as a bit of fun, but due to our next release being quite an undertaking, we decided to put out a limited release of four tracks from the collection that seem to fit together the best. This is meant to be a sort of "test" release, so we could get everything together (distribution, artwork etc) for our next "major" release. Still valid tho & I personally love it. A lot of fun.

Richie: It's because Nick has an unhealthy obsession with country, & it was the theme that most tenuously linked our stuff together.

Pheugoo: Country is the new Pop!

Most of the tracks were all previously released on GYBO. What chances of success are you guys expecting with the vinyl release of Country Boots?

Nick: It is hard to tell with vinyl, but we are not just aiming for people who reside on GYBO/CDX/Mutantpop etc. This is one of the reasons that we had to get distribution, so apart from the forums there will also be a chance of people buying it on impulse from a record shop.

Richie: Getting into the likes of HMV allow us to reach people who don't spend all day browsing cliquey web forums.

Pheugoo: Coz we are pigheaded!

Could you tell us a little about the secret track that can be downloaded only with the password obtained by buying the vinyl?

Nick: No, but there will be a couple of exclusives.

Richie: It's the worst thing ever made, & the best thing.

Pheugoo: Sshhhtt!

What do you think is the 'secret ingredient' behind a Prank Monkey release?

Nick: No secret ingredient. I think because of the first release & the Richie connection, people will mistakenly believe that we will just be releasing "fun" boots/mash ups. Our second release should put a stop to that...but then our third will probably put us back to square one again! There will be bonus tracks etc available online with each release.

Richie: Not entirely sure what the Richie connection is, but we're buzzing with ideas, we have bootlegging's greatest graphic artist on board & we're always gonna give you something interesting. Yes, sometimes the ideas are a little silly, but they're timeless - what would you prefer? Something you'll pick up & smile at in years to come, or some faceless breaks track that sounds dated a month later?

Pheugoo: Bananas! Tons of bananas!

In your opinion, what are the factors that make a good mash-up?

Nick: I am a sucker for a good ol fashion A+B, after all it's what got me interested in the scene in the first place, but I must admit that I prefer very odd, imaginative pairings over technical perfection.

Richie: You've heard it before, you'll hear it again. The smile factor. If you aren't smiling 20 seconds into the song then it's going off.

Pheugoo: Yeah, I love A vs B bootlegs with genre clash. I like 'em catchy as hell with as little rap as possible.

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving Garth Brooks, King Kong, Shania Twain, Dunproofin' & Pheugoo. Humour us please...

Nick: Garth & Andy mount an expedition to Skull Island (in the Netherlands) to capture the legendary King Kong. However, their path is blocked by Pheugoo Man.They managed to distract Pheugoo Man with some fun paper & felt pens & carry on their journey, only to discover it is not King Kong that the natives are worshipping but Shania Twain & her huge bosom.

Richie: Dunproofin' & Pheugoo are drinking 9% beer in an Amsterdam cafe & somehow land roles in the new Peter Jackson movie of King Kong as SWAT team members. However, Dunproofin' is forced to wear pyjamas & a big moustache for the part. Garth Brooks & Shania Twain are used as stunt doubles for the shooting of Kong, but neither is given body armour. Dunproofin' later remarks that he does not know how Pheugoo got into his pyjamas. Then I wake up & have some coffee.

Pheugoo: Hmm...for me it isn't even a fantasy: I'm disturbing Dunproofin' each 5 mins... no it was 3...or...NO!...no it wasn't Dunproofin' I'm disturbing King Kong each 7 mins...or was it daily?...anyway, I was disturbng him with my new Shania Twain mash-up...or was it...yess it was...yeah now I'm sure...it was a Garth Brooks mash-up!!...anyway I'm really lousy at telling jokes!

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Ian Brown =

Nick: Monkey Man

Richie: Hammy Wizard

Pheugoo: Who?

GYBO =

Nick: Kill Toby

Richie: Secret

Pheugoo: Became way to complicated for me

Weiser =

Nick: The rowboat song

Richie: Over-rated

Pheugoo: Bud!

Dolly Parton =

Nick: Bosom's

Richie: Tits

Pheugoo: Hooties

Mojo Jojo =

Nick: Not as good as Fuzzy Lumpkins & 'jo

Richie: Helper Monkey

Pheugoo: Townsville

Richie Deluxe =

Nick: Thinks he's a superhero & runs around Aberdeen with his pants over his jeans trying to fight crime. He is pants man.

Richie: Ha ha ha ha...he's lying. I don't wear pants.

Pheugoo: Are you wearing your kilt again?

Tatooine =

Nick: Should never have gone back the second time.

Richie: Tattoos? I don't have any.

Pheugoo: Hmm dunno. Let's google it!

Basement Jaxx =

Nick: Where's their head at ???

Richie: Fashion design students.

Pheugoo: Isn't that the new kid?

Johnny Cash =

Nick: A Boy Called Sue

Richie: Change from the condom machine.

Pheugoo: The Man Who Comes Around

Bathing Ape =

Nick: Isn't that Bush's mate, Ben???

Richie: T-shirts - not as good as Silas

Pheugoo: Has never made it through the Dutch border

Which genre of music do you consider it to be the next 'big' thing?

Nick: Skiffle! Overdue a comeback!

Richie: C86-style jingle-jangle indie - just you watch.

Pheugoo: Like I said before - Country is the new Pop.

What do you remember about the following years:

1988 =

Nick: Drugs, sex & rock n' roll.

Richie: Football, milkshakes, Tiffany.

Pheugoo: Mama...Papa...

1995 =

Nick: Married with child; no more drugs, sex & rock n' roll; occasional night out.

Richie: Drugs, sex & rock n' roll & serious disco dancing.

Pheugoo: Started to study arts. And it was the first time I visited a festival (Pinkpop).

1999 =

Nick: Better job; married with two children; no more drugs, sex & rock n' roll.Very occasional night out.

Richie: Moved to Perth - became a hermit.

Pheugoo: Met my lovely girlfriend.

2001 =

Nick:Promoted again:Married with two children : No more drugs, sex & rock n' roll. Hey, who needs night's out.

Richie: Wrote Culture Deluxe - although then it was known as Excalibur Music Store. Discovered bootlegs with Frenchbloke & Son.

Pheugoo: First time I went to Rock Werchter & saw 2 Many DJs (I've been told) .

2004 =

Nick: Prank Monkey takes shape.

Richie: Released London Booted & was violently sick in London.

Pheugoo: Started to do mash-ups myself, & brought Pheugoo to life.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Nick: Depends...

Richie: I said Vitalic's "La Rock" last time...this time I'm gonna say "Kung Fu" by Ash.

Pheugoo: NOFX - Punk In Drubic

And your Sunday morning one?

Nick: Depends...

Richie: The Virgin Suicides by Air.

Pheugoo: Zero 7 - When It Falls

Complete the following sentences...

Music changed my life...

Nick: I could have been a doctor, a lawyer...but no...

Richie: It hasn't yet, unfortunately.

Pheugoo: Coz it faded away my social life.

When it comes to vices...

Nick: Everyone should have at least one.

Richie: Miami, every time.

Pheugoo: Yess please...

The one thing that pisses me off major is...

Nick: Heart F**king FM.

Richie: Driving, drivers, cars...I can't even enjoy the dodgems now.

Pheugoo: People who misspell my name or pronounce it incorrectly.

Everybody got something to hide except...

Nick: Me & my...

Richie: Rik Waller.

Pheugoo: Clark Kent.

Paris Hilton is one...

Nick: Skanky Ho.

Richie: Off the wrist.

Pheugoo: On my to do list.

Culture Deluxe rocks because...

Nick: It's doing it for the kids.

Richie: It gives me something else to do when I'm supposed to be working.

Pheugoo: It uses pink in it's design.

When we die...

Nick: We die.

Richie: Another schmuck takes our place.

Pheugoo: Someone else has to pay the bills.

Lastly, Prank Monkey Records would wanna be remembered as...

Nick: A record label of ill repute.

Richie: The thing that finally killed bootlegs forever.

Pheugoo: The label that bought Sony & EMI.

You can visit the website of Prank Monkey Records here

Marty Batfreak

2005-03-20T14:00:00.000+08:00

First of all, how the devil are you & what are you up to these days?

I'm super, thanks for asking, G. We've just enjoyed a 2-for-1 Royal Tour of Australia, the Royal Easter Show is on again, & I'm doing a royal job on these questions.

Every day online for me is now dedicated to B'N'R Forum, in some way, & my Sydney radio show Pitch Shift - which turns one on April Fools' - has been incorporated into that same process. A win-win for all. Also, come April 10th, aka Day 100 of 2005, I'll release One Hundred Boots into the cyber-air, as a 100 minute mix, so that's taking some time to finish (thankfully, my Dynamic Duo partner in crime, DJ HDD will help me master it, so look forward to quality). Then, on Anzac Day, I'm playing yet again at the outdoor bush party (we call them 'doofs') called Elixir; these are so suitable for the Aussie climate... or is it the other way around? Either way, a lot of hippies, happy vibes, but too much psy-trance (the new annoying 'pop' to me & the Doc), so I'll be at the Funky Chicken stage dishing out boots n electro.

All in all, a busy little Bat.

What's the story behind the name "Marty Batfreak"?

Well, I'll let you guys catch up by visiting the SFMC story here, but put simply...I was Marty B, until another Marty B(utler) appeared on the Sydney DJ scene. I was playing less hip hop & more techno by then, so I went 'feral', as we say. For half my life now, Batman was easily, & by sheer chance, the first character I ever seriously collected in comic books (For Sale: issues #400-500 incl. spinoffs => 50% proceeds to Architects Without Frontiers). Rather than just take the name 'Batman' (I respect the DC character too much to be a clone), the Bat animus or motif suits me, & my poor eyesight, latenight tendencies to jump around flapping to strange sounds, with pointy teeth, make the choice more real.

Good sense of 'ear', too.

So what are the tunes that have been ringing in your head lately?

For starters, this month I've been extra lucky to be herding the boots for our next project, BootLegend. You can read more at the forum, but basically, hats off once again to RikkiRok for a fine job, hang tight for the release, gang.

Then, it's really a case of YAY DJ FOOD HAS DONE IT PROPER. That's right, the redux of "Raiding The 21st Century" has not left my immediate playlist since [its] release earlier this year. Top shelf style & meaning for all.

Dublxero, obviously like myself also a fan of the ICP, was my choice for an edition of DJ HDD's "Boots N All" mid March, & every one of 00's individual edits stand out as gold for anyone's portable player, I reckon - 'tis smile-making stuff.

I'd also like to mention Aggro1 & Audio Shrapnel as purveyors of fine boots, so fine I'm unable to list them all here. But they've been 'wringing' my head - hehe.

Oh, & MC Pitman... y'get me?

Can you list out five of your all-time favourite albums?

Walter Carlos - A Clockwork Orange soundtrack
My earliest memories include asking for this to be played to me (the infant) over & over & over. There's just something about the moog that 'gels' with me & my ears. Yes, eventually, I was allowed to inherit the original CBS audio cassette, & when I finally saw ACO up on the big screen (all visitors to Sydney MUST consider a visit to the Valhalla Theatre), all the hairs on my body stood up... wow, what a sound.

Carl Orff - Carmina Burana (Berlin Opera & Orchestra)
If Beelzebub really DOES listen to classical, then this is it. Banned for its content, this has to be one of the most powerful compositions for eternity. Buy it, listen to the WHOLE thing....then again. And again.

Public Enemy - Fear Of A Black Planet
This was the concrete in the fandom for me & only a handful of others at school. The catalog of PE got better at Uni, too...

Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells
The first 'A-Side+B-side' album I ever bought on CD, & I didn't stop playing it for about 3 weeks (first yr Uni). It is the epitome of what one individual can achieve, ironically balanced by the sheer brutal nature of the music industry (Richard Branson made his FIRST million from this album, while Mike saw practically bugger all of it).

Fatboy Slim - Better Living Through Chemistry
(Ha! Didn't see THAT coming, did ya?)When this album came out, I knew there was hope for electronic-finksters after all...Ah, trip hop. Ah, big beat. Ah...just ah, for everything Norman has ever done & will do. Screw the purists, this is Skint.

When was the first time you bought a record that was shite? Where did you buy it?
This is a really tough question. Buying shite isn't easy, sometimes it can take months to find the shite you want. They don't have many shite bins in stores anymore, not like the old 'oh-wow-have-you-heard-about-these-new-CDJ-players' days...

Actually, I won't bother naming it, but someone around here has been writing 'shite' of late, so I won't be buying his album, despite my deep sense of loyalty to the local smatterings of talent.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Mike Oldfield (see above). Well, him, or his French equivalent, Jean-Michel Jarre - both giants in my electronic world. I mean, who else gets the chance to play the Millenium NYE at the Pyramids of Giza, & is permitted to install lasers on them? Class. Every album a winner, from both of them.

Can you recall any embarrassing or bizarre moments during your entire DJ-ing career? Give us the juicy details!!!

Ignoring the jocks' 20 or 30 requests for Pearl Jam at a college gig (yes, my college), & thus-ly being dragged out to the oval, & tied to the goal posts for about half an hour. (Don't worry, the Bat never forgets...they still wonder who it was not too long after, that kept removing the circuit fuses for the fridges in their common rooms) That was embarassing.

Bizarre was discovering (somewhere else entirely) that 3 DJs CAN play at the same time, without talking to each other, & still sound co-ordinated (yay for the Lazy Sunday posse).

You are part of the team behind the B'N'R Forum. What do you think is the greatest pains & biggest joys at maintaining a board like that?

Ok, pains first. Most of these now exist beyond the parameters of B'N'R, but really, it's been the all-too-quick criticism of efforts made with good intentions, just because certain 'critics' (haha) feel that it is their right/duty to dump on people. I'm reminded of Jay & Silent Bob, visiting their 'h8rs' one by one, & how much I will, one day, enjoy talking to these tossers face to face. Count on it... you know who you are. Sour grapes are just that - sour, so go drop off the vine & rot.

Now, the Joys. SO MANY JOYS, like making new friends for life, making a difference, & making pop so bastardly, that I almost guarantee I will be jailed. And loving it. C Boast was smart enough to grab as the driving force for its creation (hehe, don't mind if i do!), & with mods like
Spiny to assist, we cannot fail in our quest for even more experimentation & artistry. And yes, Dsico, it is art, & it brings us & others joy to do so. We ask people to register before posting, because that's what brings the 'village' atmosphere together - it works.

The ULTIMATE joys are the boot albums & mini challenges we are always up to. BootLegend is out 05.05.05 - make a note in your diary to visit B'N'R for more info.

What is the most outrageous rumour you've heard about you?

I was dead (you'd think someone would ring to check, but no...). Reasons varied, but generally they had some pretty mental pictures to accompany the goss. (Oh, & two booters thawt I was Luke Dsico with a mask on. I'd like to point out that he does NOT, in any way, reflect the true state of bootlegging in Sydney. Nope. Not a chance. I mean, well done on Spasticated, but the rest of us are digging our heels in. Please visit the WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS THREAD thread at B'N'R to learn who I am, & am, & am...)

The Last of Marty Batfreak:

Last film that gave you wood = ...that I didn't download?... ummm...I saw something on SBS TV last year... I'll get back to you on that...

Last sexual encounter that involved a music album = ...I'll just dig up my fave makeout CD here, FSOL's Lifeforms - try to cue one CD after the other without gap.

Last book or mag you read that gave you the creeps = How To Win Friends & Influence People

Last concert you went to that was awesome = Big Day Out 2005 - ho yes, Beasties up in this!!!

Last mash-up you heard that made you go "Damn! I should've done that!" = "I Love Celine", 'tis fkjing funny but nope, 'snot me... some have asked, but ihni... ask the Capn at B'N'R.

Interestingly, you've mentioned that you're from Australia. What are the things you love about your country?

Sun, sunsets, sunrises, sand, surf, sex, sheilas, spas, shmoko, speed, spices, sauces, summer, seclusion, stand-up, skins, swingers, slammers, schooners, strikes, shows, stars, Scenius, Severed Heads, sevcom, & sharing spirit...but NOT sports.

What is Australia's reaction like when it comes to mash-ups?

Check the previous 20Q's from my fellow antipodeans, Bangers & Mash & Dsico; that's mainly to help me pad out my answer here... hehe.

In 2005 (if at all), it's still 'heard' as some crazy post-DJ thing. Most online punters here wouldn't necessarily leave the safety of a typical 'dance music' forum. Also, & this is much more obvious, the power of the awe factor has still yet to be truly broken on dancefloors around this
country. Why's that? Dunno...let it grow, I guess...rave music did.

And yet, after style names come & go, over the years of private DJ gigs for me, & DJ HDD also around town somewhere, we're wondering how all of a sudden, Ministry of Sound is able to claim any cred for 'discovering' mashups? With one of our potentially decent 'bastard' DJs at the helm? Hmmm...

In your opinion, what are the factors that make a good mash-up?

A clever mash-up uses the titles/themes to create something new, from what is primarily just a bit punny. A good mash-up is one that even the artistes involved would smile at. A GREAT mash-up gets released through the proper channels & sold, preferably here, cos I've always loved finding white label gems in shops around town.

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving you, AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, Spiny Norman & DJ C Boast. Humour us please...

It's 2012. C Boast, his real name now by deed poll, graduates with Honours in Music from the esteemed Oxford-on-Mash College, & spends his whirlwind DJ career fortune on flying him, a dozen family & friends, & a few Aussie booters over to California. Home of Club Le Mont Blanc, where Kylie is playing her 24th & final live gig, & celebrating the release of her 'KY/DC' Gold DVD Mashography, with the few remaining members of the Acca still playing 'chair guitar' support to her. The Manager, Emily Norman, keeps everyone well entertained, 'cos of course, she's unlikely to get Spiny off the decks... ever... even when Kylie IS playing.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Bruce Wayne = Marty Wells
DJ No No = Yes yes
Primal Scream = Thank you for introducing the Dust Brothers to me again (but WHICH Dust Brothers was it?)
Majick = the forum: well done on Janet; the creator: 2slow; C.H.A.O.S. Prod (on the other hand) fine booter
CartelMike = Moby
Durex = different colors
McSleazy = anti-christ
Eva Longoria = woof woof
Judas = whistleblower
Soulseek = watching paint dry

Which genre of music do you consider the most "under-used" in bootlegs?

Classic rave & warehouse chooons. Apart from the great Lumpy, no one has really taken this head on. Yet. Oh, & expect more classy jazz from Scenius (also an Aussie), the cat's got style.

What do you remember about the following years:

1989 = Two VIPartiesWithoutParents

i) Grafton, no one from my school, but it was my first EVER DJ gig, almost impromptu. After bringing about 40 audio cassettes of music (mostly self-made compilations), I discovered that both decks could be played at the same time on the mini hi-fi. Enter the Deejay...& I've never looked back.

ii) South Grafton, my side of town. Got laid. Well, sort of...downstairs laundry floor, too...what, too graphic?

1995 = Mid week 2RSR radio show 'Pitch Control' turns two. Joined Clan Analogue, Australia's true electronic collective, which would lead me into playing at Itche & Scratche's Farewell gig at the Metro, & also at the following year's Big Day Out. Drove a white VW bug.

1997 = Batfreak was 'born', & started a series of successful collaborations; WombleThump (Pipes On Sunday), The Flow (Chai.4.2 Assemblage Records), Random Bullshit (FBi Radio)

2001 = A weird one. Highlights incl. presenting JJJ's MixUp for 8 hrs at a time AT the Gigs! The ONLY Mardi Gras ever broadcast, NYE @ Bondi (interviewed Erick Morillo), GateCrasher, Transmission, & wrapping it up with 6 days in a row of presenting the Christmas Breakfast Shows.

2004 = Boots, glorious boooots! After ringing the Doc (Boots N All) & reintroducing ourselves (yes, we were both on 2RSR 10 yrs prior!), Pitch Shift was born on 2MBSfm, thankyou Doc, & thankyou CMC, who have been there for 25 years now, with about 50+ presenters over that time...& they say the graveyard shift isn't fun.... HA. (102.5, sydney siders, & the 150km radius or so). B'N'R is born, my hobbies begin anew.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Gat Decor - "Passion" (old ravers never die, they just appreciate house music).

And your Sunday morning one?

The Orb - "Little Fluffy Clouds" (especially Adam Freeland's mix)

Usually, Sunday is a special B'N'Radio catchup day, or even a bong mix or mwude too, both from b00mb0x.

Complete the following sentences:

I describe myself as... eclectic. And I love good radio.

Music changed me by... becoming my life.

When it comes to vices... just don't smoke. Too much.

The last time I cried was... when I stubbed my little toe for the umpteenth time. See, we wear thongs on our feet, but that's not always a good thing.

My most treasured possession is... my hearing. I've often affirmed that I'd rather go blind.

If I have any regrets... je ne regrette rieeennnnnnnn

When we die... finally, some decent sleep!....ahhhh.

Lastly, I'd like to be remembered as... (for my headstone): 'Well, that was a lot of fun, & we all had a jolly good laugh.'

This interview is dedicated to Marty's mum, without whom, there is no DJ Batfreak.

Check out Marty Batfreak's exclusive boot below:

Blog Roggin' Beats

You can also check out B'N'R@dio's site here

Frenchbloke

2005-02-22T12:03:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name "Frenchbloke" when you're obviously not French?

There's actually no real reason. I was maintaining the Optimo website & was challenged to get more site traffic. Uploaded a Britney / Mount Florida thing & the name Frenchbloke was
born (primarily in case everyone hated it & sent out a lynch mob armed with big pointy sticks).

What are you up to these days?

I'm off (real) work with a collapsed arch on my foot, so plenty of time playing with software that makes noises. Also being prepared for the imminent arrival of our fourth child.

So what are the tunes that have been ringing in your head lately?

Lately? Err...the all singing & dancing Dsico's You Fight Like A Girl, Munk's Apertivo album, YMO's Technopolis & Renaldo & The Loaf's Bearded Cats.

If push comes to shove, what are the five of your all-time favourite albums?

Throbbing Gristle - D.O.A.
Kraftwerk - Autobahn
The Silicon Teens - Music For Parties
The Human League - Reproduction
Liaisons Dangereuses - Liaisons Dangereuses

Can you recall the first time you bought a record that was utter shite? Where did you buy it?

I've been blessed with the "Can you let me hear a bit of this?" attitude in shops. If they didn't, I didn't buy it.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

GG Allin or Tom Jones

So what happened to the working relationship of Frenchbloke & Son? Give us the full, uncut story please!!!

Basically, there was a lack of communication from all three parties. It wasn't till January 2004 that I found out what happened with the Bowie mixes I did (sadly "Laughing Gnome" wasn't available). My lack of interest in DJ-ing - I'd been knocking back things since 2001 - I am not a DJ. My past experience with the music industry as a whole makes me very wary. I'd been shafted in the past and wasn't going to let it happen again. The reason I handed in my notice in December 2003 was that I'd promised myself that if I heard the excuse of 'coming down here to make a go of things' once more that'd be it. And that was it.

I had a very nice eight months off. There is a cracker of a clause in the management contract that F&S had with Avalon stating that all the music must be original & does not breach the copyright of any third party or something. I neglected to mention that at the time of signing & was holding onto that in case it all went pear-shaped. I reclaimed the name...well...it was my name. I made it up. Nothing had happened with the name to warrant me not reclaiming it.

You've also seemed to have "retired" from doing mash-ups these days. What do you think about the direction bootlegs are heading these days?

Who said I'd retired? They seem to be going backwards instead of going forward. Back to the old school or something. The Linkin Park & Jay-Z [thing] isn't where they should be going.

If you were asked to do a greatest hits album for Frenchbloke, which 15 tracks would you choose to represent your entire bootlegging career?

"Right Behind", "Ich Habe Meine Bizkit", "Kraftwerk's Waltz", "Children's TV Theme No.1", "Destiny's Kennedys", & lots of bits & bobs that only ever cropped up in the mixes.

The Last of Frenchbloke:

Last blog that you visited that was brilliant = I can't say that I have.

Last encounter with the opposite sex that involved bootlegs = Seriously? Bastard 9 where the creepy woman was heckling us.

Last album you heard that gave you the creeps = Mamas & Papas Greatest Hits. Or anything by Wet Wet Wet.

Last concert you went to that was awesome = Kraftwerk, Glasgow, 1991. Or the Sahkö evening at Sonora, Glasgow in 1994 where Ø, Panasonic & Jimi Tenor played all evening. Fantastic.

Last mash-up you heard that made you wanna reconsider your "retirement" from bootlegs = But you still haven't answered my question: who said I had retired?

What is the most misunderstood thing about you that you would like to clear up here once & for all?

I'm not as scary as folks make me out to be.

There were some misunderstanding between you & IDC regarding a track of his appearing in your blog. What really happened?

I was demonstrating that the IDC mix of [Soundhog's] "Curdler", as compared with the Soundhog mix of [IDC's] "Scratch", was actually piss poor. Shite. Pish. A waste of hard drive space & time. But then, I'm no fan of IDC's work. I don't 'get it' must be a North-South thing.

In your opinion, should music be made free?

No. But once you buy it, it's then yours to do what you want. Make an ashtray, scratch the heck out of it...

If Michael Jackson asked you to do a boot to bring his credibility back, would you do it? What would your terms be? Humour us please...

That I'd be in total control. And that if no Jacko actually appeared on the track....& can my chair in the studio be against the wall please.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

IDC = Too big for his own ego. Totally over-rated. Sonically, a mess.
Eddy Temple Morris = A big kid let loose in a studio (in a good way).
Fad Gadget = R.I.P. Always two years ahead of Depeche Mode. Sorely missed.
Nick Kilroy = R.I.P. The man, or one of the men behind Gabba.net. He really liked music.
Rainbow = Twangers...
DJ Zebra = Who?
Fini Tribe = Or Finitribe, depending on which record. The rosicrucian for fish, apparently. Showbiz chums, if you can call them that of mine.
GHP = Frankie Detorri. Over-rated. Totally.
Essex = The only place where I saw a handgun waved about in a car.
GYBO V4 = The new black.

Which genre of music do you consider the most "under-used" in bootlegs?

Opera, Gamelan, 'Early Music', Exotica, Steel-Drum band, & I dare say a lot more that'll spring to mind later.

What do you remember about the following years:

1979 = I was 11.
1983 = Saw Depeche Mode live for the first time.
1994 = My son was born.
1999 = Wasn't the end of the world.
2004 = Back With A Big F**k You.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Whatever I feel like listening to on a Saturday night.

And your Sunday morning one?

Whatever I feel like listening to on a Sunday morning.

Complete the following sentences:

I describe myself as... devastatingly handsome*

Music changed me by...it just did.

When it comes to vices...[it's] coffee & cake.

The last time I cried was... [when] my daughter was born.

My most treasured possession is...Liaisons Dangereuses "Los Niños Del Parque" 12" autographed. A present from Beate Bartel to celebrate the birth of my daughter Connie.

If I have any regrets...I'll regret them at that time.

When we die...we die.

Lastly, I'd like to be remembered as...devastatingly handsome*

Listen & Learn: A Frenchbloke Anthology Vol.1:
[All tracks are OFFLINE now]

01) Easy Charlie

02) Geetar Freak On

03) Destiny's Kennedys (By Frenchbloke & Son)

04) Hands Around My Cock

05) I Like Leather

06) Ich Habe Meine Bizkit (By Frenchbloke & Son)

07) Ugly Electric

08) Right Behind (By Frenchbloke & Son)

09) Dream House

10) Walk The Thong

11) Depeche Minogue

12) Sunshine Again

13) Walkable Balloon

And for a limited time only, click on the link below to grab Frenchbloke's latest mix:

Everything You Do Is Wrong

You can visit Frenchbloke's blog & read his ramblings here.

PS: Congrats on the 'latest addition' to your clan...

Dsico: That No-Talent Hack

2005-02-22T10:14:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, what's with the "That No-Talent Hack" tag? Any wonderful story behind it?

I was joking around with some friends years ago about the absurdity of tag lines on an artiste's name, mostly talking about DJ Spooky "That Subliminal Kid" & so I thought yeah...I'm goin' to get me one of them. There you go.

What are you up to these days?

The new album, You Fight Like A Girl, has just come out this month, so I've mostly been sorting that out, trying to find a distributor for it. Reverberation Records is doing Australia (which is great) but I haven't managed to hook anything up in Europe or the US (which sucks). Also lately writing some new shit for another release later in the year that may include a whole bunch of remixes of You Fight Like A Girl.

So what are the tunes that have been ringing in your head lately?

The Emperor Machine. F**k I love that new album Aimee Tallulah Is Hypnotised. I can't quite put my finger on why. It is so close to muzak or incidental 70s science show soundtrack but then it's not. [Others include] Sonic Youth's Sonic Nurse, rediscovering Sebadoh, Pavement & that slacker sound. I listened to III (by Sebadoh) constantly last week at work.

Can you list out five of your all-time favourite albums?

In no particular order:

Leonard Cohen - Songs Of Love & Hate
I had a copy on vinyl that I picked up at Glebe market. I was in first year Uni & listened to it constantly, much to the distaste of my girlfriend at the time as she absolutely hated it.

Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation
The opener. The whole album just fits together so perfectly. Even the little interlude with the vocal playback from tape.

Beastie Boys - Paul's Boutique
Their (& the Dust Brothers) finest album ever. Sampledelic party album like no other.

LB - Pop Artificelle
Atom (TM) / Atom Heart / Uwe Schmidt's electronica styled 70s cover album. It just blew me away when I first heard it. Uwe Schmidt was such an inspiration to me when I was starting to get into & start writing electronic music in the 90s. Micro edits, wacky synths, & more "funk" than you can poke a stick at.

Luomo - Vocal City
Embodied the clicks & cuts, error-inspired era of the time & yet was a really lush & enveloping listening experience. I never really like house much until I heard that album.

Mouse on Mars, oh that's 6! All their early stuff. I've gone off the new sound a bit though.

When was the last time you bought a record that was utter brilliance? Where did you buy it?

The Emperor Machine's Aimee Tallulah Is Hypnotised late last year online through Juno.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Uwe Schmidt must have been the most influential electronic artiste for me. His rate of output is phenomenal. I've always wanted to know just how he get some of those sounds & manage to do so much.

Can you recall what are some of the most bizarre or embarrassing moments during your entire DJ-ing career?

Moscow must have been the most bizarre, being flown all the way to Moscow to DJ for an hour or so in this little club right near Red Square. And then I got really trashed as well. So I supposed it was both bizarre & embarassing. MTV was even there. I have a vague recollection of trying to act sober while they were interviewing me.

What is the most outrageous rumour you've heard that is said about you?

In High School this guy Michael used to tell people that I was a professional Ten-Pin Bowler. What a bastard. I shoud have kicked his arse, but he was a mate, so what can you do?

The Last of Dsico:

Last film that gave you wood = There was a film the other night. Can't recall what it was called, cute french girl wandering around half naked in most of it.

Last encounter with the opposite sex that involved a music album = I don't think I've ever had one.

Last book or mag you read that gave you the creeps = The Lovely Bones, I guess, by Alice Sebold was pretty creepy in parts.

Last concert you went to that was boring = I saw David Bowie a while ago & it wasn't that great. I think you get too accustomed to small gigs, where you can see the beads of sweat on the performer's face. So when you are stuck in a seat in the Sydney Entertainment Centre, Bowie standing way way down there & all the songs sound like stadium rock anthems, it's just not fun.

Last mash-up you heard that made you wanna shout "Yeah!" = It's been so long, I can't really remember...

Interestingly, you've mentioned that you're kinda done with mash-ups. Where do you think the whole bootlegging scene is heading?

I don't think it's heading anywhere. It's just going around in circles, chasing its own tail these days. The commercial players have stepped into it but they are killing what was good about some of the early ones. The early stuff used good songs as the basis. Now they just mashup any shit.

How about cover versions? You've done a fair amount of quirky tributes yourself. What is the allure of covering someone else's tunes?

I did go through a bit of a phase of doing cover versions. I think I'm almost out of the woods. I haven't been doing nearly so many lately. There are different reasons. Some are just a straight tribute to the original authors & others have less flattering purposes. Sometimes it is just for a laugh...just for the absurdity of it all. They are however good for developing your programming abilities, coming to grips with a new piece of gear or learning how to use a piece of software without having to be too creative yourself. The "song" already exists, the chord pattern, vocals, melody...you just have to work on the instrumentation & play around. They can be quite quick to put together & instantly satisfying, & you spend more time on the production & programming which will help with getting the sound you want in your original work.

What are some of the most "interesting" comments you've received so far regarding You Fight Like A Girl?

Well, it's just been out for a few weeks so is only just starting to get around. So far everyone has been really into it. Radio in Australia is starting to pick it up. Russell from Reverberation thought it sounded very Human League, which was odd as I'm not that familiar with their work.

In your opinion, what are the factors that make a good song?

I have no idea really. You know it when you hear it. When a song just grabs you by the balls until you can't think of anything else.

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving Soundhog, Nicole Kidman, Starsky & Hutch & Frenchbloke. Humour us please...

I fool Soundhog & Frenchbloke into thinking that they ARE Starsky & Hutch, & I get Nicole Kidman all to myself. Eh eh?

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

DJ Small Cock = Plate glass & face wounds
Ministry Of Sound = Wankers
INXS = Original Sin
Vegemite = Occasionally for breakfast
Hi-5 = The childrens show?
Bangers & Mash = I am a bit hungry. This pub in Bondi Junction used to do a great Bangers & Mash.
Brown-Eyed Mullet = Huh?
Hillsong = Christian fools
Belinda Chappel = Who?
GYBO V3 = Much the same as the old one. If only they'd ditch those annoying bloody animated gif avatars.

Which genre of music do you consider the most "under-used" in bootlegs?

I have no idea. I suppose there aren't a lot of country & western mashups but that may be a good thing.

What do you remember about the following years:

1980 = I was 5. I think I've seen some photos...
1985 = Primary school, my BMX was the shit.
1991 = High School year 10, girls, school, parties...discovering beer.
1998 = My first release. I had a track on a compilation called Freaky Loops 98.
2003 = Europe, kicking around Berlin, Hamburg, London. Killer year, too much fun.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

I used to have a flatmate, Joss, we lived over in this huge rundown old terrace house & whenever we were goin' out he'd put on "Meet Me At The Love Parade" by Da Hool. It's terrible, cheesy, awful, but it reminds me of good times.

And your Sunday morning one?

Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows".

Complete the following sentences:

I describe myself as...a drunkard.

Music changed me by...giving me a hobby other than skateboarding.

When it comes to vices...I may have a problem.

The last time I cried was...during some terrible cheesy heartwarming film.

My most treasured possession is...it's all pretty replaceable, it would just be a pain in the arse.

If I have any regrets...they are too many to mention.

When we die...we rot.

Lastly, I'd like to be remembered as...myself.

Some cool Dsico's boots & mashes:

1) Too Drunk To F**k [OFFLINE]
(An exclusive Dead Kennedys cover)

2) Love Will Freak Us Apart [OFFLINE]
(Joy Division vs Missy Elliott)

3) Smells Like Electro [OFFLINE]
(An electro version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit")

You can also download a bunch of Dsico's back catalogue at the Hearing Double site here

As for Dsico's brilliant You Fight Like A Girl album, you can buy it here, or you can visit his website here.

andrewherring

2005-01-09T17:33:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, is 'Andrew Herring' your real name?

My name's Angus but for some reason people always get the name wrong, so Andrew Herring it is.

What are you up to these days?

I've spent the last 2 months making the most wonderfully cheesy mashes for MTV - which has been fruitless, but enjoyable. One of them's at Strangely Familiar ("It Only Takes Two Tribes", another's here ("Ace Of Maroon") & I'll be putting all of them plus more into a longer mix for Adam Court at Bridge FM. Also on the Magick forum's Janet Jackson tribute, Re-Design Of A Decade, is my megatabulous tune, "Nasty Subway".

What music are you currently grooving to?

Oh I don't know - 2/3's cheese, 1/3 funky stuff. "Matchstick Men & Matchstick Cats & Dogs" by Brian & Michael has been featured heavily recently. Loving Pheugoo & DJ Scenius's stuff lately. Baby Ford again. The Best Christmas Album Ever. You know...

What, in your opinion, is the cheesiest album of all time?

My criteria is - Christmas albums, particularly any Rap/R&B Christmas Album & specifically Christmas albums by a sole artist. I've never listened to them but logically the Destiny's Child, Ashanti, Christina Aguilera, or Mariah Carey Christmas albums fall neatly into that.

When was the last time you bought a record that was so "bad", it is good? Where did you buy it?

Most of me & Mrs Herring's albums come into that genre. Most of the world didn't go for Adam Watkiss's album (Winner of ITV's "This Is The Moment" presented by Mel B) but we like it. It was in the easy listening section in HMV in Norwich.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

When I was little I wanted to be Robert Smith but now I'd love to be William Shatner.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

I find the time I was hitchhiking & got told to f**k off by Billy Connolly the most embarrassing, & the thing I don't want to talk about ever.

The Last of andrewherring:

Last time you snogged a member of the opposite sex = I snogged Phoebe recently
Last movie that made you cry = True Romance
Last person you punched = Phoebe probably
Last album you heard that gave you wood = Anything by Baby Ford
Last mash-up you heard that made you went "Damn! Why didn't I think of that?!!" = Pheugoo's "Smokey & The Yeah"

What are your worst fears?

I fear panic & losing control. Fear is the mindkiller after all.

What are the greatest joy as well as the biggest pain being andrewherring?

The biggest pain is that people will assume it's not a pseudonym, but it's nice when andrewherring gets recognition, even if sometimes it's a bit over the top for what it is.

In your opinion, which GYBO-er deserves a kick in the gonads?

I dislike arrogant, whining, negative people - so if a tune is bad or a post is stupid then I don't mind taking the mick subtly but some people last year have made it into a sport. I don't like rude or impolite people either but they don't need a kicking.

Compared to many, you have a very distinctive style. What do you think is the secret ingredient behind the trademark "andrewherring" sound?

I do? I usually only do boots & mashes that come up in my head. That seems to involve strong good vocals & a backing track from the past when music was more tuneless than it is today...or at least funkier. I like ascending filter sweeps & thats starting to be a bit of a cliche in my tunes.

In your opinion, what are the factors that make a good mash-up?

The juxtaposition of old & new, preferably being able to sing & dance to it, & funny, even if it's serious.

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving Weiser, Cliff Richard, Girls Aloud & Richie Deluxe. Humour us please...

Cliff would give Weiser some advice about being humble & not spamming too much, just accepting the breaks that God gives you & working hard but not striving. Richie meanwhile tries it on with Girls Aloud but they can't understand his accent & diss him horribly. Cliff converts them & they become so cloying they immediately only start releasing christmas number ones.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Pampers = Don't like children.
Andrew Ridgeley = Straight, Nose Job, Racing Driver.
ABBA = Swedish, better than Ace of Base, amazing disco stuff.
.ogg = Betamax, eg. better than standard but not got the clout.
Massive Attack = Local but dull.
John Holmes = Reservoir Dogs.
Korg = Not as good as Yamaha.
Culture Deluxe = The Wurzels.
Lucifer = Seductive but evil.
Brian May = Bad hair. Buckingham Palace roof.

Which genre of music do you consider the most "under-explored" by bootleggers? Why?

I was glad when E-Jitz & Pheugoo did some dancey folky things recently, as there's so many good folky, country dance tunes out there & they're not used.

What do you remember about the following years:

1984 = The Top by the Cure
1988 = Went to university, "I'm The DJ, He's The Rapper" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, "There's No Love Between Us" by Pop Will Eat Itself, "Oochy Koochy" by Baby Ford
1992 = Left university, moved to England, "Void Dweller" by Eon, Check Your Head by the Beastie Boys
2001 = Got married. Moved to Cromer - 'Jewel of the North Norfolk coast'.
2003 = Started making boots.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Whigfield's good. Didn't like De La Soul's one.

And your Sunday morning one?

I've always had a soft spot for "...over the mountains & the sea..." by Martin Smith. (Ed's note: the track is "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever" by Delirious?)

Do you still see yourself churning out bootlegs in ten years time?

I never "churn", I trickle. Maybe, it's fun & nothing short of boredom's going to stop me.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think it'll stay the same - it's not so different to any other genre of music. The cream will still rise to the top & everyone else will still keep making them for fun. If a song's good & mainstream enough it'll be picked up & promoted. There's enough people outside of GYBO listening.

Lastly, what do you wanna be least remembered for?

I don't fancy being the bloke that did that Bryan Adams mash up, but I fear it's already too late...

Some andrewherring boots:

1) Ace Of Maroon [OFFLINE]

2) Nasty Subway

3) It Only Takes Two Tribes [OFFLINE]

You can also visit andrewherring's website here.

cry.on.my.console.

2004-12-03T20:20:00.000+08:00

just.for.the.record.what's.the.story.behind.the.name.'cry.on.my.console'?

i.am.so.boring.!.!.there.really.isn't.much.of.a.story.behind.it.

at.the.time.i.wanted.a.name.that.was.robotic.&.pretentious.
it.all.began.as.an.alter.ego.really.
i.made.one.weird."robot.poem".track.which.was.a.pretentious.&.cheap.little.track.
when.i.posted.it.i.expected.to.get.flamed.or.something.but.to.my.surprise.the.fools.liked.it.
so.i.decided.that.it.was.good.&.went.about.making.more.&.more.tracks.
soon.the.alter.ego.destroyed.my.human.brain.&.all.i.was.left.with.was.electronic.crap

i'm.happy.now.though...&.trying.not.to.be.pretentious.
but.it's.hard.with.a.shit.name.like.this....
especially.as.i.insist.on.having.it.all.in.lower.case.with.full.stops.between.each.word....
every.time.i.see.it.spelt.wrong.i.pretend.not.to.care./.notice.
but.really.a.little.piece of me dies...

what.are.you.up.to.these.days?

i.wish.there.was.something.to.promote!
umm.go.here.or.die.lonely!!!

i.feel.like.one.of.those.old.music.folks.who.get.interviewed.because.of.the.stuff.
they've.done.in.the.past.&.when.asked.about.what.they.are.doing.now.just.avoid.eye.
contact.&.mutter.something.about.
"things.in.pipeline...a.few.projects...everything.up.in.the.air.right.now..."

so.yeah...got.some.pipelines.projects...um...in.the.air...i'm bouncing back.
people.bounce.back!.

what.music.are.you.currently.grooving.to?

right.at.this.very.moment.i.am.listening.to.Stevie.Wonder.-.Living.For.The.City...
hardcore.josh.reallll.hardcore...
in.other.ears.i'm.enjoying.Si.Begg.in.every.shape.&.form.
i.am.an.addict!.

Rex.The.Dog.is.really.good.
Shitmat.-.Razor.Radio.Mix.(soooooooooooooo.good.my.toes.curl.)
Lady.Sovereign.is.my.audio.wife.although.she'd.probably.hate.me.if.we.met.
she'd.make.fun.of.my."posh.accent".it's.not.true.i'm.just.well.spoken.
honestly.though.i.just.listen.to.random.tracks.by.people.like.Imatran.Voima.Tipper. General.Midi.Aquasky.Slaughter.Mob.Plastikman.

i.listen.to.my.own.stuff.a.lot.too.but.only.the.most.recent.thing.i've.done...

what.if.push.comes.to.shove.is.your.all-time.favourite.album?

...eek.this.is.so.hard...so.hard....i'm.going.to.do.this.logically.
the.album.i.have.listened.to.the.most.would.be:
........drum roll.................
The.Best.Of:James.Bond.Theme.Tunes.
some.proper.crackers.in.there.
dance.into.the.fire.

when.was.the.last.time.you.bought.a.record.that.was.shite?
where.did.you.buy.it?

seeing.as.I.actually.seek.out.bad.records.this.is.pretty.easy.
in.a.charity.shop.in.Wandsworth.i.bought.Essential.Irish.Folk.Songs.
i.also.bought.Kid.606.-.Down.With.The.Scene.
after.feeling.guilty.about.downloading.loads.of.his.stuff.but.it's.shite...
i.think.i’ll.copy.it.&.return.it.

which.artiste.other.than.yourself.have.you.ever.wanted.to.be?

Charlotte.Church.
ugly.&.loaded.

can.you.recall.the.most.embarrassing.&.bizarre.thing.that.has.ever.happened.to.you.
while.manning.the.decks?

embarrassing: whilst.in.Brighton.i.was.playing.the.Nirvana/Usher.thing.
pressed.the.cue. button.for.the.wrong.deck.
this.resulted.in.the.tune.stopping.exactly.on.the."drop".
was.quite.funny.
the.crowd.jumped.up.once.in.dancing.mode.
then.stared.at.me.
i.suck.

bizarre: don’t.know.about.bizarre...i.once.sped.up.milkshake.vs.go.DJ.up.to.as.fast.as.
the.pitch.controls.on.the.CD.decks.would.go.when.I.was.playing.a.club.in.Brixton.
the.crowd.loved.it.but.it.was.stupid.
like.coffee.table.gabba.with.chipmunks...

the.first.of.cry.on.my.console.:

first.record.you.ever.bought.
=.Michael.Jackson.-."Earth.Song". (Hahahaha...cool.kid? you.bet.I.was.)

first.movie.you.watched.that.gave.you.wood.
=.Aladdin.(Princess.Jasmine...+.her.pet.tiger...buff.)

first.book.or.mag.you.read.that.was.awesome.
=.The.Transformers.comic.series.

first.concert.you.went.to.that.was.utter.rubbish.
=.been.to.quite.a.few.metal.nights...can't.remember.names.now...
probably.something.like."The Everlasting Torment".or."Noose Around Her Neck".

first.mash-up.you.heard.that.made.you.wanna.be.a.'legger.
=.Loo.&.Placido.-."My.Favourite.Name".

could.you.tell.us.a.slight.history.on.how.you.ended.up.as.being.a.GYBO.mod?

i.bunked.school.so.i.could.sit.around.making.silly.music.things.
this.resulted.in.me.wasting.my.time.surfing.GYBO.a.great.deal.
one.thing.led.to.another.&.now.i.am.GYBO.bitch...

what.are.the.greatest.joy.as.well.as.the.biggest.pain.of.being.a.mod?

joy: being.part.of.a.clique.means.i.can.pretend.to.be.above.everyone.
so.i.don’t.have.to.comment.on.tunes.hehe.

pain: explaining.to.my.friends.exactly.what.i.do.with.all.my.free.time.

so.which.GYBO-er.deserves.a.smack.in.the.mouth?

DJ.NoNo/TBC.-.grrr. nice.guy.in.person.but.translates.very.badly.on.the.internet.
i.quite.frequently.bang.my.head.against.things.when.i.read.his.posts.

...or.everyone.on.GYBO.who.makes.glitch.
make.some.more.you.bastards!.too.many.guitars.going.on.at.the.moment.

compared.to.many.you.have.a.very.distinctive.style.
what.do.you.think.is.the.secret.ingredient.behind.the.trademark.c.o.m.c.sound?

fumbling.whilst.i.make.a.track.
i.often.just.fumble.around.with.sounds.&.stuff.
this.fumbling.tends.to.result.in.funny.sounds.
also.my.lack.of.musical.training.means.that.in.general.i.just.manipulate.whatever.i've.on.hand.
rather.than.making.new.things.
i.think.that.probably.adds.to.the.warped.sound...

i’m.not.nearly.as.hardcore.as.i.want.though....
also.using.cliché.samples.like."jack.-.woo".i.like.that.

in.your.opinion.what.are.the.factors.that.make.a.good.glitch?

when.you.can.imagine.the.original.artistes.frowning.at.the.stereo.
a.little.bit.angry.mainly.confused.at.what.happened.to.the.song.
i.like.glitches.that.use.the.track.as.more.of.an.instrument.
playing.little.noises.into.beats.&.stuff.
stereo.separation.makes.most.things.sound.a.lot.better.than.they.actually.are.as.well.
i.like.that.

describe.your.ultimate.bootleg.fantasy.involving.
RadioQuita.Natasha.Bedingfield.Deep.Purple.&.LV15.
humour.us.please...

me.&.my.best.friend.LV15.are.strolling.around.somewhere.
Deep.Purple.are.there.too.
i.beat.them.up.because.they.are.more.famous...
&.I.know.nothing.about.them.really.(the.nations.eyes.roll.).
LV15.rolls.me.a.spliff.which.i.smoke.in.Radioquita's.honour.
Natasha.Bedingfield.watches.from.across.the.road.with.binoculars.

let's.play.word.association.
we.mention.a.name.&.you.give.us.your.thoughts...

50.Cent. = ...
Optimus.Prime. = god
Johnny.Ramone. = punk.blah.blah.
BitTorrent = g33ksuperdan
Lee.Perry. = dub.innit.
Skkatter = love.you.
Moog = mook
Booty.Ze.Kick. = ...dunno...rubbish.name?
Jesus = GOD
Heidi.Klum. = lederhosen

which.genre.of.music.do.you.consider.the.most.boring?

trance...if.i.wanted.to.stand.around.reaching.for.the.lasers.i’d.play.a.star.wars.arcade.

what.do.you.remember.about.the.following.years:

1983 = i.was.sperm.
1989 = i.piled.my.chicken.on.top.of.my.drinking.beaker.spilt.it.all.giggled.a.bit.pissed.myself.
1995 = collected.a.mammoth.amount.of.pogs.good.year.
2000 = listened.to.things.like.Ultimate.Club.Mix.
2004 = i’m.confused.&.tired.enjoying.it.

what's.your.favourite.Saturday.night.record?

Vitalic.-."La.Rock".

i’ve.broken.two.beds.whilst.getting.ready.to.go.out.with.this.on.the.stereo.
i.do.quite.a.good.beatbox.version.too.
"du-du-d-du-du-d-duh-duh-d-du-du-du-duh-duh-d-duh-duh-du"

and.your.Sunday.morning.one?

if.i.was.awake.i’d.listen.to.Wevie.Stonder.or.A.Tribe.Called.Quest.

any.regrets.in.life.so.far?

i've.kissed.two.girls.called.Rosie.in.my.life.
they.are.both.ugly.
one.is.chavvy.

do.you.still.see.yourself.churning.out.bootlegs.in.ten.years.time?

i've.stopped.making.proper.bootlegs.really.
can't.get.the.hang.out.of.this."key".thing.
i'll.probably.have.a.copy.of.Cool.Edit.on.my.PC.in.my.sterile.office.cubicle.
but.every.time.i.open.it.i’ll.get.depressed.&.end.up.crying.silently.into.my."in".tray.

what.do.you.think.the.future.for.bootlegs/mash-ups/remixes.would.be.like.
given.that.being.a.home.musician.is.so.easy.these.days?

"the.only.way.is.up.baaabbbbbyyyyyy"
more.more.more.
there's.gonna.be.so.much.more.electronicnoodlings/crap.
seeing.as.its.so.easy.to.make.on.computer.
so.there's.either.going.to.be.more.people.unlocking.their.natural.talent.
through.the.genius.of.technology...

...or.there's.going.to.be.a.hell.of.a.lot.more
"EMINEM.VS.DR.DRA.-.MAH.NU.MASHUP!1111!!1!!1.OMG.WTF"
i'm.happy.either.way.

lastly.what.do.you.wanna.be.least.remembered.for?

being.a.student.

some.cool.cry.on.my.console.boots.

1) Bombs.Of.Peace.

2) Death.Star.Shit.

3) Got.The.Power.

4) Lou1e.Lou1e

Loo & Placido

2004-11-09T16:25:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'Loo & Placido'?

Because Heckel & Jeckel, Tom & Jerry, Boule & Bill, Sly & Robbie, Althea & Donna, Placide & Muso, Stone & Charden, Olive & Tom, Tif & Tondu, Arnold & Willy, Rox & Rouky, Jan & Dean, Ike & Tina, David & Jonathan, Laurel & Hardy, Bob & Bobette, Bonnie & Clyde, Starsky & Hutch, Quick & Flupke, Hugh & Ketner, Apache & Michigan, Black & Deker, Ying & Yang...

So what are you up to these days?

We've been working as producers / remixers here in France for a couple of years now, & at the moment, we are doing some R&B & Ragga / Reggae tunes for some French artistes, a remix for Stanley Beckford (an old Jamaican mento legend), a remix & a mash-up of Brandy's last single for a big French radio + some other stuff...

We also just finished 12 mini mixes for the nominees of the MTV European Music Awards 2004 + some new tracks for MTV MASH, & of course, a lot of new bootlegs, as we are working on our Superchunk for XFM that will be aired on the 28th of November, & another one hour mix that will be aired on French radio OuiFM on November 13th.

What music are you currently listening to?

Placido: My tastes are very eclectic, but here are a few stuff I've been listening to recently: Green Day - American Idiot (I discovered this band in 1990 on a skateboard video, & I've always been a big fan since then + this may be their best album so far)
Easy Star All-Stars - Dub Side Of The Moon (the classic Pink Floyd album totally revisited in a reggae / dub style. Genius!!!)
Steve Miller Band - Best Of (classic!)
Sondre Lerche (A very good songwriter from Norway. I love the production of his albums)
Johnny Cash (a compilation I made with all the covers & duets he made. My favourite one is the cover of Bob Marley "Songs Of Freedom" with Joe Strummer)
N.E.R.D. - Fly Or Die (always have been impressed by their creativity, these guys are amazing)
Fatboy Slim - Palookaville (his 1st album was a shock for me. I was really impressed by the stuff this guy was pulling out with a good record collection & a computer. He really got me into sampling & I still enjoy his new stuff)
Lyrics Born (Latteef is such a great rapper / singer)
Bob Dylan - "Ramona" (this song always makes me cry)
...& the list could go on & on...music is a real drug.

Loo: Stanley Beckford, The Roots' Tripping Point & Snoop Dogg's Drop It Like It's Hot.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

Placido: This is a really hard one...so many great albums...I think that the one I listened to the most is The Ramones - It's Alive, 100% pure energy.

Loo: Bob Marley - Talking Blues

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

Placido: As a kid, I used to spend hours recording songs on the radio, & make my own compilations but the 1st album I bought was in a supermarket when I lived in Spain. (It was) Thriller by Michael Jackson.

Loo: Adriano Celentano - Svalutation

Which artist, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Placido: Joe Strummer is my hero!
Loo: Bob Marley.

What is the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you while DJing? Tell us some stories please!

Placido:
Embarrassing: It was with my 1st band a couple of years ago, when an old drunk guy wanted to fight me because he didn't like the music we were playing. He almost hit me with a bottle of whisky.
Bizarre: Was to have a friend of mine totally drunk & running naked on the stage for about 15min while I was DJing with Rubin Steiner. We were the only ones who found it funny.

Loo:
Embarrassing: A drunk sound engineer cutting the lights & PA because I was playing too much reggae for his tastes. Almost got into a fight.
Bizarre: Was at the afterparty of a fashion show in Paris, when I saw all these Japanese girls singing all the lyrics when I played Buju Banton or Bounty Killer! I was shocked!

Is it true that when it comes to making music, the French has a different approach compared to its UK or US counterparts?

For a long time, French music didn't have a very good reputation abroad, & we suffered from an inferiority complex, but in the mid 90's, the French electronic scene suddenly caught a lot of attention from the international press. Daft Punk, Air, Cassius, to name a few...were labelled as "French Touch" by the journalists, & it even became a label of quality. We never thought there was a specific French sound that you could easily identify, & those 3 bands mentioned above are all different in our opinion. The good thing about all this, is that we don't have to be ashamed anymore of being French in the music business. More generally, there are good & bad musicians everywhere, whatever country you're coming from, music is universal.

The Last of Loo & Placido:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) =
Placido: A reggae tribute to the Beatles (was about time I discovered this!)
Loo: The Roots - Tripping Point

Last movie you watched that scared the shit outta you =
Placido: The Ring
Loo: Fahrenheit 911

Last book or mag you read that excited you tremendously =
Placido: Thrasher, one of the oldest & still the best skateboard magazine (My girlfriend keeps on telling me I should read more books...)
Loo: La reine du sud by Arturo Perez-Reverte

Last concert you watched that was awesome =
Placido: The last one that really impressed me was a band called At The Drive-In a few years ago.
Loo: Stanley Beckford

Last bootleg you heard that reminded you of yourself =
When McSleazy posted a track on GYBO using Green Velvet & Eddy Grant, as MTV Mash had just comissioned one of our tracks using the same ingredients two days before. That was a total coincidence & what was funny is that it has happened before with McSleazy, but in the other way, with a boot using Queens Of The Stone Age & Tweet.

In your opinion, what are the TEN bootlegs that you think are the greatest of all time?

There are many good ones, but here are 10 in no particumar order:

Freelance Hellraiser - "A Stroke Of Genie-us"
Soundhog - "I Feel You Really Caught Me On The Edge"
McSleazy - "Franzie Boys"
Ultra396 - "Woops, There Goes My Remedy"
DJ Zebra - "Killing Boombastic"
Smash@Mash - "Bootystition"
2Many DJ's - "Dreadlock Women"
DJ Skillmaster - "Breathe, Don't Stop"
Go Home Productions - "Ray Of Gob"
Loo & Placido - "Kids Rock"

You seemed to have not made any shit boots so far. How do you do it? Tell us the secret ingredient behind the Loo & Placido magic!

We just spend a lot of time on our tracks, takes a lot of patience to search for some good combinations, but when you find a good one, it's definitely something magic & really exciting, & that's what we love about doing mash-ups. First person to be surprised has to be you.

What are the influences behind your bootlegs?

Making bootlegs is a chance to play with all our favourite tracks from our record collection in no particular style. There are no barriers & no restrictions, it's like "ultimate sampling". So the influences are really diverse, depends if it's a chilled track or something for the dancefloor, but the melodies are surely something really important to us. We like it when the final result sounds like a track that could have been recorded in the studio by the artistes involved.

Will Mash-ups be the new pop? Discuss...

We prefer to quote an article written by Soundhog & Manriki as it sums it up perfectly:
"Many of the people in the scene are kind of hoping that the genre will get more recognition from record labels & artistes, as well as from the people who listen / dance to music. People downloading music from the Internet is not the only reason for the bad situation that most record companies are in today - a lack of creativity & guts is an important factor as well! If they care to open their eyes for a change, maybe the day that artistes & record companies will see the almost unlimited possibilities of working with mash-up producers may come. And if it happens, then from that day onwards music will never be the same again. Here's hoping..."

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Audio Sault = Very nice & efficient person, she gave us the opportunity to finally have our own website!
Irreversible = Bizarre
Boot 106 = Great site, been very active in the past years.
Freddie Mercury = Placido: My best friend's hero & I must say one of the biggest performers of all time.
Jean-Yves Prieur = Placido: Never trust a guy who after having been a punk, is now playing electro. Loo: He produced an album of my 1st band (Les Satellites) back in 1987, his name was not Kid Loco, but Kid Bravo at that time.
Serge Gainsbourg = Incredibly talented!!! The No.1 French artiste we are very proud of. He was a genius & still has a big influence on the French scene, but nobody has never beaten him.
The Strokes = First album was damn great, but maybe a bit overated...
Monica Bellucci = Vincent Cassel is a lucky boy.
Wim Wenders = Multi-talented person with a unique & amazing style.
OUI 102.3FM = The only French radio to host a show dedicated to bootlegs. DJ Zebra is the man!!!

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music?

The 60's seemed to be very exciting. So much bands were sounding totally new, & there was a big enthusiasm by the public, radios, etc...

What do you remember about the following years:

1988 =
Placido: My 1st skateboard
Loo: 1st tour as a drummer with my band (Les Satellites)

1995 =
Placido: First European tour with my band Portobello Bones. Did 22 gigs in 26 days in 10 different countries! I'll never forget this unique experience.
Loo: Travelled a lot with my band.

1999 =
Placido: At the end of 1998, I was asked to replace the bass player of a famous French band called No One Is Innocent & did a big tour, & got my first sampler AKAI S2000. I also start doing bootlegs with my friend Rubin Steiner, & DJ in what we called "The Dancing Music Show". We did about 15 dates in some French clubs & festivals & even shared the stage with artistes like Gonzales, Monk & Canatella, Blink 182...
Loo: I would have preferred 1998 when I met my wife.

2002 = Finally got a broadband connection, & discovered the joys of the Internet.

2004 =
Placido: Great summer holiday on the Crete island with my girlfriend.
Loo: Very prolific year for us.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Placido: There are so many...but 2Many DJ's did the perfect Saturday night record with As Heard On Radio Soulwax Part 2.
Loo: Saturday Night Fever OST (I couldn't resist).

And your Sunday morning one?

Placido: Manu Chao - Clandestino
Loo: Johnny Osbourne - Truths & Rights

What's it like being a day in the life of Loo & Placido?

Placido: Get up around 8-9 am / Shower / Make some music / Phone calls / E-mails / Eat / Make some music / Spend some time with my girlfriend in the evening / Make some more music / Go to bed around 1am

Loo: Get up around 7 am / Shower / Bring the kids to school / Make some music / Phone calls / E-mails / Meetings / Make some music / Spend some time with my girlfriend & kids in the evening / Make some more music / Go to bed around 11 - 12pm

What are your plans for the future?

We have the chance to make a living of music since our early 20's, & we hope it will continue as long as possible. We would also like to find some time to work on our proper album one of these days...

Do you still see yourself doing bootlegs in, let's say, ten years time?

Yes, possibly...as long as it will keep us excited...

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

There may be more & more official releases in the next months / years. Let's see what happens.
On the artistic side, a band playing mash-ups live, with the original singers performing at the same time, but as holograms, you know, like the things R2D2 was projecting in Star Wars when Obi-One or Yoda had a message for Luke.That would be something we'd surely like to see or do.

*Two Exclusive Loo & Placido Boots*

1. Rigby Reggae (The Beatles vs Seeed)

2. It Wasn't Blur (Blur vs Shaggy)

Some other classic Loo & Placido boots:

1. Kids Rock (Queen vs Althea & Donna vs Kids Will Rock You)

2. Safari Love (The Beatles vs The Pixies vs Aretha Franklin vs Elton John)

3. Horny As A Dandy (Dandy Warhols vs Mousse T)

You can also check out their website here.

Dunproofin'

2004-10-21T10:25:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, what's the story behind the name 'Dunproofin''?

Blame LV15...I got a pretty savage but deserved mauling over a track which I let it get to me. At that point I had been (the pretty awfully named) Andy Soundproof for some time after a club night I used to DJ at...decided that it would be a good idea to change my name since I was also changing the kind of stuff I was DJing. LV15 was the straw that broke the back, so "Soundproof" was "Dun" from that day onwards...it's also an especially poor play on a Scottish tradition for house naming.

What are you up to these days?

Juggling three areas of my life - a hobby, a vocation & a job (the family, the 9-5 & the music: I'll let the readers decided which description matches which activity).

Musically - there's quite a lot going on. The website's now up & running again (thanks Richie) at it's new address. I'm very excited about the next International Bastard in November, the new Bastard 3x Vinyl LP & especially excited about a BBC2 (Brighton) gig in December. Actually, bricking it is probably a better description.

What music are you currently raving to?

OK, tunes for this weekend include Rennie Pilgrem's Pilgremage, Freeform Five's Strange Things, Yellow Magic Orchestra's YMO Go Home! & Killing Joke's Killing Joke, &, erm, William Shatner's Has Been.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

Tuff question...today I'll take 808 State's 90 with me on the Desert Island.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Bjork. Does what she wants & doesn't give 2 shits about anyone else. Just so happens she's f**king amazing also, which helps.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

Embarrassing: Probably a photo or something getting dragged out by family.
Bizarre: Nearly running over Billy Connoly at Aberdeen Airport.

The First of Dunproofin':

First record you ever bought = Raiders Of The Pop Charts (buy one, get one free)
First movie you watched that gave you wood = Can't remember. Anything with Winona, the love of my life, is always worth watching though.
First book or mag you read that made you go "Mmmm..." = Down & Out In Paris & London
First concert you went to that changed your life = Optimo, T-In The Park, 2003. That's a smart trick with microphones they pulled off. I never thought I would sing along to Technotronic.
First mash-up you heard that made you wanna be a 'legger = GHP's "Making Plans For Vinyl" revitalised my interest significantly. I'm guessing
probably Mixmachine's version of "Waiting For Tonight" / "Heart Of Asia" got me started though.

In your opinion, what is the most irritating thing about GYBO?

Heh, probably me. Too many posts with not enough music on the main board.

Which GYBO-er deserves the greatest applause?

I was thinking about this hard - people on GYBO have got a fairly good idea who I dig, & I don't want to be the Greek panel nominating the Cypriots, but I don't think xStarbellyx & Empire State Human get enough props.

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving Cathy Dennis, Cropstar, Lindsay Lohan & Deep Disco Force. Humour us please...

Cropstar is a man behind the scene's - he sets things up. Cathy's acting out her greatest hit. Lindsay's floating around. Then Deep Scholong Force turns up...& I wake up.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Anton LaVey = Well researched questions
Nicole Kidman = Skinnymalink
Dee Dee Ramone = Gabba Gabba Hey
Vaseline = When you're stuck like glue
Weiser = Misunderstood
Soundforge = Unknown quantity
Dave Grohl = The devil
Always Outsiders Never Outdone = Clique?
Lucifer = Scream's Finest
Kylie = Your disco needs you

Which decade do you consider its music the most jaded?

90's: this was my decade essentially. You can never go back on your past.

What do you remember about the following years:

1978 = Greek Holidays & Skylab?
1983 = Frankie Says...
1996 = Mrs Dunproofin' created
1999 = Dunproofin' Jnr mrk 1 arrives
2002 = Dunproofin' Jnr mrk 2 arrives

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Currently ZZ Top's Eliminator album

And your Sunday morning one?

KLF - Chill Out

What's the greatest joy & the biggest pain about being Dunproofin'?

The greatest joy: Being able to spout shite in my spare time & at work.
The biggest pain: Having to work double hard to make up for the time I'm being Dunproofin'.

Any principles of life you live by?

Presumption is the mother of all f**k ups. It's better to regret something you have done than to regret something you haven't done...

What are your plans for the future?

More gigs - really missing playing out on a regular basis. I said I'd give music one more year unless something happened in 2004. I guess enough's happened to give it another year.

Do you still see yourself churning out bootlegs in ten years time?

I hope not! I'll hopefully be an old man & listening to too much of that 90's shite (yeh - I know that's now also).

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

Being a home musician is great. Being a good musician is different. I don't think for the forseeable future much will change.

*Exclusive* Dunproofin' boot:

Get Over (GYBO Not GYRO Mix) (Sophie Ellis Baxter vs The Rapture + other ditties) [OFFLINE]

You can also check out his new website here.

Essexboy

2004-10-15T15:17:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'Essexboy'?

Before I had my own internet access, I sometimes used to use a friends PC, & we visited a particular chatroom for a laugh when we were bored. There was already a "Grant" known to the people there so the Essexboy tag was chosen at random. By the time I got my own PC / email address etc everyone knew me as "Essex" so it just made sense to continue with it. Of course it was meant to be ironic...I've never been out with anyone called Sharon or Tracy, nor have I owned a car filled with furry dice, emblazoned with go faster stripes...

What are you up to these days?

I have just reached the 1st year anniversary for my net radio show on www.radio-freedom.com. It goes out every Tuesday night at 10pm U.K. time for an hour. It's an eclectic mixture of anything & everything that I've been listening to each week...sometimes I'll play mostly bootlegs, sometimes none at all...but usually it's a 50-50 mixture & the listeners chat room conversation is always fun.

I'm also currently preparing a set for Uprising 3.5 which will be the first time I've played stuff in public since doing the disco for my sister's birthday party about 20 years ago.

What music are you currently gyrating to?

I'm never really one for keeping up with the latest fads...just had a friend over to visit from the states that I hadn't seen for 18 months so spent the last week or so playing some boots & recent bands that he's been blissfully unaware of. He hadn't even heard of The Darkness, which was amusing at first but then made me realise just how much we take stuff for granted. It's not like my mate moved to the middle of nowhere...but for what he's missed he might as well be living on Mars.

Which album, in your opinion, is the best to make out to?

Never really understood all that to be honest...if it's looking likely that I'm about to see some naked body parts, then I have more urgent things to worry about than cleaning the fluff off my stylus...

When was the last time you bought a record that was shite? Where did you buy it?

I'd have to say The Darkness album, as it's one of only two albums that I've actually "bought" in the past 2 years (from my local HMV.) The band is great, but having paid for the disc only to discover it wouldn't play due to that copy-protection rubbish did little to convince me to bother putting money into record company pockets again.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Geri Halliwell. I'd sit back & relax with my fortune, playing with my puppies all day long.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

Embarrassing: Many years ago, whilst still living with my parents, my girlfriend at the time & I were waiting to go out for the evening. As we had the house to ourselves, we had a quickie on the living room floor which finished rather hurriedly as our friends arrived to collect us. It wasn't until we were about 20 miles away that we realised neither of us had cleaned up the carpet. Mates refused to drive us straight back again....arrived home several hours later to discover my mum doing the ironing right above the scene of the crime with a face like thunder...
Bizarre: Probably having a beer with Lucio Fulci & David Warbeck in Hampstead.

The First of Essexboy:

First album you ever bought = Bit of a late starter as far as buying music goes...used to just tape everything off the radio as all my pocket money went on books. Probably Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants.
First movie you watched that sent you tripping = Dario Argento's Suspiria.
First book or mag you read that gave you a "stiffy" = Jaws or maybe it was the pile of jazz mags that me & my mates found after school that someone had kindly abandoned in a nearby farmer's field.
First concert you went to with other intentions, other than listening to the music = Not quite sure I understand this one...but I suppose there are several that could fit that description vaguely - lowlight would be Bros at Wembley stadium (was only there to supervise my younger sister)...highlights would probably be Natalie Imbruglia - admittedly I only took any notice in the first place as she's gorgeous...but in actual fact she was very good live & also Cathy Dennis at the Dominion Theatre in '91 - not the strongest live perfomer I've seen but I was VERY obsessed with her at the time.
First mash-up you heard that made you wanna be a 'legger = Although I'd been buying mash-ups on vinyl for a while & had also downloaded some great boots via Boom Selection etc, it probably wasn't until the infamous "Without Me" challenge that I actually started to seriously think about wanting to have a go too. Ironically, I've yet to do an Eminem track myself - but that's not to say I wouldn't...

Which bootlegger at GYBO should call it a day?

I don't think there's any need for anybody to call it a day - certainly it gets a bit disheartening to repeatedly download tracks that are awful...out of time & off key...only to see those responsible ignore advice given & continue to churn out more of the same. But aside from that, the potential for everyone to improve is always there. There's always someone willing to offer feedback & help out on the boards... Make the most of it I say.

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves the greatest applause?

There are a few who've kept my interest from day one...they all know who they are. I think it's a shame that we don't see more of an "on board" presence from certain parties any longer. I admire them for sticking to their principles...that their talent is lost to the masses however, is criminal IMO.

What is the sexiest boot you've ever heard?

Probably GHP's "Temptation Of The Blues" or "Sexual High"...

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson, Johnny Weiser & cry.on.my.console. Humour us please...

Ashlee Simpson is being interviewed on MTV MASH. It's about as stimulating as a Weiser boot. Suddenly cry.on.my.console. bursts into the studio & exterminates Ashlee with his ray gun...at which point Britney Spears knocks on my front door & begs to be chained up in my attic & tickled with a feather duster whilst Ultra 396's "Toxic" Remix is blasting out from the hi-fi at full volume. It doesn't get any better than that...right?

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Eddy Temple = Nice guy, Eddy.
Charlize Theron = Minger.
Bastard = I still haven't had any luck finding the spandex yet Mike, sorry...
Yoko = Oh no! Although the Barenaked Ladies song was good.
DJ Zebra = ...won't trick me into listening to 4 hours of French radio again anytime soon.
Vagisil = Good for Buffalo Gals.
Being Nobodies = Served it's purpose.
The Thrills = Prefer The Stills...
Shadrach = A film I've never seen, a band I've never heard.
Bit Torrent = Best thing since sliced bread.

Which decade do you consider its music the sexiest & why?

The '80's. Top of the pops & puberty.

What do you remember about the following years:

1979 = PiL performing "Death Disco" on TOTP.
1984 = The Smiths album.
1995 = Meeting Joe D'Amato.
1997 = Quit work to become a house husband.
2003 = Would rather forget much of it.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

The Smiths - "How Soon Is Now?"

And your Sunday morning one?

Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (the album)

What's the greatest joy & the biggest pain about being Essexboy?

The friendships I've made...sharing a passion for something with like-minded people. I wish I'd picked a different name though.

Do you still see yourself hanging around GYBO in ten years time?

None of the places I used to frequent a few years ago online exist anymore...so who knows? I'd like to think that some of the friendships I've made through the board will last much longer than a decade from now anyway.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

Being a home musician & creating bootlegs / mashups are not to my mind the same thing. I may have the software to create bootleg mixes but I'm certainly not a musician. In general I imagine bootlegs will continue to be created regardless of that fact...hopefully there will still be that tiny percentage with the essential smile factor to keep everyone interested.

Lastly, what do you wanna be least remembered for?

Probably my forthcoming set at Uprising...

Some Essexboy's boots:

1. Somebody Else's Beastie [OFFLINE]

2. Nothing To Prove In The City [OFFLINE]

3. Slow Homes [OFFLINE]

James Hyman

2004-10-08T10:21:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, is 'James Hyman' your real name?

Sure is, why shouldn't it be?!! Don't confuse me with other James Hyman's out there - eg. the UK art dealer, the US therapist offering 'Deep Emotional Release', the nephew of Charles Robert Jenkins, a US army sergeant who lived in North Korea undiscovered for nearly 40 years...

What are you up to these days?

Two weekly XFM 'Rinse' radio shows & various film / tv / ad work. See www.jameshyman.com for more info.

What music are you currently grooving to?

So much good stuff out there, everything from Super Discount 2 album, Dead Man's Shoes soundtrack, Mylo, Ewan Pearson's production on Closer Musik's "One, Two, Three", mind-blowing new Nas single "Bridging The Gap", Beans "You're Dead, Let's Disco" (off his new Shock City Maverick album). Keep checking my playlists on www.xfm.co.uk/rinse.

Which album, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite?

Unfair to single out one but Beatles or DJ Shadow would be strong contenders.

When was the last time you actually bought a record that was shite? Where did you buy it?

Can't remember. I think those days have gone as I tend to listen to stuff before buying. I certainly get sent a lot of shite but that's the fun, sifting thru & pulling out the gems.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

I wouldn't want to be anyone else but aspire to many.

What are the pros & cons being James Hyman?

Pros: Doing what I want to do. Dashes of OCD & ADD!!
Cons: Perfectionism, dashes of OCD & ADD!!!

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

Embarassing: Damn, I honestly can't recall any at the moment.
Bizarre: Most of my life!!!

The First of James Hyman:

First album you ever bought = Probably Queen's Night At The Opera.
First movie you watched that gave you severe wood = By wood, I'm presuming you mean "a hard on"? If so, a John Holmes movie where he played "Ralph" the gardener!
First book or mag you read that was scary = Stephen King's The Shining & some Penguin pocket book of stories with tales about Borley Rectory &amp;amp; Jeff the Otter; terrifying!!!
First concert you went to that changed your life = DMC World Mixing Championships.
First mash-up you heard that rocked your world = The one I produced with Gez Dewar for MTV's Megamixes back in '98, Fatboy Slim "Rockafeller Skank" & Eminem's "My Name Is"; the first video bootleg I reckon.

What is the one thing that attracted you to bootleg culture?

It's creativity, cheekyness & surrealism.

On the other hand, what do you think are severely lacking in bootlegs these days?

Nothing really lacking, just the ratio of good over bad is too low.

Any mash-ups you wished you've done but didn't?

Freelance Hellraiser's "A Stroke Of Genie-us" or Soulwax's "Smells Like Teen Booty". Classics!!!

So have your social life improved, since the news is out on of how "blessed" you're "down under"?

That article's so old! I've reaped the rewards of being "blessed down under" for too long!!!

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Osymyso = Intro-Spection
Boom Selection = When it was growing parallel to XFM's Remix show with Eddy Temple-Morris & me. It f**king ruled & it still does, though dust has settled on much of the 'Bootleg / Mash-Ups' scene.
Gondry = Visual genius. Check his Director's DVD for clear proof.
Mark Vidler = Solid leader in the mash-up arena: "Jacko Under Pressure", "David X", "Ray Of Gob" etc. Class.
Dizzee = Rudebwoy running tings & I'm happy to see him doing so well
Gwyneth Paltrow = Doesn't excite me half as much as the others on this list.
Simone Angel = Reminds me of the phenomenal MTV era where we both achieved a lot in broadcasting everything & everyone in 'dance' & 'club culture' from 1988-2000.
Jesus Christ = He suffered.
London Booted = Yes mate!

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music?

40's - present day, though I would have slight bias to the 80's.

What do you remember about the following years:

1974 = Not much.
1983 = Becoming a man, Colecovision, The Man Who Fell To Earth, Harold Lloyd.
1988 = Acid House era - some of the most exciting times of my life ever - joining MTV, producing shows for them still in my teens!!!
1997 = Like '88 - very exciting, bit more chaotic & emotional.
2001 = Arthur C Clarke & a new dawn.

What's the most ridiculous rumour you've heard being said about you?

Several but gossip-mongering is not where I want to be.

Describe the average day in the life of James Hyman.

Get up, get dressed, listen to music, e-mail, meetings, eat, hang out in Record & Tape Exchange, meetings, Yo! Sushi, DJ or maybe a swim.

You've been a producer, video director, DJ. So what else is there left that you wanna (but haven't) do in the music industry?

Plenty, let me achieve these things & then I'll tell you about them.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think the future is a Darwinist 'survival of the fittest'. Anyone can do them now so the ante is upped. New unique selling points are needed eg. visuals, more elements, cleverer production. Mash-ups are an art form, certainly not a new one, look back & read up:

1963: A dude called Nam June Paik
1984: Video directors Godley & Creme making a mash-up video remix for Frankie Goes To Hollywood's "Two Tribes".
1985: Paul Hardcastle's "19", a mash-up that got to No.1 & who Simon Fuller (Spice Girls) named his '19' company after!! Steinki's "The Motorcade Sped On" - a JFK assassination cut-up.
1987: M.A.R.R.S. - original bad boys & again No.1 for a serious mash-up!!!

Not forgetting Emergency Broadcast Network, Lucky People Center - google them & learn your history!!!

Download the classic James Hyman boot:

Fat Boy Shady (Fatboy Slim vs Eminem) [OFFLINE]

You can visit James Hyman website here.

ccc

2004-09-30T15:39:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'ccc'?

When I first bought a computer, I was registering with all these websites - "chris" was invariably taken - "chrischris" was often used too - "chrischrischris", however, wasn't. Due to laziness, the "-hris-hris-hris" soon fell off.

What are you up to these days?

As usual, I'm just messing with material for my own pleasure. I'm utterly blown away by Brian Wilson's new recording of SMiLE, so have been mashing all the original Beach Boys bootlegs to this new 'official' sequence. Just for my own sick pleasure, you understand. I've also supplied the music for some idents on some Sky channel or another, thanks to the brilliant Ben Wheatley - but generally I'm waiting for my muse to return from wherever it seems to have flown to.

As well as that, I'm trying to break the world record for consuming the most amount of baked beans. The world record is six pounds of beans in 1 minute 48 seconds - so far I've only managed 2 tins in 2 minutes, but I feel if Heinz were fully behind me, I'd bring that record back home - where it belongs.

What music are you currently listening to?

Just looking to my right, I see a pile of Beach Boys CDs, plus a fine new band from Texas called Hyperbubble (Human League meets Yazoo - & they have a nice song about a cat - which can't be bad), Procol Harum, Syd Barrett, George Harrison, The Who, Head soundtrack & I've just noticed a Goodies album. Bill Oddie was, in fact, one of the finest composers of the 70s.

Which album, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite?

Monkees - Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. While all the 'cool' press were lauding praise on the new wave of mid sixties bands like The Byrds & Buffalo Springfield, the Monkees were seen as fakes. But this album has everything you could ever want - folk-rock, jingy guitar pop, psychedelia, mod pop. It's wonderful - equal to any of the material by the 'rated' artists. It sold bugger all, as all the Monkees fans were hitting puberty & spending their money on kinky boots, drugs & tampons, but it has that lack of side that appeals to my strange tastes.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Never really fancied being anyone else, although I recall I quite fancied being in Ned's Atomic Dustbin. Like being in the Banana Splits but without having to wash. Oh yes - & I'd quite like to be Hemingway please.

What are the pros & cons of being ccc?

Pros: It's easy to spell.
Cons: I've worn out the 'c' on my keyboard.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you? Tell us some stories, please!!!

Embarrassing: Going to Manchester many years ago with my best pal. We stopped off at a B&B in Bakewell & proceeded to smoke copious amounts of illegal substances. Anyway, we got the giggles &, I'm sorry to say, I proceeded to shit myself laughing.
I scurried off to the bathroom whilst Maff was choking with laughter & noticed a strange black mural on the wall, glass-like, with unusual patterns. I decided the best thing to do was to fill the sink full of water & squat over it - do you see? So there I was, a-swishing & a-sploshing away, when suddenly the bathroom was lit up. The mural was in fact a window & the landlady, having turned on the light in the next room, was now peering through the glass & coughing extremely loudly...

Bizarre: Last year I was sending ridiculous emails in to my local paper to see if they'd get printed in the letters page - including a few from old ladies thanking a superhero dressed as a monkey for returning their handbags etc. Anyway - next thing I knew the local paper contacted me as they wanted to write an article on 'Monkeyman'. Within a week, it was all over the national press & I'd come home from work to find BBC 24 News vans parked in the village, reporters knocking on the door & receiving phonecalls from radio stations. When it was revealed to be a hoax, the local newspaper wrote a scathing article about me - what did they expect? A real superhero?

The First of ccc:

First album you ever bought = Sgt Pepper. Sounds corny, but there we are. I saved up my pocket money for weeks & weeks - took the bus to Watford on my own for the first time & then realised I didn't actually have a record player. My older brother let me play it about three times on his Lloytron super-stack hifi until I badgered my mum for a stereo for Christmas.

First movie you watched that gave you severe wood = Calamity Jane. All those whips did it for me. For some unknown reason, many of my formulative years were spent lusting after Doris Day. I assume it was after hearing her singing "Move Over Darling" - as erotic an experience there can be. Whenever I saw current photos of her in her 60's or 70's, I'd have the arduous task of pondering: "Would I...?"

First book or mag you read that was scary = Sparky Annual 1970. Similar to the Beano, there was a particular cartoon about two children whose mother had disappeared. Their father met a wicked stepmother, who, it turned out, was a witch & had turned their mother into a bird. Sounds shit, but I was an impressionable child...

First concert you went to that was awesome = Best concert I ever saw was the Divine Comedy playing in a pub in Canvey Island. Neil Hannon was mates with the landlord & chose to play a warm up gig before his USA tour. It was an autumnal Sunday evening, the sea breeze nipping at my nips & it was all rather splendid. Plus he told a heckler, the size of Bluto, to fuck off - which was nice.

First mash-up you heard that rocked your world = Reverend Dan - "Get This Organ Started". He'd plopped a link on Beta.com, I clicked it & was absolutely blown to pieces. How the hell did he do that? From there, I went to his site, clicked on the links - found GYBO & then, suddenly, was faced with thousands of the damned things. Read up on the FAQ's, got a copy of Acid Pro 4 & that was it - my social life, gone.

Which bootlegger, in your opinion, do you think is the most underrated?

Superdan. Just because he was so nice to me in Harrow.

What do you think is the 'secret ingredient' behind a ccc boot?

An all-encompassing love of music, a record collection that stops dead after 1979, an understanding girlfriend & many, many, many cigarettes.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

GHP's I'm A Believer / Paperback Writer...it was just...so, so...bloody obvious - Gah! Glad it was him that did it though - I'd have just messed it up.

What was your reaction when you discovered that someone was bootlegging your boots on eBay?

Shock, then pride, then anger, then pride, then a little more shock, more pride & then, before I had a chance to react properly, they were gone...

"The older the geezer gets, the better are his boots..." Discuss...

The thing I love about mashes is that you can tell a lot about the 'mashee'(?) by their song selection. The chances are that the boots you enjoy the most are done by someone from your own peer group. So - no. I disagree. I suppose you get better technically from practising, but the average person will only download tracks that utilise artists they enjoy. More like "The older the geezer that downloads the old geezer's mashes, the better his boots seem to the old geezer."

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Zimmerman = Best fake motorcycle crash ever
The Concretes = Mazzy Star
Ultra396 = Pot pourri
Boom Selection = Pot noodle
EMI = No reason why
MTV Mash = No idea
Syd Barrett = Effervescing
Julie Newmar = Purrrr
Prince Nelson Rogers = Bambi
Charles Manson = The 5th Monkee

All your boots seem to have that sixties connection. What is it about that era that inspires you?

Having an elder brother & sister & being an inquisitive little bastard - I went through their record collections like a rat up a drainpipe. My sister had all the Beatles, Monkees & Motown - my brother had all the reggae, prog rock & rawk. I'm kind of stuck in that decade & just pick at odds & sods after 1970 - then buy everything they've ever recorded. I'm thoroughly ashamed at my record collection - yet, disgracefully proud at the same time.

What do you remember about the following years:

1969 = Year I was born. Don't remember much apart from milk. So much milk. I understand The Archies were number one when I was born, which explains a lot, really.
1985 = I remember the Duran-ees returning from Live Aid, each one arguing over who cried the most during David Bowie's passionate lament. Plus Aztec Camera, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, O' Levels, buying my first Dylan album & masturbating furiously over the lovely Doris Day (not literally, you understand).
1989 = The NME, when it was still great - the Stone Roses being on the front page every single week. The Roses inspired me to quit my job & join a band. We were almost successful (big in Bushey) & since then I've never looked forward.
1993 = First ever Glastonbury, bucket loads of dope & stupid hair.
1997 = Giving up dope & experimenting with beer (Hair not quite as stupid - but still stupid).

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Divine Comedy - Promenade. This is right up there in my all-time top five favourite albums. Perfect with fine wine, good company & rare cheese. One of those albums that actually makes you feel more intelligent after listening to it.

And your Sunday morning one?

Euphoria - A Gift From Euphoria. A sumptuous album recorded by two Canadians in 1969. It's brimming with lush orchestration, psychedelia & bizarre sound effects. They split up after one album, were never heard of again - or since (the album sold bugger all) & one of them is now rumoured to be a woman. Perfect. Busted would die for that kind of publicity.

What's the most ridiculous rumour you've heard being said about you?

I used to get accused of being gay as I seemed to attract gay men like a magnet. Must be that huge handlebar moustache I used to wear (or was it the red indian outfit...?)

Describe the average ccc day.

5:00am: Get woken up by my girlfriend (& cat) going to work (& shitting in next door's garden) I wish my girlfriend would stop doing that - & then back to sleep.
7:30am: Stagger downstairs for coffee & a cigarette - watch the brilliant 'Big Cook, Little Cook' ("My name's Ben & my name's Small, we've got the cleanest kitchen of all") on BBC2 - feed the cat & then off to work.
9:00am - 1:00pm: Spend the morning working my balls off for a publishing company.
1:00pm - 2:00pm: Either go for a swim or go to the pub (depending on the pain of working at a publishing company between 9:00am - 1:00pm).
3:00pm - 5:00pm: Spend the afternoon working my balls off for a publishing company.
6:00pm - 6:05pm: Feed & play with the cat. Mess around doing all the things I want to do; mashing, listening to music etc before my girlfriend gets home at 6:05pm.
6:05pm - midnight: Hoovering, washing up, chores...

Any principles of life you live by?

It's all too easy & boring to be a nasty bastard - if a dog can do it, then why be that low? It's much more of a challenge to be nice to people. I say give a flower to a complete git tomorrow.

What are your plans for the future?

To marry the love of my life, to get my arse in gear & finish (& redo) the Revolved project & do as I've always done - bumble along blindly & see what happens.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I've not been as excited about a musical movement since the baggy / Britpop era. I wish the technology had been around as a teenager - I had all the ideas, but just couldn't express or put a name to them. When Maggie pushed hard on students to get out & get jobs, she also killed off all the youngsters who (in the 60's & 70's) had time to compose songs, form bands, gig & express themselves. It's the time factor that killed music in the latter half of the 80's. If Lennon & McCartney had been born two generations later they'd have been working in Macdonalds. Once the record companies & media finally latch on I suspect it'll be killed off - but, for now, you just can't beat the thrill of scurrying around the Internet & discovering great music - unavailable anywhere else - & claiming it as your own. I love it.

*Exclusive ccc Boot*

Dreaming Of Cats (The Cure vs The Coral) [OFFLINE]

You can check out more of ccc's boots at his website here, or visit his Revolved project site here.

McSleazy

2004-09-29T13:15:00.000+08:00

What are you up to these days?

I've been working on tracks with a view to getting a female singer involved. It's poppy, but firmly based in electro. There’s upcoming gigs in Paris (with GHP, Loo & Placido & DJ Zebra) at the Rex Club on Oct 13th & a gig in Budapest too. Also on the horizon is a Charlatans remix project, & a couple of other wee remixes.

What music are you currently listening to?

A lot of pop. I've no experience in writing pop vocals, so I'm soaking myself in it to try & get inspiration. For relaxation, I've being going down-tempo recently.

What, if push comes to shove, is the album that changed your life?

Different stages of my life have had different albums to go with them.

Adam & The Ants – Prince Charming has stayed with me as a magical album. "Scorpios" is a genius track, & the best first track on an album ever.
Guns N Roses - Appetite For Destruction. I learned the air-drums to the entire album.
Depeche Mode – Violator. Best synth-pop album in history.
Suede – Suede. I played that tape to death.
Primal Scream – Xtrmntr. Hit the nail on the head at the time. Woke me up a bit.

Do you still remember the first record you bought? Where did you buy it?

I remember buying the Joboxers – "Boxer Beat" but I don't know if it was the first.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

I don't know if I'd want to be someone else. I would like to have fronted the Police, so I suppose Sting circa early 80s.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you while manning the decks?

Embarrassing: I guess stripping off at the last Bastard that I played at. I always get a bit pished before the Bastards, & it's one person's fault (you know who you are. He may be an afternoon drinking expert, but I'm not used to it)!

Bizarre: Trying my best in Slovenia to play undanceable tunes to piss off the hired dancers in the club. They eventually refused to dance anymore during "Paradise City"!

You've supported the likes of Kelis & the Charlatans. Any fantastic stories to tell? Please don't spare us any details!!!

I didn't support Kelis – I was double booked. Turned out to be fortunate tho, cos when I should have been on, I ended up having dinner along with Kelis. She's extremely pretty. I was watching her soundcheck, & she was really getting involved with the musical arrangements. She knows her stuff.

No fantastic stories really. Charlatans were sound. They've been around long enough to know you don't act like a dick. The night was so relaxed. They all came out before the doors opened & asked me to play my remixes & bootlegs on the PA. Very cool people.

The Last of McSleazy:

Last album you bought (or downloaded) that was shite = Nothing springs to mind
Last movie you watched that gave you wood = Spartan. Surprisingly good
Last book or mag you read that was a total waste of time = ???
Last concert you went that was awesome = Kelis
Last mash-up you heard that made you go "Damn! Why didn't I think of that?!!" = Loo & Placido – "Kids Rock"

What is the most irritating thing that bugs you about being the head honcho of GYBO?

LV15 once told me that a lot of newcomers to the board might think I was GYBO admin, & that's all. I hadn't put anything online for a while, so that kinda kicked-started me. I guess the downside is having to get involved with some of the sillier arguments on the board – arguments I would prefer not to be involved in. The upside is being able to create something like GYRO which I think is gonna be a lot of fun...

Looking back at GYBO, is there any "what-if's" or "if-only's" you would like to share with us?

You can't think like that. I've had a lot of good stuff come my way since GYBO. I wish LV15 would come back tho...

Which bootlegger, do you think, is severely underrated?

After seeing the top 100 bootleggers list thing recently, I was horrified to see how low Ultra396 was. Neither him, nor his cohorts have ever released a bad track. Get that sorted, kids! Ben (Soundhog) is finally getting the attention he deserves. Generally, I think the talent is recognised.

Describe your ultimate bootleg fantasy involving LV 15, Kylie Minogue & Daz Automatic...

All four of us are in a room. LV15 & Daz leave.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Erol Alkan = I'm sure he's an anagram of something, but I haven't figured it out yet. I've never met the fella, but I'm assured he's a talented DJ.
Turbonegro = Watched them from the DJ booth at T in the Park last year. Hilarious.
Jirob = He used to post on the board, didn't he?
Ian Davenport = Could lose a couple of pounds. Quite sensitive. He's probably crying now.
Weiser = Poor fella.
The Passion Of The Christ = Perpetuating the Catholic myth. It didn't even have his wife in it!
Kate Moss = She's leading that poor Har Mar fella astray.
Obie Trice = Improved upon by Tone.
Southern Fried = KFC gives me the runs every single time.
Tim Burgess = Nice guy.

Which decade do you consider its music the most exciting?

This one, cos it's not finished...

What do you remember about the following years:

1984 = Indiana Jones & The Temple Of Doom
1989 = Trying skiing for the first & only time
1992 = Saidflorence
1999 = Fight Club
2002 = Quit working in Sleazys

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Bon Jovi – "Living On A Prayer"

And your Sunday morning one?

Mogwai – "Tracey (Kid Loco Remix)"

I read that you can whip out a pretty mean Salmon En Croute. So what other speciality dishes can one expect in the McSleazy kitchen?

I do a wonderful Lasagne. Tonight, it's Pork Escalopes with a white wine & mushroom cream sauce.

Any chances of us hearing that elusive solo album this year?

There'll be an album soon, but it won't be a straight forward McSleazy album.

What are your plans for the future?

Production & remixing. No ringtones, thank you.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

It'll keep going, & every now & then, there'll be breakthrough tracks.

Lastly, what is the ONE thing you want to be least remembered for?

The man who never died.

Check out one of McSleazy's DJ-Mix sets below:

Superchunk (DJ set for Xfm)

You can also visit McSleazy's website here, or order the Franzie Boys 12"
here.

Churchill

2004-09-28T15:28:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'Churchill'?

I started using the name on various forums, & just started using it on GYBO as well. It came from a role-playing internet game, where you had to write football-related stories that affected your teams results. I was managing a German side. One week I had a particularly challenging match against my nearest rival, who was managing a London team. I chose to do a "London is about to be blitzed" posting & re-wrote a speech of Churchill, "We will fight them on the beaches" became "we will fight them on the pitches" etc. I got called an "honorary German" in retaliation, & so I chose "Andreas" as my first name.

What are you up to these days?

Well, I'm coming to the end of a Uni course, so I'm about to start doing things again, semi-musically. I finally got round to doing a remix, so maybe a few more will be on the cards soon. Maybe a few fun mash-ups as well, as I've got a few appearances in Bristol & London coming up. More details about them on my website.

What music are you currently listening to?

I've always had quite a range in my CD collection. I've currently got Razorlight, Jamelia, Franz Ferdinand, Scissor Sisters & Britney Spears on rotation, along with a few electro tunes, & some chart music like Annie & Natasha Bedingfield.

What, if push comes to shove, is the album that changed your life?

I can't say anything really changed my life, but it would probably be something like Blur - The Great Escape. I think it was at that point that I stopped pretending I liked rave & drum n' bass, & started liking "real" music again. I think I'd been rebeling against being brought up
listening to Uriah Heap, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Beach Boys, Wout Steinhous, Del Shannon, et al. How silly I was.

When was the last time you bought a record that was shite? Where did you buy it?

I don't know where I bought it, but it'd be some really dodgy dance compilation from around 1995 maybe like this one I think:

Every album I've bought since then I'd still listen to today.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

I can't say I've ever thought about it before, but I'd say it has to be something I'm not. An extrovert, confident, & it'd probably have to be somebody who is a singer, but not necessarily one thought of as any good. So maybe somebody like Robbie Williams?

What's the pros & cons of being Churchill?

The pro is not having to worry about trying to impress anyone. The con is being asked if I can do cheap car insurance all the time!

What is the most disgusting thing that has ever happened to you?

I'm a pretty sure the most disgusting thing to happen to me has happened at the Bastard nights in London, & I'm pretty sure that I don't want to keep having them brought up, so I think I'll stay very quiet about them.

The First of Churchill:

First vinyl you ever bought = Comic Relief - "Stonk Song"...I think!
First movie you watched that gave you wood = Hmmm...Mermaids. Possibly. I had a thing for Cher when I was 10 years old. Although maybe I should keep that quiet & say it was because of Winona Ryder. Yes, that's the reason. Honest!
First book or mag you read that scared the hell outta you = Some weird Readers Digest book about myths & legends around the UK. About devil's footprints, & other odd stories. I think I was about 10 when I read it so that's probably why it scared me. Also finding out how old Cher actually was, at that time, was also rather scary.
First concert you watched that made you wanna do music = I can't say I've yet been to a concert where I wanted to DO music. Although the Common Ground festival this year made me kinda have a warm feeling about doing something on a stage, in front of so many people.
First mash-up you ever heard = I'd probably heard others in the past, on MTV minimixes & at clubs etc, but the one that I really took notice of was Kurtis Rush's "George Gets His Freak On". It was the first time I bothered to go on the net & find out more about the track. It started the trail that led to Boom Selection & then GYBO.

In your opinion, which bootlegger is still considered the best (for now, that is!)?

Difficult question. For simple but effective A vs B, Lionel Vinyl rules. For production value, GHP. For remixes, McSleazy, & for the glitch works, I'm a fan of cry.on.my.console. So the best bootlegger for me would be a hybrid of those four. I shall call my creation "Josmarliogra"!

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves a smack in the mouth?

I'll say myself. Because for many I don't appear to have a purpose on GYBO. I occasionally come along & wind a few people up, have arguments with the same people over & over, & yet most people on there now have no idea who I am! I'm just a weirdo who gets involved in a few unsavory acts at a London bootleg night! I've gone past resting on my laurels, so it's probably time for me to start posting tunes on the board again. Maybe I've got time to convince a few people to put me in their top 10 list on that poll that somebody set up on the board!

What is the best boot you've ever done?

For many it seems that it's only good if it's dancey, so "Foolish Sonnet" (The Verve vs Ashanti) often seems to get overlooked, but I'd say it's my best one.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

My Gloria Estefan drum n' bass bootleg. I've never got round to doing it! I should have another go some day.

If Michael Jackson commisioned you to do a boot to help get his credibilty back, what will your terms be? Humour us please...

I'd accept the job, as long as I could have a look around Neverland. Then I'd make up some story about him, & threaten legal action. I think the judge would go through out the case though as I'm probably too old for the story to be believable.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Richie Deluxe = Lazy git. Where's CDX2? He should spend less time on his bootlegs & more time coding!
Elephant Six = Is that a mistake?
Germany = 1 England 5
Marshall = Court Marshall?
Oorsmeer = The best blog in the world.
West Of Bastard = Can't wait to go back (soon)!
Sonicflood = Never heard of them, & having googled, & seen what they do, I think I'm glad...
Jerusalem = Bring Me My Chariot of Fire!
Cartel Mike = I'm so sorry for bringing Starsky The Hutch to your bootleg nights...
Danni Minogue = Pleasant on the eye.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

That undoubted classic, the one I'd probably hear every saturday night down the local, if I went out much, Spandau Ballet - "Gold".

And your Sunday morning one?

Coldplay - "See You Soon"

What do you remember about the following years:

1983 = Nothing, not even my 3rd birthday.
1989 = Anfield. Last minute. Michael Thomas. "It's up for grabs now!"
1994 = Copenhagen. Against all the odds. Smudger Smith volleying in a tremendous goal to beat Parma 1-0.
1997 = I got my first ever job. Part time, working in an International Students House. But even gorgeous foreign students could look a bit rough at breakfast!
1999 = Dennis Bergkamp missing a penalty, Ryan Giggs tearing us apart, The Scum having one very lucky season.

Do you still see yourself involved with bootlegs in ten years time?

To some extent, yes. Now that the technology is here, I'm bound to hear a tune in the future & think of an ideal mash, & do it out of curiosity. Whether there'll be any board to post it on, or any interest to hear it by anyone else is another matter!

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think we've gone as far as we can in creating a new novel mashup, but it IS still a good learning tool. You can learn the technical skills at home so perhaps that means that there's less reason to need to get work experience in a studio, cleaning floors & making tea, when you can learn at home. Although it would still help teach some people the virtue of patience. I definitely think that home musicians are going to get stronger & stronger. The strength of Internet & technology in general will help them. Learning new techniques, making tunes & getting them to the people who matter is becoming easier & easier. I think anyone who wants it hard enough, has that bit of luck, & in some cases have the talent, can do it. Most of the time though, a bit of luck is all you need. I foresee a lot of bedroom one hit wonders getting into the charts in future!

You can go to Churchill's forum site here, or visit his site & download his boots here.

DJ Zebra

2004-09-22T18:07:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name "DJ Zebra"?

Because of a book, Le zèbre by Alexandre Jardin. My philosophy teacher thought I was like the man the book is about: a excited guy, always doing a thousand things...And a zebra is a bi-coloured animal, & as him, I don't always know where I'm going.

What are you up to these days?

I'm DJing all over France, doing a rock show behind my turntables, & little by little in Europe. I also have a daily radio mix on Oüi Fm (rock radio in Paris), doing mash-ups & remixes for French bands. Plus I will compose an album in French in spring 2005.

What music are you currently listening to?

I always listened to a lot of funk & soul music: Sly & the Family Stone, P-Funk, Cameo, Stax Records...I like the funky side of all music, in rock, afro-latin, reggae, hip hop or electronic sounds. But I also like the punk energy.

What album, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite?

The only album I know in all its details is a live recording made by Prince & the Revolution in 1986, for his birthday in the "Parade" tour. It's not a real album, but it's my favorite one. If not, I'd say Truth & Soul by Fishbone.

When was the last time you bought a record that was horrible? Where did you buy it?

In 2001 in Los Angeles, I bought a jazz compilation. I thought it was good, but it was played with a cheap synthetiser by a bad local band. It didn't happened to me again since that time.

Which artist, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Joe Strummer, or maybe Frank Zappa.

Can you recall the most embarassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you when DJ-ing?

Embarassing: This year, in February, I was invited to a big rock party to mix bastard pop. I started with Rage Against The Machine "Killing In The Name Of". After the intro, I cut to play my Shaggy vs. RATM "Killing Boombastic". Half of the audience started shouting. They were really angry, & I had to stop the record. I mixed only 30 minutes & I finished drunk backstage.

Bizarre: Once I smoked herb before mixing, but it was too strong, & I heard the music much slower than it was. I was pitching it up, but then it was too fast for the dancers. I never smoked again before mixing!

The Last of DJ Zebra:

Last album you bought = The Libertines
Last movie you watched that you cried = L'adversaire, a French movie about Jean Claude Romand
Last book or magazine you read that was awsome = L'empire des loups from Jean Christophe Grangé
Last concert you went that was boring = The Vines
Last mash-up you heard that rocked your world = a mash-up between "Hella Good" (No Doubt) & I don't know who, downloaded from Go Home Productions' website ("Artist A vs. Artist B"). When I heard it, I jumped in my room. It made me crazy!!!

What are the reactions of the French when it comes to bootlegs?

It's easier in electronic styles (house, techno, drum n' bass or hip-hop), but not in rock; because the dancers don't like to hear strangers on their favourite sacred songs. But on the radio, it's different. They listen more than dance, so they take the time to appreciate.

Which bootlegger, in your opinion, is considered the best (so far)?

It's not a surprise if I say Mark Vidler (Go Home Productions). I'm always surprised by the quality of his mixes. The sound is good, & he's a real musician! I also love the works from Loo & Placido & TiMG.

On the other hand, which bootlegger should stop making bootlegs altogether?

Me...because it takes too much time, & my wife says, "Make music for money, honey!"

Can you list ten of your favourite bootlegs of ALL time?

01. Go Home Productions - "Karma In The Life"
02. Loo & Placido - "Kids Rock"
03. TiMG - "Don't Stop The Jungle Boogie"
04. DJ Zebra - "DJ House Lovers" (I'm proud!)
05. Go Home Productions - "Music Go My Way"
06. Loo & Placido - "Queens Of The Freaks"
07. Kelis - "Trick Me (Ultra396 Remix)"
08. McSleazy - "Paranoid Funk"
09. TiMG - "Toxic Secret"
10. Bangers & Mash - "Pass The Devil"

Bonus track: DJ Prince - "I Want You Back Human"

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

A French boot by Loo & Placido named "Danse comme un connard", between 2 French bands: Les Conards & Prototypes. Very very funny. I like when the mash-ups make me laugh (like the Freelance Hairdresser ones).

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Thomas Bangalter = Music sounds better with him.
Audio Sault = What is it?
La Haine = Matthieu Kassovitz is a genius.
Depeche Mode = Not punk enough.
The Beathunters = Who are they?
Streamload = Useful.
Bathing Ape = Excuse me?
Monica Bellucci = "C'est le plus beau rôle de toute ma carrière"
The Kinks = The grooviest white band.
GYBO = What would I do without GYBO?

Which decade do you consider the "golden era" of music?

It was before all these Records Industries, before electrified instruments. I would say the 20's, because everything I hear from this time is amazing.

What do you remember about the following years:

1985 = Prince & the Revolution. I saw this birthday concert I told you before, it was a shock!
1989 = My first year at Art School. I bought drums, guitars & amps, & I played in my first band, punk rock stuff.
1994 = The year of success. I was playing in a band called Billy Ze Kick et les Gamins en Folie, & one of our songs, "Mangez-moi", was the summer hit in France & Belgium.
1997 = I got married. I still am...
2003 = Back on air! After 5 years without having a radio broadcast, Oüi Fm proposed to me to do rock mixes every friday night. I said "Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!"

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Prince's "Sexy Motherf**ker", or James Brown's "Cold Sweat".

And your Sunday morning one?

Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On".

What's the good thing about being DJ Zebra?

Having a big cock.

And the worst?

Not to use it as often as I want.

Do you still see yourself making boots in ten years time?

Why not? I don't think I'll be a DJ anymore (not the way I do now, for sure), but I'll certainly be a producer & musician, & if i have ideas of good bootlegs to do, I'll do them.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

It's a free movement. The more we are, the best it is, so there's a future! I don't know if the boots will be as surprising as they are still now, but I will listen carefully. A home musician has to be a musician before all, & a computer can't give talent. I think the bootleggers need more talents than remixers, because we have to compose with more complicated material. We need more motherfuckers in the house!!!

Check out this exclusive DJ Zebra boot:

Are You Gonna Be My Motherf**ker? (Prince vs Jet)

Here's another two of DJ Zebra's boots:

1. C'mon F**k Me

2. Rock N Roll Train

You can visit DJ Zebra's website here or listen to his radio show at Oüi Fm here (Click on "DJ Zebra mixe et remixe").

DJ Nite

2004-09-22T17:15:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, what's the story behind the name "DJ Nite"?

Well, I was born Derek John Knight, so my name actually is DJ Knight. It's like my parents had something in mind for me from the very beginning. Then when I started doing mixes with my mates at school, one of them suggested that I use "DJ Nite" as my DJ name. I just did it for a laugh, but then it's stuck!

What are you up to these days?

Well, I spend my days working in radio, & putting out the odd mash-up mix when I get the chance in the evenings. At the moment I'm working on a longform mix, so keep your eyes peeled for that. My DJ-ing activities are mainly limited to parties as I haven't got round to promoting myself properly. But at the moment that suits me just fine.

What music are you currently listening to?

Ok...let's see. Loving the Charlotte Hatherley LP. Was pleasantly surprised by the Prodigy LP too. Mylo, Radio 4, Barry White, Eric Prydz vs Retarded Funk, the pop behemoth that is Girls Aloud, lots of High Contrast, the new Dizzee LP, some battered Roxy Music LPs I found in Oxfam, Mercury Rev, Dilated Peoples, & lots of great stuff from GYBO of course...

What, if push comes to shove, is the one album that changed your life?

Only one? Wow. Well, if I'm honest, it has to be The Beatles - Sgt Pepper. A dull but honest answer! I copied a cassette of it from the library when I was still at primary school (just don't tell the Feds). I listened to it so often it's sort of imprinted on my brain. Like almost all the Beatles records, I can keep coming back to it & find something new. I can't pretend I was impressed by how amazing the production is, or the social commentary. I just thought it was a great collection of songs that I could sing along to, & that says it all really.

Other contenders have to be Blur - Parklife that resparked my love of music when I was suffering lots of teenage angst, & probably The Prodigy - Experienced & The KLF - Chill Out, both which opened a whole other world of records being more than just words.

When was the last time you bought a record that was shite? Where did you buy it?

Well, I did buy an Ocean Colour Scene record in 1995 that was very bad. I ended up making a sculpture out of the CD with a lighter. And the only CD I ever voluntarily gave away was Oasis - Be Here Now, which I gave to my brother. Probably the most disappointing album I've ever bought.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

I think there's certainly a part of me that would've liked to have been a Beatle.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you while manning the decks?

Embarrassing: DJ-ing at a New Year's party. The dancefloor is rammed. I'm somehow playing a great set despite being half cut. I get a text from my mate asking directions. I text him back. As it's sending, I put it down on one of the decks. Cue *beepbeepbeepbeepburrrrrrrr*. The decks died. The record winds down to silence. The whole dancefloor turns and stares at me. "Sorry! It looks like decks don't like mobiles!" Thank God I had another record cued up (I think it was McSleazy's Madison Avenue vs Song 2 which saved me).

Bizarre: I was DJ-ing at a student night & a girl comes up to me & requested for "Holler" by the Spice Girls.

"Sorry I don't have it." (I genuinely didn't. Why on earth would I?)
"I'll snog you if you play it."
"Well, that's nice, but I still don't have the record."
"My boyfriend will beat you up if you don't play it!"
"I think the bouncers might have something to say about that. BUT I STILL DON'T HAVE IT!"
"You're shit."
"Thanks..."

The First of DJ Nite:

First album you bought (or downloaded) = Queen - Greatest Hits Vol.1
First movie you watched that gave you the creeps = Watership Down. Terrifying! I was only 8.
First book or magazine you read that gave you severe wood = Sky magazine with Anna Friel in it not wearing an awful lot.
First concert you went that was life changing = The Manics at Glastonbury had me crying like a baby. I was slightly drunk, but it was still hugely emotional.
First mash-up you heard that rocked your world = The Timelords - "Doctorin' The Tardis"

What is the most outrageous rumour you've heard that is said about you?

Well, one girl was absolutely convinced that I was gay even after I'd snogged her. Which was a bit confusing!

Which bootlegger, in your opinion, is underrated?

I like a hell of a lot of Jools MF's stuff. I don't think he's underated as such, but I'll give him respect anyway!

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves a kick in the the gonads?

Richard X for being so goddamn successful without selling out.

Can you list ten of your most favourite bootlegs of ALL time?

I'll certainly have a go! This'll probably change in 5 minutes...

01. Girls On Top - "I Wanna Dance With Numbers"
02. Freelance Hellraiser - "A Stroke Of Genie-us"
03. Go Home Productions - "Sexual High"
04. The JAMMS - "Downtown"
05. Alex C - "Music Has The Right To Know My Name"
06. Stuntmasterz - "Stardust vs Madonna"
07. Jools MF - "The Massive Streets"
08. blo_up - "Burnin'"
09. Schoen von Hinten - "Average Girls & Boys"
10. C.H.A.O.S Productions - "A Fine Dream"

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Go Home Productions featuring Barry Wilson - "Wouldn't It Be Nice To Be Your First", because it's such a wonderfully sublime combination of two of the happiest, most loved up records ever made. I wish I'd made it so that I could play it to any girl I like & make her fall in love with me. It's that good.

What is the one thing that is seriously lacking in the bootleg scene these days?

Pre-1990 acapellas & instrumentals would open up a whole new world of possibilities. And it'd be cool to see more girls, as those few that do produce stuff offer a totally different perspective to the male-dominated ones.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Boom Selection = Welcome to the Pleasuredome
James Hyman = Well hung, apparently...
Arsenal = The lads
Kasabian = Overated
Lionel Richie = Sex pesting a blind girl
Slsk = Fntstc
Guinness = Great ads, mine's a lager
Roule = French for 'The Best'
Tyra Banks = Maybe I could be America's Next Top Model
Crazypellas = Never been...

Which decade do you consider the 'dark ages' of music? Why?

The 1930's, I guess. After the roaring Twenties, &amp;amp;amp;amp; pre-the Jazz Age & The Ratpack & Elvis & the whole Rock & Roll explosion. I think every decade from then onwards has got better & better, simply in the quality & quantity of music being produced & listened to. There's a hell of a lot more great music around today, but there's also a lot more rubbish. You just need to filter out all the crap.

What do you remember about the following years:

1989 = My school friend Thomas accidentally poured Copydex in my hair.
1993 = Arsenal Cup Double.
1996 = Finishing my GCSE's to the sound of Britpop.
2000 = Doing my first proper mix tape for a millenium party.
2004 = Mallrats was right. Dicking about on escalators is a bad idea.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Deee-Lite - "Groove Is In The Heart"

And your Sunday morning one?

Glenn Campbell - "Wichita Lineman"

Any principles of life you live by?

No sell out. Love is all. Hug your enemy. Fight the power. Stick it to the man.

What are your plans for the future?

To sell out.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think the line between official releases & bootlegs will blur, as recordings become less physical as records & CDs to mp3s & whatever follows them. I think record companies (or whatever they turn into!) will be more happy to take on bootleg mixes so that they can distribute them & make a buck off them. But there'll always be the underground producing them in the first place. And the cream always rises to the top.

*Exclusive DJ Nite Boot*

Falcon's Dreaming (Loleatta Holloway vs DJ Falcon)

You can also check out other DJ Nite's boots at his website here.

Dog

2004-09-22T15:19:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, what's the story behind all the 'Dog'-related aliases? (Eg. Phil n' Dog, Act Of Dog etc...)

Right, for a long time now my Internet nickname has been Dog (from a William Gibson book), so everything stems from there really. The name 'Act Of Dog' was thought up by Rich (aka Agent Graves) whilst on a snowboarding holiday when he suggested it as a name for a music track. I liked it so much I pilfered it for my own use & here we are today. It's sort of a play on words along the Act of God lines. Did ja see what I did there? As for the 'Phil n' Dog' thing, well that's just the collaborative name for the bootlegs that I produce with Philmanns. Pretty self-explanatory really.

What are you up to these days?

Just finished a full-on remix of Fatboy Slim's "Slash Dot Dash", which will be on the board soon, plus the tdpz Prodigy album has another track from me on it & that's due soon too. Apart from that, (I'm) just working on new boots, trying to get time to work with Phil for more stupidity & just taking the scene in really.

What music are you currently grooving to?

Currently shaking my paws to Mylo's album Destroy Rock & Roll plus anything chunky, acidic & with lots of breaks in it.

What album, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite?

Easy. Brown by Orbital is by far my favourite album. It was their second full length album & the one where they really established themselves as serious players in the UK dance music industry. Unlike the first effort, Brown actually had a proper structure to it & flowed much more easily than Green did, & it's fair to say that in places it's more of a musical journey than a collection of tracks. The entire piece from the start of "Lush 3-1" to the end of "Remind" just has to be heard by everyone who even remotely likes electronic music as it's got to be one of the finest pieces of music around. Utterly stunning.

Can you recall what was the first album you bought? Where did you buy it?

Hmmm, first album? That was probably the Muppet Show Album which I don't think I have any longer. As for where I bought it, I haven't a clue.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Another easy one really. Paul Hartnoll from Orbital. The man is a god, end of story. Paul is basically responsible for the majority of Orbital's music & anyone who can produce tunes of such a phenomenal quality like that should be elevated to the status of major deity. I've been fortunate enough to meet him & Phil on a number of occasions & he has just such an endless enthusiasm for music & music-making gadgets, plus he's a really nice bloke too (they both are).

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

The most embarrassing thing was after the Metallica / Megadeth gig at Milton Keynes Bowl many moons ago when I got sunburnt across my forehead BUT only where the cap that I was wearing (backwards) didn't cover. So, there I am with beetroot lines on my head, back in university on the Monday & everyone is just stopping & laughing at me & my sunburn. I could've died!

As for bizarre, I can't really think of anything that fits, other than having to rescue a friend of mine from a riot at Dance Valley (Amsterdam) in 2001 when he was trying to get onto the coach at the end of it all. Having to haul somone over a crowd by just one arm is quite a bizarre experience in my book.

The Last of Dog:

Last album you bought (or downloaded) = Hexstatic - Master View
Last movie you watched that gave you wood = Shaun Of The Dead
Last book or magazine you read that was exciting = William Gibson - Mona Lisa Overdrive
Last concert you went with a different agenda, other than listening to the music = Who the hell goes to gigs for anything other than to listen to the music?
Last mash-up you heard that was the dog's bollocks = GHP's Stone Roses vs Kasabian

Can you recall what are some of the most hilarious reactions to your bootlegs?

Seeing someone crowdsurfing at 'Bastard' when "Gay Muppet Bar" was first played out there. That was pretty cool.

Which bootlegger, in your opinion, is seriously outclassed?

This is where I'm diplomatic & boring & just say that we've all got our strengths & weaknesses. I can't genuinely remember who it was but there was one boot when everything was out...key, timing, the whole enchilada but the person who made it just couldn't hear it at all & apparently "wasn't bothered about keyclashes" so he went down in flames. Other than that, I think the output on GYBO is an excellent standard.

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves the loudest applause?

Ok, I AM going to name names here. I have a lot of respect for Lumpy & Dunproofin' on this one. Lumpy because he just makes the silliest, smile inducing tunes known to man & you can't help but like them, & Dunproofin'...because like me, he's got a respect for the club dancefloor & personally I like to hear tunes that'll get me flapping like a goon in a club. I tend to download bootlegs on the content though, not just because of who's produced them.

Can you list ten of your favourite bootlegs of ALL time?

Phil n' Dog - "Gay Muppet Bar"
Lumpy - "Resting On My Laurels"
Go Home Productions - "Ray Of Gob"
Dunproofin' - "We Want Your Acid"
[insert name here] - "Gimme Ragga Joanna" (SL2 vs Eddy Grant)
Agent Graves - "At The Sloop John River"
Act Of Dog - "Lush News"
Miss Frenchie - "Slow Gate"
Exactshit - "Killer Boots"
Lumpy - "Higher State Of Carnival"

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Yeah, the SL2 vs Eddy Grant one. Still makes me smile so much when I hear it.

Ten reasons why dogs are better than cats.

They're not
They're not
They're not
They're not
They're not
They're not
They're not
They're not
They're not
They're not

Can you tell I'm a cat person?

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Lassie = Early morning TV
Sixx Mixx = Music
La Folie = Eh?
Martin Gore = Fast Fashion
The Concretes = Guitar-based music?
Audiogalaxy = Lifesaver
X-Large = Way of life
Giselle Bundchen = Who?
Zildjian = Crash
Mutant Pop = Bootlegs

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music?

Has to be the Eighties for me. I spent that decade getting into everything that's shaped my musical tastes now with the synthpop, new romantics, NWOBHM, rave & everything else that was floating around. Pretty much everything I listen to now has it's roots in the eighties.

What do you remember about the following years:

1989 = Away in Portsmouth at Uni, getting very smashed everynight. Class!
1995 = Left Uni, became an employed person. Mmmm, money!
1999 = Lots of personal shit kicking off...not a good year.
2000 = The turn of the millenium.
2004 = Saying goodbye to Orbital at Maida Vale. Best gig of my life. Ever!

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Brown by Orbital

And your Sunday morning one?

76.14 by Global Communication or Programmed To Love by Bent.

What's the good thing about being Dog?

When people find out my name, there's the look of familiarity as they link it back to "Gay Muppet Bar". I can also lick my own balls...(yeah, riiiight).

Do you still see yourself making boots in ten years time?

Hopefully (making) remixes & getting paid, but I can't predict the future of the bootleg scene really, no-one can.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

Well, the scene will always evolve & mutate. At one point electronic music was only for the rich people but as the 'bedroom producers' got their hands on cheaper kits, the market was flooded. I think that now all you need is a PC, some software & the ideas, the bootleg scene will flourish & maybe become a lot more accepted in the mainstream. Personally though, I like it as a dark, almost seedy underculture. I don't think I'd want to be on TOTP fannying around miming with a synth whilst a tune I'd booted or remixed was playing out the PA...

You can visit Dog's website here.

DJ C Boast

2004-09-20T20:46:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'DJ C Boast'?

Well, I couldn't & can't really think of anything for a name. I was playing around & did a little mix & that was the name I used, plus it partly came as my uncle is a DJ / bootlegger who goes by the name of DJ Boast.

What are you up to these days?

What am I up to? Well...I am forever learning how to bootleg (in time & all) & how to create my own tunes...which I am intending to use my MIDI keyboard I have. Basically I need to learn how to use it.

What music are you currently listening to?

More than I ever do! I've been listening to a lot of dance music & the ones I have been listening to are Dizzee Rascal & The Streets.

What, if push comes to shove, is the album that changed your life?

Well, all I can say is I've never been one for albums till a couple of years back, but my favourite of all time would be a recent one by the Streets which is called A Grand Don't Come For Free.

Do you still remember the first record you bought? Where did you buy it?

Hahaha!!! Now don't laugh...I was only little, it was that Zig & Zag song that was out...LOL

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

There's never been an artiste I'd like to follow really. I would if I could like to bring something new. Maybe someone like Stijn, John Foxx minus the singing though.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

Tough question....now this is probably when I played for my footy team about 3 years ago. I was running to take the throw in when a bird had decided to go toilet on me! LOL...It had sh*t on my hand so I quickly rubbed it off hoping no one had noticed.

The Last of DJ C Boast:

Last album you bought (or downloaded) = Natasha Bedingfield
Last movie you watched that scared the hell outta you = Never has been one but the one that made me jump the most was probably Urban Legend 2.
Last book or mag you read that was a total waste of time = ???
Last concert you went that was awesome = Q
Last mash-up you heard that rocked your world = Soundhog's Eminem vs Metallica - "Enter Superman".

What is the most irritating thing that bugs you about GYBO?

Guests!!! They're bloody irritating! 1) They never say the right things & 2) They're cocky sods!

Which bootlegger, do you think, deserves the greatest applause?

McSleazy. Why? Because he's achieved more than most or even anyone. He runs GYBO. He's very talented at what he does & I love the sounds he uses in his remixes. I can't get enough of them! He deserves to be supporting artistes like Kelis & the Charlatans.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Soundhog's "Enter Superman". It's a masterpiece.

"GYBO is infested with elitists". Discuss...

Depends on what you mean really....there seems to be more respect for those who have been there for a long time & a fair bit less for the newbies.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Oorsmeer = Cool place
DJ Tripp = Funny & maybe irritating
Smith Wigglesworth = Eh?
the_dr = Not a good place to go!
FHM = Oh oho oh sweet child o mine!!!
Heidi Klum = Nice
Mike Skinner = The 'lyric master'...
Corsair = Records
Richard X = A man who's achieved at the highest level.
KY Jelly = Hmmmm...jelly!

Which decade do you consider its music the sexiest?

Early 90's purely because I remember loads (of it).

What do you remember about the following years:

1982 = Wasn't here
1986 = My sister was born
1995 = Was about 5...LOL!
1997 = Began gettin' into music
2004 = The Streets!!!

What's the worst rumour you've heard that is said about you?

Probably a silly one that I fancied a real ugly girl...

Any principles of life you live by?

Not really. I just do what I can & achieve the best I can & try to live a nice easy life with no hassle or anything.

What are your plans for the future?

Well...I plan to continue to do musical things that meet the GYBO massive....& settle down with a good job.

Do you still see yourself making boots in ten years time?

I do & I don't...I can see myself making my own stuff though & remixes.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think the future can become bigger if it gets the right people's attention. And I'm sure it does attract a lot...its good fun.

One of DJ C Boast's boots:

Stand Up & Touch This (DJ C Boast vs cry.on.my.console.) [OFFLINE]

Lionel Vinyl

2004-09-10T15:42:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, how many aliases do you go by & why these names?

I like a load of different styles of music, & I like to produce things that represent that. The aliases are just a way of grouping the different genres, & hopefully giving people an idea of what to expect. At the present we have:

Lionel Vinyl - "Conventional" bootlegs, long mixes & bootleg DJ-ing.
FakeID - Original work, electro/house remixes & clubbier DJ-ing.
Gloomybear - Cheesy housey bootlegs, filtered vocals, pitched up, pitched down. The Don't Care Bear!
Geoff Carpet - Downtempo bootlegs & remixes. The sunday morning to Gloomy's saturday night.
half.arsed.beats - Breaks & electro DJ project in conjunction with EzLee.

Erm...think that's it at the mo!

What are you up to these days?

Having a bit of a rest. The day job insists on getting in the way! But coming up I've got gigs at Uprising in September, Brighton & Berlin in July, & some fun stuff lined up for later in the year, so I'm trying to get a lot of new things together. I've also been doing some remix bits & pieces, including something for a friend's band which may or may not see the light of day on the same label as Whitey.

What music are you currently grooving to?

At the minute in my Winamp list:

High Contrast - "Racing Green"
Fresh - "Floodlight"
Har Mar Superstar - "DUI"
Spankox - "To The Club"
Spektrum - "Kinda New (Tiefschwarz Mix)"
Annie - "Chewing Gum"
Plump DJs - "Soul Vibrates"
Girls Aloud - "Love Machine"

What, if push comes to shove, is the album that changed your life?

The Orb - Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld. The record that wooed me away from my exclusively indie world when I was a teenager. I remember hearing "Little Fluffy Clouds" from that album on Annie Nightingale (for those who don't know, kinda the female equivalent of John Peel). She'd always come on straight after the chart show on Radio 1 on a sunday & play these fantastic records, & "Little Fluffy Clouds"
sums that up...

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

Either "The Green Door" by Shakin' Stevens or "My Camera Never Lies" by Bucks Fizz.
Probably from a Woolworths in Derby. God knows how old I would have been.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Ron Jeremy

What is the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you while DJing? Tell us some stories please!

Fortunately not too many embarrassing stories, aside from the usual classics like taking the needle of the wrong record while playing, turning off the amp, wrong speed etc...Bizarre though would have to be the other month when I was DJing at
the Wolfman / Pete Doherty gig at The Scala in London. People are probably bored of this now, but the whole night was just so odd, with the most motionless, zombified crowd you can imagine, staring transfixed at the empty stage waiting for Pete Doherty to come on, while I played what I thought was one of the best sets I've done for around 3 hours. Very wierd gig.

What is the most outrageous rumour you've heard about you?

That I'm responsible for the "Lionel On Vinyl" Lionel Ritchie number doing the rounds in the UK. I've had a LOT of emails about that.

The Last of Lionel Vinyl:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = Young MC - Stone Cold Rhymin'
Last movie you watched that scared the hell outta you = Phone (Japanese chiller in similar vein to Ring)
Last book or mag you read that was boring = NME
Last concert you watched that gave you wood = Muse at T in the Park. Fantastic. Was down in the photo pit, so had a prime spot.
Last bootleg you heard that made you go "Shit! Why didn't I think of that?!" = Around 80% of Frenchbloke's "Back With A Big F**k You" long mix.

In your opinion, what is THE greatest bootleg of all time?

Impossible to pick out, as it depends on the mood I'm in, but I'd probably say some of the early Soulwax ones, back before 2 Many DJ's, & you had to catch them from the little spaceships on their website. INXS vs Beastie Boys, or Skee-Lo vs The Breeders...things like that. They just seemed so fresh then, & they still do now.

What is the most irritating thing about being a GYBO mod?

PMs from people saying "HEY YOU CHECKED OUY MY MIX MAN ITS GREAT WHY DONT YOU LIK IT UR ALL SUCKDICKS WHO JUST KISS EACH OTHERS ASSES MY MIX WAS THE DOPE STUFF MAN U DONT KNOW JACK AND THINK YUOR SO GREAT BUT YUR NOT HOPE YOU LIKE IT ANYWAY _ HOLLA BACK"

Which bootlegger deserves a kick in the gonads & why?

Churchill, cos hopefully he'll then finish some of those demos he's got littering his hard drive, all of which have fantastic potential.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Vector Warrior = Frequently drunk, but a genius.
John Peel = Frequently old, but a genius.
Duran Duran = Jane Fonda naked.
50 Cent = Complete & utter wanksta.
Grant Robson = That's not perspective, he really IS that small...
AC/DC = Frequently used to rock me. Often all night long.
Visa = The evil force that lurks within my wallet.
Deep Throat = Possibly a job for Mulder & Scully.
Uncut = How I like my movies.
Pilchard = S'fish innit.
Bastard = Hotter than hell itself.

Which decade do you consider the 'dark ages' of music & why?

The 30s. The 20s were all about hedonism...kinda like the Ibiza generation of its time. The 40s gave us a new accessible form of Jazz. The fifties invented the "teenager", but what was the musical legacy of the 30s? Big Band...Big f**ken Band. Rubbish.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Bomb The Bass - "Bug Powder Dust"

And your Sunday morning one?

KMD - "Mr Hood"

What's the pros & cons of Elektrobank?

Pros: Everything under one roof, being able to offer space on the web for friends, & hosts who so far haven't noticed the level of bandwidth abuse...

Cons: The infamous valuehost server, & its habit of deciding 30% is more than enough of a download for you mister.

What are your plans for the future?

Well, the car needs a clean...I've got a lights wash to put in the machine, but other than that I'm clear for the evening. What did you have in mind?

Do you still see yourself doing bootlegs in, let's say, ten years time?

I would hope still be doing music, but would hope it's more along the original lines. But if I'm still DJing then there will still be bootlegs being made. After all, you don't wanna be just playing the same versions of records as everyone else...I was talking to a friend the other day who knows Erol Alkan well...& while it may appear he's turned his back on the Kurtis Rush bootlegs that kinda got him known, he's still making them on a regular basis. Just that he's doing them for DJing only.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

As long as there's imagination & inspiration, it doesn't matter what the tools are or how easy they make the process. Quality will always shine through, although we might need to get a bigger sieve to sort through the crap...

You can check out Lionel Vinyl's alter egos at the following:

1. Lionel Vinyl

2. FakeID

3. Gloomybear

Go Home Productions

2004-09-09T18:39:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'Go Home Productions'?

"Andy Pandy & the Exotic Lemon Love Bubbles" was a bit of a mouthful really...It was a joke at the time (2002). A bloke at work wanted to form a 'fictitional' band called "Go Home". I'd just put "Slim McShady" together & felt like sending it to XFM's Remix show but thought it should go to them under a more 'production' kinda name...It's stuck...It's more of a joke now. Ha Ha...

What are you up to these days?

Remixes mainly. Some stuff for BMG, Hed Kandi & a couple of other labels. Kasabian, Stonebridge & Alicia Keys are either in the bag or just started. Hopefully doing a major US sports show theme tune remix thing...Recently did an official remix for The Doors. "You're Lost Little Girl" from the Strange Days album. It's part of a new Doors project pencilled in for next year. Both they & Blondie have been very encouraging since "Rapture Riders".

Done something for Malcolm McLaren not so long ago, which he'd love on his greatest hits package next year...ahem. Remixed Siobhan Fahey's proposed new single & another track from her upcoming album. Some stuff for Catskills. Did a booty remix of Husky Rescue's "City Lights" single not so long ago. Looks like I'll be going to the US / Australia late this year / early next to do some live stuff...

What music are you currently grooving to?

Recently I've been playing lots of Kinks. Some Hed Kandi stuff. Quite a bit of AC/DC actually...Can't get enough of the Back In Black album for some reason...mid to late seventies Dub comps / Psych comps...I appear to be going through a Mansun phase again...depends what jumps out at me after the cats have knocked over the massive pile of unorganised CDs in the corner. I tend to keep "The Amp" music TV on all day...the odd 'new band' can sometimes catch my attention...oh, & I've been force fed that bloody Keane album. Thanx 2 the Mrs...

Which album, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite?

I've just spent the last hour or so submerging myself in the absolute sheer beauty that is Brian Wilson's SMiLE (to be released 28th Sept). After 16 years of tracking down every last inch of outtake from the 1966-1967 sessions, I have just heard his 2004 SMiLE in full. Think I've experienced every emotion throughout it...sheer f**king genius...unparalleled on all levels. At this moment in time it makes Sgt Pepper sounds like a school assembly warm up (ish)...wow..."Good Vibrations" is better than the 1966 single release, "Blue Hawaii" is a BIG surprise. "Barnyard" is intact. "Mrs O'Leary's Cow" is the monster it always promised to be..."Surf's Up" is gorgeous...The Best Album Ever (for now).

When was the last time you bought a record that was life-changing? Where did you buy it?

I don't think I've ever bought a record that has changed my life as such but when I was 6, when I discovered some records in the dustbin that had been put there by the velvet bell-bottom adorned woman, in the flat upstairs. I think she'd just fallen out with her 'lover' & had thrown out his vinyl. In the bin were 3 Beatles albums, a coverless Byrds album & the Blind Faith album with the pre-pubescent topless girl holding a polished aeroplane on the front...That Blind Faith album was probably my first introduction to 'ooh er missus' but it was Revolver / Sgt Peppers & The White Album that had the 'musical' effect on me. I played those three albums to death!!! They were far more interesting than my Stories For Children & Pinky & Perky 45's...

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Jim Morrison......shoot me down, go on! I was always fascinated in the self-destruct types. Morrison, Hendrix, Brian Jones, Bolan etc. Living life to the full...I was heavily into The Doors while I was at college. You get the picture...

Johnny Marr is the other. When I saw The Smiths performing "This Charming Man" on TOTP in 1983, I was quite taken aback. 'Pudding bowl' haircut & Rickenbacker. He quoted all the right bands & songwriters in interviews at the time. He singled handedly made me want to play guitar in a band...

What is the biggest pain as well as greatest joy being Go Home Productions?

I came back from Denmark with a severe case of 'the shits'...now that was painful.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you while manning the decks? Tell us some stories, please!!!

Suppose the most bizarre was the first time I played out, which was "Bring Yer Own Boots" at Bastard (April 2003). All pre-mixed on one CD & I spent most of the time throwing "Ray Of Gob" T-shirts & CDs at people...I threw out my Adidas retro t-shirt, which I've never seen again. Ho Hum. Come to think of it, that was bizzare & embarrassing & pathetic. Had a laugh though, which of course was the main intention.

Roskilde Festival was bizzare I suppose. Meeting Scissor Sisters & Franz Ferdinand was cool. The gig was excellent. 18,000 punters who totally had a great time...very special...a sea of pogoing Danes during "Ray Of Gob" was hilarious...

The First of Go Home Productions:

First album you ever bought = Black Sea by XTC (with my own money) & Grease - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (with my mum's money)
First movie you watched that gave you severe wood = Planet Of The Apes (1968 version). Charlton Heston approaches Zira for a kiss (just before he rides off with hot 'pre-historic' chick Nova, to shout "God damn you all to hell" at the statue of liberty) & she has this kind of sexy 'ape-like' look on her face...*is this disturbing enough?*...funny how the Tim Burton remake took that one 'look' & applied it to Helena Bonham Carter for the entirety of the movie & left me with exactly the same effect! Sexy chimps...hmmmmm. Nah, it was probably Disney's Snow White actually or Confessions Of A Taxidermist.
First book or mag you read that was awesome = Tarzan Of The Apes Fortnightly (Williams Publishing) 1971-1975 was a great series of comics. Look In & Jackie were great. Jackie was a girlies mag but I used to buy it to collect the series of Osmonds posters that ran for however many Osmonds there were in the Osmonds, each week. I loved A Clockwork Orange, Alien by Allen Dean (Foster). So yes, in answer to you question Krazy comic was the first mag I read that was awesome...
First concert you went to with a different agenda, other than listening to the music = Probably going to see Curve at the Camden Underworld circa 1992. I fancied Toni Halliday, the singer...
First mash-up you heard that made you wanna do boots = "A Stroke Of Genie-us" by Freelance Hellraiser

What do you think is the 'secret ingredient' behind a GHP boot?

My wife's cooking & the liquid available at the Dunnings Bar in Upper Watford. Damn!...the secret's out...

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Ultra 396's "Whoops! There Goes My Remedy" (Tweet vs The Black Crowes) springs to mind after we did our Strictly Rockers thang. It's a great combination & I'd always planned to use "Remedy".

How has the success of "Rebel Never Gets Old" & "Pistol Whipped" changed you?

Made me stay down the pub for an extra pint of Strongbow...Both those records have been fortunate enough to get me more work etc. Those records have not changed 'me' as such...

"The older the geezer gets, the better are his boots..." Discuss...

Who is this 'geezer'??? Thinking about it, my favourite 'bootlegs' seem to be done by musicians who've played the circuit a few years ago & have stumbled their way into this arena...they seem to be close to, or just over 30...LOL...age has no relevance...37 isn't old...40 is.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Audio Junkies = Jed
Tony Montana = It's not his real name...
GYBO = GAYBO (& the fact that most people I meet from it, still pronounce it that way!)
Pitchfork = Media
Cassette Boy = (The genius that is) "Fly Me To New York"
Steve Jones = Guitar hero & the best DJ in the USA
Lindsay Lohan = Behave! She's young enough to be my daughter...Eliza Dushku anyday...
MTV Mash = Er...if you're strapped for cash...
Cabin Essence = Part of the genius that is SMiLE...can't wait for Sept 28th...
Hillsong = Never heard it, any good?

Which decade do you consider its music the sexiest & why?

The Seventies (& just into the eighties). 1976-1982 was sexy for me, both in being there & with hindsight of the singles & albums released. I adored Debbie Harry & Chrissie Hynde in equal measures! In the seventies, girls looked like girls & boys looked like girls. Damn sexy eh!

What do you remember about the following years:

1979 = My favourite year ever for music. Punk was a fading memory & the art-school bands were discovering melody, hooks & er...disco. XTC, Blondie, Costello, Squeeze. 2-Tone, Specials, Selecter, Madness. Teardrop Explodes & Echo & The Bunnymen were almost public & singles came in colours & picture discs. In fact you could take take Franz Ferdinand, Razorlight, The Killers, Libertines etc etc & both musically & visually they would exist in 1979 perfectly...trust me. More importantly, Arsenal won the FA Cup. It was also the Mod Revival! I was a Mod. Bowling & Jam shoes were bought from Shelley's shoe shop in Oxford Street. I (contemplated) getting a parka & an RAF patch...(shudder)

1984 = Bought my first guitar. It was a Strat copy made by Satellite hahahaha...never stayed in tune! £28 quids worth of permanently tuneless plank...My Dad built me an amp. Depending on what angle this 'box' faced the bedroom window, I could pick up either Radio 1 or the local police station...Spent hours balancing a microphone on top of an upturned 'tupperware' mug in front of 'said amp...trying to record my efforts into a Sanyo tape deck. I discovered the joys of 'feedback' & grumpy neighbours. Pretty sure I was doing (failing) O or A Levels at school. Sixth Form, oooh my (all boys) school mixed in with the (all girls) school next door, Unforgettable!! After years of peeking through the fence we could finally...ahem...Frankie Goes To Hollywood & the fact that I left my mother despairing that I just spent her hard earned cash on 8 different versions of the "Two Tribes" 12 Inch. Very clever marketing on ZTT's behalf to be honest. The B-sides were all the same...I was into Hip Hop / Electro soon after. Lots of compilation albums.

1989 = Good year for music. Probably the best since '79. Stone Roses, Mondays, Primal Scream. Baggy. Acid. I played lots of gigs that year. Cider riders...life in the back of a van part one. Had an incredibly shit day job working in a warehouse with a scottish drunk...Fell in & out of love on a weekly basis...I think it was a pretty hot summer that year, hardly surprising since I never found my way out of that bloody hooded top...My memory starts to fade here...

1995 = I left Chicane after 8 years of rock n roll (in)excess. Left home, met my future wife, got engaged. Britpop! Yay...Booo...Supergrass / Verve / Dodgy / Blur / Oasis all seem to spring to mind. Menswear! Hahahahahahaha. Sleeper!!!!! What was her name? Louise Weiser??? I was 28...bloody hell...

1999 = Do you know what? I can't remember a bloody thing about 1999...

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

For many years it was "Stay With Me" by The Faces. Verve's first two singles, "All In The Mind" & "She's A Superstar" got a good airing too, including the respective B-sides "One Way To Go", "Man Called Sun" & "Feel". I wondered if anyone seriously did the 'Saturday Night Fever' routine in their black underpants? I distinctly remember a party when I was younger where the boys were forced to watch the girls do their 'country dancing' routines to the whole of "Out Of The Blue" by ELO...that was on a Saturday night & has haunted me ever since...These days it's probably Prokofiev's "Dance Of The Knights" from Romeo & Juliet...guess I like to make a grand exit...

And your Sunday morning one?

Mummer by XTC. For some reason I used to annoy the hell out of my sister (in the adjacent bedroom) with this album for many months on a Sunday morning circa 1983. "Sunday Morning" by the Velvets is far too predictable isn't it? I had a CD called Babbling Brook that I tried out on a Sunday, for that winding-down inspiring vibe. It was an hour long. In fact it was a 30min recording of a brook, babbling...repeated twice. It was meant to be relaxing but came across more like the sound of bacon being grilled, through a Boss Distortion pedal...

What's the most ridiculous rumour you've heard being said about you?

That I wear pink t-shirts, that is sooooooo untrue...

Describe the average GHP groupie.

A rock chick who is invariably a gay man & runs a record label. This is based upon email, MSN conversation & fact...probably.

What are your plans for the future?

To remember to put the chicken in the oven at 5.30 on gasmark No5 tonight...or I'll have no dinner.

I'll keep doing what I do. Interest in my stuff has been pretty big of late & it's taking me to new places, meeting new people & people I've admired as a fan of music. I'm happy to go where it takes me.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think they'll hang around for bit. Raise a few eyebrows. Visit a few new places. Shift a few units. Continue to piss off the purists & be laid to rest in that bootleg heaven in the sky...There'll always be a space in the music industry for an alternate 'version'.

Some GHP boots:

*Exclusive New Track*

The Vines - Ride (Rabbit Hole Remix)

Plus some old faves...

Union City Noise (Public Enemy vs Blondie)

Play Discodance (Jennifer Lopez vs McSleazy)

You can also visit Go Home Productions website here, or find out more about Mark's shoegazing past here.

Miss Frenchie

2004-09-09T09:58:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'Miss Frenchie'?

When I arrived in England back in 1996, I used to be a barmaid in a club & all the bouncers were calling me Frenchie. Then when I started getting DJ gigs, the name stuck & I just added "Miss" instead of "DJ" so that people could easily know I was a female DJ (there weren't many DJs called "Miss" something at the time!).

What are you up to these days?

I'm resident at Sugar in Leamington Spa & Boujis in London. I'm currently trying to get an agent to take care of my DJ career. I'm also working on an exciting remixing job but I'm not allowed to say much about it...

What music are you currently listening to?

I love all the DJ mixes people at GYBO make. I can't stop playing Thriftshop XL's "History Of Rock Part 1" at the mo! Kasabian's album is also on heavy rotation with the 5,6,7,8's & the new Fatboy Slim album.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

That's a tough question as I listen to so many different styles! It would have to be split into genres...Some of my all-time faves are: Depeche Mode - Violator, Madonna - Like A Prayer, Prince - Diamonds & Pearls, Nirvana - Unplugged In NY, System Of A Down - Toxicity, The Pixies - Doolittle, Underworld - Dubnobasswithmyheadman...So many more!!!

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

The first "grown-up" record I bought was Madonna's "Into The Groove". I was 8 & from then on, I became a Madonna fan. Still goes on!

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

See above!!! Madonna was my role model. She definitely taught me how to stand up for myself & believe I can achieve amazing things if I try hard enough. She was a great comfort when I was becoming a teenager going through my "ugly-duckling" phase! Might sound sad but hey!

What are the most embarrassing & bizarre moments you've ever encountered while manning the decks? Tell us some stories please!

When I played at the Ocean Rooms in Brighton last year, a girl started stripping & going wild. It was funny! Once a guy put his pint glass on one of my decks while it was playing. I went mad! Thankfully I managed to remove it without spilling any beer.

What is the most outrageous rumour you've heard that is said about you?

A promoter said someone told him I was pregnant! I was shocked! Probably a rumour someone started to remove me from the scene!

The Last of Miss Frenchie:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = Armand Van Helden - New York: A Mix Odyssey
Last movie you watched that gave you the weepies = The news are more likely to make me cry at the moment.
Last book or mag you read that was hot! = Bill Bryson - Notes From A Small Island
Last concert you watched that was awesome = Madonna's Reinvention Tour in London.
Last bootleg you heard that made you go, "Damn! Why didn't I think of
that?!!" = All the good ones!!!

In your opinion, what are the ultimate bootleg of all time?

GHP - "Ray Of Gob". Absolutely superb. I never get bored of it.

What do you think is the 'secret ingredient' behind a Miss Frenchie boot?

Being out of key?!! My boots are aimed for the dancefloor but they're first done to entertain my good self & make people smile.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Soulwax - "Push It Like A Dog" & McSleazy - "Don't Call Me Song 2"

What are the difficulties you faced being a female DJ working in a largely male-dominated terrain?

Promoters are more likely to try to rip me off thinking I won't say a thing. Punters who think it's their duty to chat me up. People waiting for me to make any small mistakes (coz a girl can't possibly mix well!). It's getting better though, I've learned how to deal with all this!

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Bastard = Party
Norman Cook = DJ Guru
Loo & Placido = Vive la France!
The Rapture = Robert Smith?!!
Jamie Oliver = Pukka!
London Booted = Class!
Avent = Who?
Rick James = Superfreak
Stilla = Don't you mean Stella like Artois?!!
XFM Superchunk = Favourite 30 minutes each Sunday!

What do you remember about the following years:

1983 = My brother was born
1985 = Discovered Madonna
1992 = Teenage dirtbag!
1996 = Moved to England forever!
2000 = The year that was supposed to be scary but wasn't really!

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Electric Six - "Gay Bar"

And your Sunday morning one?

Jimi Hendrix - "All Along The Watchtower"

What are the principles of life you live by?

Never judge a book by its cover & it's better to regret something you have done than something you haven't.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to make a proper living out of what I love doing before I'm too old & wrinkly (don't we all!).

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I can see it all growing stronger & stronger. More music for the people made by the people. It's looking good!

You can visit Miss Frenchie's website here.

Grafyte (aka Alex C)

2004-09-01T14:20:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'Grafyte'?

Haha, there's actually a story behind it. It's nothing overly exciting, but you did ask...I started my website a few years back, & it was purely to display graffiti. Since I have branched out into other forms of art & design, but at the time it was just a graffiti showcase. I thought of "graphite" as it kinda goes with pencils, & because I do all my graffiti work on paper, the pencil work is the first stage, so "Grafyte" is a take on "Graphite". I was in one of those internet-nick-zany-spelling stages, & it's just stuck.

It's strange though, although it's my name on GYBO, & just about everywhere I go, I release boots under "Alex C" as I feel Grafyte's a little tack for the tunes. Strange reasoning I know, but never mind. I might have even released under the alias "Earsoup" as that's what my bootleg site's called. So there you go.

What are you up to these days?

Well, I'm coming up for the start of term now, & my 4th & final year of doing Computer Arts, which I hope to continue doing as a career (if the boots don't take off) so I'm preparing to put the head down & get some real work done. I've got a few boots on the go, but a lot of my boots get finished really quick, so chances are I'll not finish them. I'm working on a complete album re-work, with Music Has The Right To Children by Boards Of Canada, which is going ok, but I'm still looking for ideas on how to work it.

I've got a few clients who pester me every so often for graphic work & websites, so that's always running in the background, & I think with term starting soon, the fresher's events will be centre of attention for the next three weeks. I have a friend who's gonna be playing a lot of my boots at a new night in Dundee Union, so with any luck, that'll take off & I might even see about getting a strictly boots / remixes night up there.

What music are you currently listening to?

Well, I've just been listening to Sasha's Essential Mix From Radio 1, recorded back in 2000, which I was really enjoying, as well as his new album / remix project thing, Involver, that I snatched from CD-Wow for a good price. My flatmate's loving the new Prodigy album, so that's been on quite a bit in the run up to their December gig that I got tickets for.

In the CD player right now however is Dreadzone's album Sound which I haven't heard in a while, so I'm reliving the vibes from that one.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

Push doesn't need to come to shove, it's by far Finelines: Between The Lines by My Vitriol. They're my favourite band, & the album just gets me in places that others don't. I got into it back in my 'Nu-Metaller' days, but I love the band so much now, I even have silly things like jigsaws, & dressing room door signs.

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

The first record I got was Children by Robert Miles. I'd say I'm pretty proud to have that as my first. It's still a good listen. I got it for the melody. The piano line in it is just masterful.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

I'd love to be Chino Morino. I think he gets a great deal of respect for his voice, & the Deftones are another favourite of mine. His side project Team Sleep should take off in a big way. He strikes me as a pretty cool bloke, although chances are he's a bit of a wank. Still...

What is the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you while DJing? Tell us some stories please!

Well, having not done a great deal of DJing as of yet, only one moment springs to mind. After a good 2 hours on the decks, I was mixing in "random dance tune #36" & after refusing to take a request from her, this girl slaps her hand down on the record, causing the needle to skip a good chunk of the tune, & getting me a large gasp & stare from everyone in the building. Thanks for that...no honestly...nice one. I guess that's about it. I'm not a very "live" type of person. I prefer to give others my tunes to play. That way I don't get blamed for the bad reaction!

The Last of Alex C:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = The 28 Days Later soundtrack, which I've yet to listen to.
Last movie you watched that scared the shit outta you = Em... I don't recall. Not seen anything overly scary recently. The best jumpy film I saw would be Event Horizonthough.
Last book or mag you read that gave you wood = Ha ha, I'd say any issue of ATM (Drum & Bass mag).
Last concert you watched that was awesome = Does T In The Park count? I enjoyed Orbital more than anything else. Even though it was the 3rd time I'd seen them.
Last bootleg you heard that was utter bollocks = Christ knows. They're all a bit shite aren't they?

You seemed to have not made any shit boots so far. How do you do it? Give us the secret ingredient behind the Alex C magic!

Oh, there's shit ones alright...I just tend not to release them. I'm not sure there's any magic involved to be honest. I've always had a bit of music in me. I played a few instruments when I was younger, & I'm really big into all sorts of music, from classical, to rock, metal to drum & bass, dance to hip hop. My boots just appear. I find instrumentals or tracks that would be interesting to boot, & acapellas that run relatively close to the same pattern or beat. After checking the keys of both, I just stick 'em together & hope something decent comes out. I'm trying to get more into producing tracks, as opposed to sticking them together now though. I'm on the verge of going back to remixes & original material, where I have free reign, as opposed to other people's tracks to use. I go through phases...

What are the influences behind your bootlegs?

I tend to think that my audience is my influence. I always have the listener in mind. When I make boots, I want people to like them, as opposed to doing it purely for shits & giggles, so I usually think about what other people will say about them. A couple I've done just for the naming process, & a few I've done with the dance floor in mind, but in terms of influence, I'd say nothing stands bigger than the people who will be commenting.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

My mate who I just introduced to the whole bootlegging scene (as if we didn't have enough people doing it!) has come up with the "Roses" acapella & "Lola's Theme". Although it might not work well, I had thought about doing this, & just got beaten to it. In terms of other people's stuff, I don't really hanker to have made any boots by other people. I think most people's booting styles keeps us all unique.

Will Mash-ups be the new pop? Discuss...

Well people now refer to bootlegs & talk about them because it seems to be the "in" thing to do. All the kiddies in the playground are more clued up because the Internet feeds them with all these tracks that they can put into their Samsung cheap imitation iPod-esque machine to show off to the other kids. Admittedly when I first got into bootlegs, it felt good to have these tracks & show them off to your mates. Like when your favourite band did a cover of a tune you really liked. It's that kind of familiar but different feeling. I reckon more & more people will get into bootlegging & amateur remixing. With that in mind, I guess that's the way it will go. Mash-ups very well might be the new pop. Artistes are embracing it, music channels like Q, & MTV are using them to their advantage, so it's all looking on the up. It's all good till we have to put up with terrible bootlegs every day, released by copycat artistes. I can see a "boot-idol" on the horizon...

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Strangely Familiar = Yeah...that site...audio salt or something. Heh...went to chat there a few times but nobody was there.
Eddy Morris = Who? (I've probably just insulted a load of folks)
Stardust = And Madonna
Eminem = I very much dislike Eminem, or Marshall or whatever he calls himself these days. He's got some alright production but it all strikes me as a bit wank.
Google = I love Google. It fuels my search for everything.
Eve Massacre = With Our Lips Glued Together, I seem to recall...
Kings Of Leon = I can listen to KOL, but I don't choose to.
Toshiba = We sell these at work.
Traci Lords = Em...
Michael Mann = He's famous, right?
XFM = The RemiXfm. The CDs were ok, & the radio show is a good listen when I can remember...

Which decade do you consider the 'dark ages' of music & why?

Erm, the 10s...because there wasn't really much music around back then. Wasn't it all black & white?

What do you remember about the following years:

1983 = I was born... what a day.
1985 = Em, I think I got this scar, back then...
1996 = 2nd year at school. Nightmarish.
2000 = New year! Threesomes!!!
2004 = GYBO is now my home-page. Yes...I'm addicted.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

At the moment, I'm loving Vitalic - "La Rock" (or Poney Part 1 whatever it's called), it's class!

And your Sunday morning one?

Radiohead - "Climbing Up The Walls (Zero 7 Remix)"

What are your plans for the future?

One day I will create a bootleg that will knock people off their feet. Everywhere it gets played, women will have orgasms & fall to their knees. Grown men will drop everything to dance, & people will see something spectacular that they've never seen before. It might be next year, it might be next month, it might even be tomorrow, but one day it will come to me, as I sit here at this computer. It'll be an inspiring moment, & from that day onwards people shall refer to me as "the bootlegger" or "that twat". The world will be a happy place, & there shall be much rejoicing.

Do you still see yourself doing bootlegs in, let's say, ten years time?

If I can still use a PC, chances are pretty good...yeah. I enjoy it, so provided I've got time to waste, it'll still be happening. With any luck I'll have slightly more credibility then than I do now!

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

It's grim. It'll hit a high point (or maybe it has already) & there will be some brilliant boots, but after that I can see too many people getting involved. Too many Eminem boots being made, silly things like whole albums getting booted, & then chances are it'll fall into oblivion. Those fortunate enough to get out, will & the rest of us will be left watching Robot-porn, from our beds, with wireless keyboards & mouses...maybe.

You can check out Grafyte's site & download his boots here.

RadioQuita

2004-09-01T13:12:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'RadioQuita'?

Well, I used to work in a fetish club in Atlanta, Georgia. This was a mainstream fetish club, & a lot of it was theatre (granted) but many of the performers did lead a dominant or submissive lifestyle. The fetish club paid well, but Quita doesn’t like the spankings, so I had to be creative in order to get paid but not spanked. I have always had an inner black girl in me, with a lot of attitude, & I can mimic such. Right, so at this fetish club, I choreographed, hung from the ceiling in a diamond-shaped cage, worked with fire-breathing ballet dancers, incorporated rope / lasso choreography, walked on stilts, sat on a throne, roller-skated, read bad porno aloud in a thick country accent, & did improv comedy. No matter what the subject matter was that people called out with improv comedy, I could revert to ‘characters’ & one of the most enduring was Quita. When I registered on GYBO, RadioQuita just popped into my head…

What are you up to these days?

Shaking my ass. I am currently working on a series of articles here in a Tennessee paper, to run for at least two months. I anticipate this will help me locally in spreading the bastard pop culture. I will steer Strangely Familiar Music Club toward less exclusive tracks as downloads & more regional features, for instance, exposing Nashville to some country bootlegs. I’m also interested to spotlight a certain Ms. Enlow remixed by a certain brother of hers. I will also probably do a month of Vegas-themed boots as well to coincide with the local Artrageous patron party at Vanderbilt. I am donating my time to provide Vegas-themed music for this charity benefiting AIDS charities. Hopefully by timing the Nashville boots with the back-to-back articles, it will raise bastard pop awareness.

What music are you currently grooving to?

Sixx Mixxes. Scissor Sisters. Prodigy remixed. Katie Enlow boots. Pilchard. Vegas & Dolly boots.

Which album, in your opinion, is the best to make out to?

White Zombie. That remixed album. Can’t think of the title.

When was the last time you bought a record that was life-changing? Where did you buy it?

The Chieftains’ Down The Old Plank Road. For those who know the Chieftains, this is the BEST album, recorded in Nashville with a variety of bluegrass legends. I saw the making of the DVD for this, & it was so great. Shortly after this, the piano player guy (that had been with them for years & years) died, so it was one of the last Chieftains shows before his passing. I bought it at the Grand Ol’ Opry.

What is the biggest pain as well as greatest joy doing something like the Strangely Familiar Music Club? Tell us some stories, please!!!

The biggest pain? If there is one, it’s just trying to get people to get their information in to join. We’re all busy, & it’s easy to forget. I try to remind without being obnoxious. So, to the approximate 40 people who still haven’t sent in all your info, get on it!! The greatest joy is getting to know people better in the chat & through their bios & things.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

Most embarrassing: When I worked in the aforementioned fetish club (The Chamber, Atlanta) on one occasion I allowed myself to be whipped. It was in the ‘twilight room’ where people sit on the edges of the walls, & have flashlights. The flashlights are what illuminate the room. This one dominator guy was a straight guy named Tracy, that by day was in a hair band, & on the weekend he dressed up as a cross-dresser & whipped people in this club. One night, he needed a submissive, & there were maybe 5 minutes until showtime. The club owner agreed to pay me double if I’d do it. We set a code word ‘yellow’ that I could say if it hurt, which I was assured it wouldn’t. The strap is designed to make the loudest ‘thwap’ sound, but doesn’t hurt like it sounds, so they promised. Well, I got tied down & the flogging began, & it HURTS! I said yellow. Tracy didn’t stop. I looked up & saw that Malcolm-Jamal Warner - Theo from TV’s “The Cosby Show” - was in the audience. I was mortified. Flogged in front of a Cosby kid, I felt humiliated!

Most bizarre: Going to the gay bar dressed as a Catholic priest & beating some guy’s ass because he said I was sacreligious. I said, “Your God may be ashamed of you at this moment, but my God is standing right beside me in this gay bar.” He tried to rip my priest lapels off, & I put him in the floor. The guy went to jail. I was there with a group, all dressed up to promote our upcoming benefit. I don’t normally dress as a Catholic priest.

The First of RadioQuita:

First album you ever bought = AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
First movie you watched that gave you severe wood = 9½ Weeks
First book or mag you read that made you feel loved = Loved? Umm…I don’t know, but I’ve read Gone With The Wind at age eight.
First concert you went to with a different agenda, other than listening to the music = Other agenda? Well, I performed in a Lollapalooza in Atlanta….
First mash-up you ever heard = Soulwax - “A Stroke Of Genius”

Other than you, which bootlegger at GYBO is considered the most bitchy? Why?

I don’t know, I think I’m the only one. Every one else is pretty cool. I’ll say Churchill, though, just to make him happy!

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves a kick in the gonads?

I don’t know…The easy answer is tdpz, but like I said that’s too easy. He seems to really be making an effort at civility, & I admire that he’s doing his Prodigy thing.

Are Mash-Ups the New Karaoke? Discuss...

I think mash-ups & the scene is still in its infancy. I think they are here to stay, & that change will come as a result of them. I think we’re in the beginning of a major movement, like punk rock, hip-hop, or extreme sports. I think it’s going to grow & people are going to love the unique aspect of them, the “thinking outside the box” factor. Everything can be new & cool again!

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Kennedy = Jackie
Donna Summer = Legend
Kenneth Copeland = PO-lice
Nick Foster = Don Amott
Durex = Porno
Soundforge = Should be my superhero name
The Geez = Badass
Primal Scream = Come together
Austin Powers = Tired
Acrobat = Cirque du Soleil

Which decade do you consider its music the sexiest & why?

Sexiest? Hmm….I kind of like the olden times, the twenties, thirties, forties? The era of big band & burlesque & Moulin Rouge, Dorothy Dandridge & that kind of imagery I find cool.

What do you remember about the following years:

1979 = Gene Simmons & disco
1983 = Boy George, Duran Duran, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Idol
1994 = Mourning & shock
1997 = Too many drugs
2001 = Gaining strength

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

As Heard On Radio Soulwax Pt.2

And your Sunday morning one?

Vanessa Daou - Zipless

What's the good thing about being RadioQuita?

I am very focused, fearless & unstoppable when I am passionate about something. In my life I’ve somehow been able to ‘make things happen’ by working tirelessly at them.

And the worst?

I can’t complain, really. I hate that I have outbursts & am unkind at times.

Any principles of life you live by?

Well, at a very young age, I lost a partner. I feared for my health for a long time, starting at around age 22. Seriously facing mortality that young, you look at the world differently, &amp; I kind of live with the knowledge that I need to live fully & do what I can to be happy while I can. I celebrate growing older, & most people my age feel depressed at reaching middle-age (I am 33). How silly! Live! Laugh! Be impulsive, & never let your inner child be forgotten!

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think we’re seeing the first of that now. I think that it can be paralleled to how reality-television has produced celebrities. I think mash-ups & the online communities associated with them are one example of how the internet can transform society & culture. SHAKE IT!!!

You can check out RadioQuita's site, Strangely Familiar Music Club, here.

Instamatic

2004-08-29T15:32:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'Instamatic'?

Photography is my other love apart from music - I've been taking photographs since I was 8, have around 10,000 photographs & my first camera was an Instamatic 126, so when I was thinking of a name it made sense to combine both worlds.

What are you up to these days?

I'm running around getting sorted for San Francisco where I'm playing Bootie on September 11th - looks like such a good party 'off the hook' as they say! I want to make it as special (& as exclusive) as possible...several new tracks; exclusives such as a Boot In 60 Seconds preview (which is still going - it's on its 23rd track but it's sounding very good - it'll be well worth the wait!).

What music are you currently listening to?

I'm listening to a lot of boots of course - Frenchbloke's mixes have always been a favourite for the last 3 years, but recently Party Ben's Sixx Mixx too. Other music I'm listening to are punk-funk (new & old: Radio 4's new LP, Gang Of Four, Pop Group) which I do from time to time, Kid Carpet, Dolly Parton, Prince, Adam Sky, Richard Cheese, a real mixture!

What album, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite?

Well considering I'm a major Pulp & New Order fan - the only two bands I've bought albums without question on the first day of release - it would be either His N' Hers, or if I can have a compilation for New Order: Substance - ironically the compilation of their 12 Inches is probably better than any of their proper albums they've done.

When was the last time you bought a record that was shite? Where did you buy it?

I tend not to buy many albums or singles as I have too many as it is, & most of 'em nowadays are shite. So not many recently - I bought the Daft Punk Live album which was pretty pants; I wish I hasn't bought any Bogdan Racynzki. Someone gave me Fat Of The Land (sorry Prodigy fans but it doesn't even come close to the previous two) & Elektroids & I've never really played them.

Can you recall the most embarrassing & bizarre thing that has ever happened to you?

Embarrassing: Umm...there's too many. I'm a bad one for 'stage whispers' when drunk thinking the other person can't hear me. I was at Faceparty last year with a mate & we kept annoying Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles by going "Oh is that Chris Moyles?" & then blanking him / walking off giggling when he saw us. Several times. Evil, slightly embarrassing, but oh-so-fun.

Bizarre: The most bizarre things that happen to me are what me & a mate call the 'Irony magnet' - stuff just seems to gain critical mass sometimes & weirdness upon weirdness happens. The most weird so far was coming out to said best mate of 6 years, who immediately came out to me (I had no idea), spookily we liked similar men & he eventually got together with the first guy I met - all within the space of a month. That was pretty weird...

The First of Instamatic:

First album you ever bought = Eek! That would be the Spitting Image album, sadly...followed by Santa Claus Is On The Dole. A-Ha & Genesis singles. Music in 86 was shite, generally. So was my taste in music *cringe* I still stand by the Kate Bush from that time tho...
First movie you watched that you cried = Umm that would actually be a cartoon when I was very small, about a cricket abandoned in a city or something I saw on TV. I can be a soppy old sod at the movies - Baghdad Cafe really touched me, & I thought Spiderman 2 actually had some genuinely moving moments.
First book or mag you read that gave you wood = Umm...I always thought Lady Chatterley's Lover was very erotic & is good literature, but at 13 I didn't understand that! Strangely my partner did his English degree on Lawrence. Spooky.
First concert you went that was utter bollocks = Daisy Chainsaw at the Leadmill, Sheffield, 1993. Awful feedback childish noisey crap. My first gig actually....probably put me off them for a long time!
First mash-up you ever heard = "A Stroke of Genie-us", on Audiogalaxy 2001...I wish I knew what I was searching for, can't remember...followed the Boom Selection link, et voila!

What is the most irritating thing that bugs you about GYBO?

That inevitably all outsider groups eventually form cliques or groups; & become the establishment. I've always been more interested in the up-and-coming talent - the new thing cos I always want to hear something new. I'm not interested so much in reputation or past glories. Personally, I find I have had to watch what I say because my tongue-on-cheek humour & politics don't translate well on GYBO - I can say the same things in the flesh (& do) & people don't have a problem, I think you lose a lot without body language & tone.

Which bootlegger, do you think, should call it a day? Why?

Anyone who's heart isn't in it, have lost sight of the fun aspect or are not doing it for the love of music (e.g. raising their industry 'profile' etc).

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves the greatest applause & why?

Hmm...difficult. I respect bootleggers that do it their own way, own terms, for the love of music, & seem to be not beholden to anyone - so Soundhog & Frenchbloke definitely. Also I respect people that help to promote everyone through their nights as well as doing their own thing - so Party Ben, Adrian & Mysterious D for Bootie & Cartel Mike & Jonny for Bastard. People might be thinking "oh he's being arselickey" for saying that, but running a night is tough, & doesn't always make money & sometimes is a thankless task, so I respect that - & don't take it for granted.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Probably most of Frenchbloke's collection, Loo & Placido ("Safari Love", "DJ Affair") & some of GHP's.

In your opinion, list the greatest top ten boots of ALL time.

Oh here we go, High-Fidelty list moment!

Freelance Hellraiser - "A Stroke of Genie-us" (Still sounds fresh)
Soundhog - "Blue Music" (The man himself said this was done on a 4-track)
Loo & Placido - "Safari Love" (Still chilled)
Jimmi Jammes - "Let A Girl Be" (Best Christina boot apart from ASOG)
blo_up_doll - "Sex On Cocaine" (Electrosexualswearingtastic)
Lionel Vinyl - "Sloo Weee" (Classic)
Conway - "Lisa's Got Hives" (One of the first I heard, still one of the best)
Soulwax - "No Fun / Push It" (Classic album, all good)
Frenchbloke - "Carpe Diem" (Carpenters vs Manny Parrish? I love both)
"Breathe Don't Stop" (Unknown?) (Much copied, love Q-tip & early MJ)

Runners-up:

Frenchbloke & Son - "Sexy Model" (The insanity of Right Said Fred vs Kraftwerk)
Go Home Productions - "You Make Me Feel XTC" (I love new wave, & this is probably the only Sylvester boot that actually works / has the same energy)
Lyd - "SL2 vs Eddy Grant" (Well it's been drilled into my head at countless Bastards, I can't escape...)

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

William Orbit = Madonna, vine leaves.
The Cult = Goths
Skkatter = Mr Skippy
Mojo = Boring magazine for Weller fans.
Jerusalem = ...is not England as Blake said.
Starbucks = Corporate globalisation, crap coffee too.
IDC = Likes Stone Roses. What does it stand for anyway? I heard it was Indie Disco Chancer :-P Richard Ashcroft = Too much floppy hair, too much acid, not enough tunes.
Mo' Wax = For those people who hate music.
Gillette = My dastardly evil enemy ;-)

Which decade do you consider its music the most exciting? Why?

It's predictable but I would say the late 70's & early 80's, & early-mid 1990s. I don't believe music follows decades like that - I think it goes on 10-12 yearly cycles with the low point around the middle - so 1975 music was pretty bad - then it got good again till 85/86 when it was a new low point, then rave / acid house till Britpop explosion 95-96 & collapse in 97..."I said, well daddy don't you know that things go in cycles / The way that Bobby Brown is just a pin like Michael".

What do you remember about the following years:

1984 = Sex crime / silly Apple advert
1989 = H.O.U.S.E.
1992 = University, Pulp
1999 = On the dole.
2002 = A bad year...rats, nasty housemates & Dollis Hill.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Hmm this changes regularly - but "Groove Is In The Heart", Blue Monday - "True Faith" or "Love Will Tear Us Apart" are guaranteed to get me dancing.

And your Sunday morning one?

I'm usually sleeping on a Sunday morning - so silence...

Any principles of life you live by?

I live by the pagan-wiccan creed of that you can do what you like, as long as it doesn't harm anyone. Like a zen koan it's amazing that something so simple can be so difficult to live by, but it's good to try as long as you realise you'll never obtain it fully. I also live by the hedonist /ancient greek ideals that pleasure is not bad, & you shouldn't be guilty about enjoying yourself (as long as you're not harming anyone). I'm probably broadly polytheist but don't do rituals.

What are your plans for the future?

Well, getting more DJ gigs, learning more, maybe studying music (I tend to go on feel rather than theory) & developing my website - mutantpop.net - which is at phase 0.0.1 at the moment, it's gonna be much more than a board than at the moment...but the board will be essential part of it, a community. Also maybe doing more compilations & albums...

Do you still see yourself making boots in ten years time?

Yeah - I can see me doing something musical anyhow; don't know if it's going to be bootleg orientated but I know I'll try & keep that fun / punk / pop / cross-genre vibe definitely. Love to be the John Peel of the bootleg world, my ears to never grow old!

You can visit Instamatic's website & download his boots here.

The Reverend Menagerie

2004-08-26T10:02:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'The Reverend Menagerie'?

A long time ago, I used to play a lot of online role-playing games. I ended up with a lot of various characters, & used to joke about being my own menagerie. The reverend part came along after a Saturday afternoon where I discovered the Universal Life Church...so I got myself ordained as a minister there (took 20 minutes, & I considered it just amusing). I jokingly told people to call me Reverend Menagerie...That was somewhere around 10 years ago.

What are you up to these days?

Music...music & more music...oh, & some art & poetry too. Between my originals, the "Legion" project with Solcofn, & two more possible collaborations in the works...I've got a fair amount to keep me busy. Not to mention my month old daughter, Katrin...talking about saving the best for last, eh?

What music are you currently listening to?

At the moment as I answer this, I've got Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers' Americano album playing in the background. Otherwise, it's been an eclectic mix of artistes & bootleggers, such as Ozomatli, Buck-O-Nine, They Might Be Giants, Eliades Ochoa, Dean Martin, & for some reason I have yet to truly understand, the soundtrack to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

That's a very touch one. I'd have to say it's a toss-up between the New Radicals' Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too & Bad Religion's Stranger Than Fiction

When was the last time you bought a record that was shite? Where did you buy it?

That would have to be Slowrush's Volume...which I found on the dollar rack at a used bookstore. I had heard the opening track, & liked that...so I figured it was worth the two bucks. I was dead wrong.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

For a while, I wanted to be like Hulk Hogan. Actor, wrestler, singer...but then I turned 10 & started noticing girls.

Can you recall the most heartwarming thing that has ever happened to you?

Holding my daughter for the very first time.

The First of The Reverend Menagerie:

First album you ever bought = With my own money, that would have to be George Michael's Faith. First CD I bought was Van Halen's Right Here Right Now live set.
First movie you watched that scared the shit outta you = The last movie that came close was more time & location than story. I had managed to catch a showing of the original Night Of The Living Dead one Halloween night at a revival house, at midnight. I can honestly say I wouldn't go near a cemetary for weeks after.
First book or mag you read that reminded you of God = Going to have to say the Bible, back when I was Catholic.
First concert you watched that changed your life = I think I was about 10, & saw some local band with people I had known for nearly all my life. Made me realize I could try that too.
First mash-up you ever heard = Forgotten who did it, but it was the Red Hot Chili Peppers mashed with Kelis. Thought it was interesting, & forgot about it until much much later...when I found GYBO.

In your opinion, which bootlegger is still considered the best (for now, that is!)?

Can't really say anything against McSleazy & GHP, but I'd be watching cry.on.my.console very closely. He ranks up there, & is only getting better.

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves a smack in the mouth & why?

Well, aside from the obvious choices...going to have to say Rikki Rok. I don't know why, something just bugs me about him.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Most of them, actually. My own regular boot attempts tend to fail miserably right now.

If Marilyn Manson commissioned you to do a boot to help aid his cause, what will your terms be? Humour us please...

That's funny. Money might be the best term...but since I've read Manson's book & think he's a very interesting person, I'd probably just try picking his brain for ideas.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Anton LaVey = Some good points, millions of idiot followers think he's God.
The White Stripes = Brought back music, rather than over production. Some rough songs.
Clinton = Couldn't he have banged someone with better looking teeth?
Jesus Christ = Kiss me, Son of God...
McSleazy = Gave us GYBO.
Acid Pro = With this, & time, you can make masterpieces or disasters.
Weiser = Apparently, he's rather a running joke now. At least he's remembered.
London Booted = Only the beginning, I hope.
Jayne Mansfield = Mmmmm.....
Alice Cooper = Ugly white guys can be sex symbols too. Good music as well.

Which decade do you consider the 'dark ages' of music & why?

I'd honestly say that this era, whatever it is, is the dark ages. The 60's. 70's, 80's & 90's all gave us something new...the "new" millennium is searching for it, & failing.

What do you remember about the following years:

1977 = Riding in the car to see the original Star Wars at a drive-in movie theater.
1985 = New Coke tried to replace Coke Classic.
1991 = Junior year of high school.
1995 = Dropped out of college classes, looked for work, hung out more at the library than anywhere else.
1999 = Moved to a suburb of Pittsburgh. Learned that the same state can have widely different intellegence levels depending on which side you are on.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Depends on what I'm doing Saturday night. But I've found that Keoki's Disco Death Race 2000 always seems to get me moving. As does Atari Teenage Riot's Burn, Berlin, Burn...but for different reasons.

And your Sunday morning one?

There is just something about David Gray's Sell Sell Sell that makes Sunday mornings special. That or Enigma's The Screen Behind The Mirror.

What are your plans for the future?

Hopefully do something I like to do. Maybe finally get some backing & do a full original album.

Do you still see yourself hanging around GYBO in ten years time?

If GYBO grows, & doesn't get populated by trolls...sure.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

The majority will have to either improve, or do something else. However, with that said...some have talent, some don't. It will always come down to talent...& personal taste. It might be a very technically sound work, but if it sounds like shit to me, it's done as far as I'm concerned. Same with everyone else. Nobody picks the "well done" song over the song they like...

You can check out The Reverend Menagerie's main site here, or visit his music site here and his blog here.

DJ BC

2004-08-22T18:16:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'DJ BC'?

Because I am old school... very old school...actually, it stands for my name, Bob Cronin. When I started DJing, "BC" was my regular nickname.

What are you up to these days?

I'm planning to continue making Beastles boots for a collected EP (which of course will never be released). Just for fun. Pheugoo from GYBO made a great cover for it. I'm also working on an anthology of my boots so far, & Dean Haspiel (of American Splendor comics) will be providing some cover art for that one. Also, I do parties & weddings in Massachusetts. Call me.

What music are you currently listening to?

In addition to the boots I get from GYBO, Modest Mouse, PJ Harvey's Uh-Huh Her, The Roots - "The Tipping Point", Pete Rock's Petestrumentals, & all the Catskills Records Straight Out Of The Cat Litter collections, which are great. Plus random mixes I have made. I am also DJing weddings a lot now that it is summer, so I am listening to a lot of Bobby Darin, Macy Gray, James Brown & disco at those things.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

For rock, probably The White Album. If you are talking hip-hop records, I would say Pete Rock's Soul Survivor. If you are talking jazz then it's Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley's simply titled Nancy Wilson / Cannonball Adderley.

What was the last record you bought? Where did you buy it?

If you are talking about vinyl, it was the Epic record release with a bunch of sweet Michael Jackson acapellas. I also bought a CD that day - Neil Diamond Gold, I think it is called. I had to play "Sweet Caroline" at a wedding last weekend. Both came from Newbury Comics in Cambridge, MA.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Samuel Beckett, though I doubt being him was much fun.

What is the most bizarre & embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Bizarre: Taking the Scientology personality test as a joke while inebriated. The cult members would not let us leave.

Embarrassing: Amp blew up at a college dance gig with about 1,000 people begging for more. Boy was my face red.

The First of DJ BC:

First CD you ever bought = Louder Than Bombs by The Smiths
First movie you watched that gave you wood = The radio commerical for "Private Lessons" in the 1980s, which came on during Dr. Demento, so it was late at night & I was in bed. Got wooded.
First book or mag you read that was awesome = The Book Of Three by Lloyd Alexander, or The Chronicles Of Narnia... not sure which one came first.
First concert you watched that changed your life = The Dead Milkmen at the Living Room in Providence in the late 80's. They were my favorite.
First mash-up you ever heard = I guess "The Flying Saucer", because I had that on a Halloween CD long before I'd ever heard of this scene. First "proper" mash-up, however, was Radiohead's "Karma Police" vs Beatles "A Day In The Life." I don't know who made it.

In your opinion, who is the bootlegger that is still considered the best (for now, that is!)?

Soundwasta, DJ Prince, & ccc. I also dig stuff Lenlow & DJ Jar-R have done. But I am no expert so I am probably missing a bunch of people. Sorry, that's 5, not 1...

On the other hand, which bootlegger deserves a smack in the mouth & why?

Probably DJ Weiser, but he also deserves a big hug & a free beer. Anyone who does not make boots, or can't do it well, but says it is easy & requires no talent is a stupid-face & deserves a smack.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

DJ Prince's "James Brown Will Work It Out" & Soundwasta's "Let It Be Me." I am not obsessed with the Beatles, by the way. I just think these sound great.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Bootie = Licious. I wanna be there.
San Francisco = Bootie. Period.
C.H.A.O.S. Productions = Jay-R pickin' the best source materials
BitTorrent = Clueless as to what this is, I admit it. Me am dum.
The Bee Gees = Classic staple to open the dancefloor. We Be Stayin' Alive!
Jeff Hinds = Who?
Jennifer Aniston = Boobles
Shadrach = Beasties meet Richard "Groove" Holmes
Yoko Ono = Beret-wearing vampire
Dragstrip 66 = Highway 61

What do you remember about the following years:

1989 = Couldn't get laid.
1994 = New College parties & DJing "Walls" - Da bomb! Discovered & explored the world of rap music around this time.
1999 = Searching for Prince's 1999 remixes...
2000 = Great new year's party. No 1999 remix found.
2003 = The world of boots dawned in my life like a new day (or an old day laid over a new beat).

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

The Pogues - Red Roses For Me (at home). At gigs I try & slip in "In The Midnight Hour" by Wilson Pickett

And your Sunday morning one?

New Ancient Strings by Ballake Sissoko & Toumani Diabate, kora masters from Mali.

What's the good thing about living in America?

Not getting bombed (hopefully). Cultural diversity. HBO television shows.

And the worst?

No Bootie nights in my town. Having to wait for new episodes of The Office to air.

Any principles of life you live by?

Show people respect. Be prepared for gigs. Forgive forgive forgive.

What are your plans for the future?

Get rich and famous making boots. Or win the lottery & open my comic art museum.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

The cream will rise to the top, but now everyone gets to dump some boots in the bucket to see what turns up. Hopefully boots will become a more accepted art formin' the same way that rap (which used to be dissed regularly for using samples) is now widely accepted.

You can download DJ BC's boots at his website here.

Mixomatosis

2004-08-20T15:41:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'Mixomatosis'?

It was a combination of my liking for the Radiohead track of the same name (except I've spelt it correctly) & the fact that the day I did my first ever mash-up, my uncle's rabbit was poisoned, & as a result suffered from mixomatosis. Quite a macabre reason, I know, but I think the name works.

What are you up to these days?

Not that much really, mainly just working on new bootlegs & stuff, although I am supposed to be doing some production work for my friend's band in the near-distant future, so I'm looking forward to that. My brief is to "add beats & generally mong up the sound". Fair enough, I'm sure I can do that. I'm also working on some quasi-original stuff, but that's still in a very early stage.

What music are you currently listening to?

At the moment I'm finding out about the whole J-Pop scene, but mainly the more noisy, punk & hip-hop side of it. Some of the artistes I've been checking out are Buffalo Daughter, Dragon Ash (they did the music at the end of the film Battle Royale) & LMF (Ed.note: LMF, or Lazy Mother F**kers, are from Hong Kong), but there's a whole load of other bands I'm on the lookout for.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

Very good question. I suppose my favourite album would be the one I listen to the most, & get the most enjoyment out of. With that in mind, I think it's probably the Richard D James Album by Aphex Twin. It's rare that an album can be so diverse & pack so many ideas into such a short space of time (it's running time is only 34 minutes) & do it so perfectly & effortlessly. The only other ones I can think of are Radiohead's OK Computer & DJ Shadow's Endtroducing.

What was the last record you bought? Where did you buy it?

Jump Leads by Fila Brazillia. I bought it in Cash Converters, a secondhand shop with a speciality for ripping people off who are desperate for money. But when you see a Fila Brazillia album for £3, you don't just let someone else buy it, do you?

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Either Aphex Twin or Ian Curtis, because they are both, in their respective fields, geniuses. Obviously if I were Ian I wouldn't hang myself on the eve of my American tour though.

What's the pros & cons of being featured in Parkspliced?

Pros: Working alongside other great bootleggers. Getting exposure as a producer. I love a challenge, & this was a challenge.

Cons: Being told that one of your songs is a bit crap. But rightly so. My B-side track was rushed, in order to get the album the released, & I knew I could have done a lot better than that. I think my A-side track compensated for it though.

What is the most bizarre & embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Bizarre: As a child I ate some glue. My reason - I was hungry. Thankfully I've since discovered grapes.

Embarrassing: I honestly can't pinpoint the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to me. That's really irritating, because there's a fairly long list of things I could put here.

The First of Mixomatosis:

First CD you ever bought = The Blobby Song by Mr Blobby. Cut me some slack, I was 5, for God's sake!
First movie you watched that scared the shit outta you = Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Cut me some slack, I was 10, for God's sake.
First book or mag you read that gave you wood = No idea. Probably the lingerie section of clothing catalogue or something pathetic like that.
First concert you watched that pissed you off = It was probably Royksopp at V2002, but that had nothing to do with Royksopp, it was to do with who I was with.
First mash-up you ever heard = Fatboy Slim vs Rolling Stones - "Satisfaction Skank". Still as good today as it ever was.

In your opinion, who is the bootlegger that is still considered the best (for now, that is!)?

2 Many DJs. As Heard On Radio Soulwax Pt.2 has been around for at least 3 years now, & yet people still refer to its contents as some of the best examples of mash-ups ever. And they're right.

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Ooh, tough one. Probably McSleazy's "White Line Lunch" (Har Mar Superstar's "Power Lunch" vs Grandmaster Flash "White Lines") from MTV Mash. Two fantastic songs, mixed together brilliantly. What more need be said?

Radiohead - Losing it or breaking new ground? Discuss...

They're definetely not losing it. Hail To The Thief & Com Lag are both great albums, but some of their more recent stuff I find them more challenging to listen to, such as "Pyramid Song", although I've learned to love it. But now they're done with EMI, I'm really looking forward to their new work. From what I gather, they're signing to an indie label & releasing some EPs, as opposed to albums, so I think there's still plenty for them left to do.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Bjork = Wonderful musician from Iceland, but sounds part Icelandic & part London-cockney. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Chinatown = Y'know, I've never been to any Chinatown anywhere. I'd quite like to though. I'm going to London next week, there's my opportunity.
Lance Lockarm = He does mash-ups, but I haven't heard any yet.
Slsk = Without this, I'd still be watching Top of the Pops.
Pink Floyd = For God's sake, I still haven't got around to doing a Pink Floyd boot. I will soon though.
Thom Yorke = Amazing vocalist. Not sure about his Blunkett-eye though.
Hot Wheels = ...leading the way!
Exodus = In the beginning, there was the Word, & the Word was God. Or something.
Party Ben = A rather good bootlegger.
Kylie Minogue = Slightly irritating, but immensely bootable.

Which decade do you consider the 'dark ages' of music & why?

This one. Despite all the great music that is being released, the charts are filled with the most appalling music of recent times, & it shows no signs of stopping.

What do you remember about the following years:

1988 = Nothing. I was 1.
1991 = My first day of school. Oh I was sooo cute. Look what happened to that.
1997 = My first ever CD player. It was in the shape of a can of Coca Cola, but much bigger.
1999 = Nothing I want to recall on the Internet. It was harrowing though.
2002 = I finally discovered good music, & threw away the Smurfs Go Pop album. I also did my first ever bootleg.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

You've Come A Long Way, Baby by Fatboy Slim.

And your Sunday morning one?

Mezzanine by Massive Attack.

Any principles of life you live by?

Be happy, try to make others happy, then when you die, you'll be happy & others will be happy you lived. Poignant enough for you?

What are your plans for the future?

Keep on booting, with plans to work in video too. Finish my video production diploma & hopefully get a job working in television or radio. Then become immensely rich, of course!

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

As far as I'm concerned, the commnuity can only get bigger & bigger as the technology gets easier to use, which it inevitably will, & with the whole scene still very much underground. It's only a matter of time before the whole thing becomes huge. There's already been at least 2, in the form of Sugababes' "Freak Like Me" & George Michael's "Flawless", & I'm sure there will be more to come. Of course, if it gets too big, chances are the whole thing will implode, & left standing will be one tiny, super-dense bootlegger, capable of producing tunes like "Ray Of Gob" using only the power of his mind. And at this point, the folk-music revival will begin, & Iain Anderson will be at number one again. Maybe. I hope not.

You can visit the Hearing Double site & download Mixomatosis' first bootleg collection, Bad Things, here.

Richie Deluxe

2004-08-18T15:44:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why 'Richie Deluxe'?

Richie is my name & for a long time I attached the name of my website Culture Deluxe to the end. Eventually I shortened it, partly for convenience, partly to start a rumour that I am Tim Deluxe's brother (no, not really).

What are you up to these days?

I'm pretty quiet at the moment - I think I manage a bootleg about once a month when I feel like it. I have been involved in two or three projects which will make themselves known when they're ready...& I have Culture Deluxe 2 to finish writing (it really is turning into my sistine chapel ceiling).

What music are you currently listening to?

Albums that have recently impressed me by Mylo, Radio 4 & The Magnificents. My boot intake has been rather low of late, but there are still plenty of bootleggers out there who're impressing me with their monogamous home tunes.

What, if push comes to shove, is the album that changed your life?

Wow. If you mean when did I stop playing football with my mates & enjoying an active life outdoors & exchange it for hours cooped up in my room listening to music instead? A toss-up between Liveandirect by Adamski &, slightly later on, The White Room by The KLF.

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

Of course I do. I bought my first single "Gimme Hope Joanna" by Eddy Grant in 1988 from Woolies in Elgin. I bought my first album - Please Hammer Don't Hurt'Em by MC Hammer in 1990 from Boots in Elgin. Before that I had 3 records & my Mom's old gramophone. The records were Shakin Steven's Greatest Hits & Agadoo by Black Lace bought for a party, & a really wicked record my Dad bought in 1972 with T-Rex, Slade, Sweet et al on it.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

I'm sure I wanted to be Adam Ant when I was a kid. I wanted to swing on a chandelier like he does in the Prince Charming vid.

What is the greatest joy & the biggest pain doing a project like London Booted? Tell us some stories please!

The greatest joy was definitely sitting back & listening to the complete CD - particularly since I knew the original inside out & could guess what was going to happen next. I thought it was a great project from start to finish, although there were times when I thought I wasn't going to be able to finish my track as I couldn't get it in time - I still think it's a little off. Other problems were that, naturally, some bootleggers couldn't commit to the project in the end, & twice I found myself trying to finish the album off myself. Luckily there were plenty of standbys. I think it was the start of a potentially great series of boot albums, & I'm glad that some money, however little, was raised for charity due to the project.

What is the most outrageous rumour you've heard that is said about you?

That I was sick all over the toilets at IBPW1. Lies, damn lies I tell thee!

The Last of Richie Deluxe:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = Guru Josh - Infinity
Last movie you watched that scared the shit outta you = The Ring
Last book or mag you read that gave you wood = Blue Peter Annual 1983
Last concert you watched that was boring = The Libertines at T in the Park
Last bootleg you heard that was utter bollocks = Digital Minger's "Life In A Windmill"

In your opinion, what are the TEN bootlegs that you think are the greatest of all time?

This is off the top of my head - I'm sure I'll miss a few that I love out...

01. DJ Spec - "U Got The Love"
02. Frenchbloke - "Right Behind"
03. blo_up - "Burnin'"
04. Osymyso - "Fiver To Bigwig"
05. Churchill - "Hear Missy Work It"
06. Loo & Placido - "Safari Love"
07. Freelance Hellraiser - "Grange Hill Grammar"
08. JRB - "Woo Ha (Rag & Bone Mix)"
09. Loo & Placido - "Going To Hawaii"
10. Pop Razors - "Louie Louie"

What are the elements that make a bootleg special?

There are many...if it induces a smile then it's cool - doesn't need to be silly, sometimes you're just amazed that two completely different songs can work together. Many's the time I've absolutely HATED a vocal, but then heard it in a bootleg & grown to love it. It really lets you appreciate the job of the backing musicians & producers in this biz. Some very well made bootlegs can be very boring, you need to inject some inspiration, some thought into all your work.

Which bootlegger deserves a smack in the mouth? Why?

Churchill, because he's Churchill / a weiser.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

International Bastard = Excellent Weekenders
Daz Automatic = Nice Shirts, Nice Guy
Loo & Placido = The Daddies
The Darkness = Need a new album - quick, & need to shut their mouths for a second
Matt Redman = Never heard of him
Parkspliced = A lot of fun, but no London Booted ;)
Tony Blair = Lies down for the US & soon to be unemployed
Cate Blanchett = Seems sophisticated & sexy
Guy Ritchie = One trick pony
Breezeblock = The source of musical genius & a reason to set my alarm & my tape recorder :)

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music & why?

1975 - 1985. Ok, not a decade per se, but it is 10 years that includes Kraftwerk, The Clash, Joy Division, 80s Synth Pop, Buck's Fizz, The Smiths, New Order, Mike Read banning Frankie in case the Saturday Superstore kids got upset...& the birth of hip hop! I think you can trace nearly all alternative, rap & dance music back to one or a group of acts during this time who were pushing boundaries & experimenting with music.

What do you remember about the following years:

1983 = Dennis the Menace & Gnasher
1989 = Starting high school, really getting into music for the 1st time.
1997 = Gigs at the Barrowlands, thinking Urusei Yatsura were the best band in the world.
1999 = Was in a band called Mutant Mobster with Rory from Taki183. Moved to Perth - boring.
2003 = Culture Deluxe & International Bastards.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

I've got two. "Weekender" by Flowered-Up for when we're drinking. "La Rock 01" by Vitalic for when we're dancing.

And your Sunday morning one?

Chill Out by the KLF.

Do you believe in the afterlife? Why?

No. I think religion has been used as an instrument of terror for too long. It has long been said that prayer, duty to your God etc. gives you hope & aids you in life. But failure to do this carries (in their minds) punishment & damnation in life & after. I prefer to believe it's your own decisions that decide how your(one)life goes. Also, I've been reading a lot of Greek mythology recently. You can see parallels between the stories there & biblical stories, but with no emphasis on preaching this or that in the Greek stories. It suggests to me that these stories were all made up by storytellers & entertainers, but in Greece they remained so & became myths & fun tales. The writers of the Bible decided to add their own literally holier-than-thou slant & took all the fun out of them. Anyway, long pointless answer.

What are your plans for the future?

CDX2 will eventually be completed - probably with an eye on non-bootleg music too - & I have something in the pipeline with a couple of others which is to be known only as CD-R for now.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I think record companies will become phased out, once technology evolves to make it easy for anyone to charge others to download their music there will be no need. It also spells, for me, the end of copyright as we know it. The record companies think it's bad just now with file-sharing & illegal remixing, but I think they're all going to find themselves fighting a losing battle trying to track down all copyright breaches. You get plenty people selling recordings on eBay already - the end is in sight.

You can visit Richie's Culture Deluxe site here.

TiMG

2004-08-15T18:12:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, what does the 'G' stands for?

I'm not one for fancy aliases...if I was I'd never be happy with what I called myself. The 'G' stands for my last name - Gray. Exciting eh?

What are you up to these days?

At the moment I'm unemployed & looking for work. I'm producing an EP for my band Harijan, which will hopefully help get my more traditional recording /producing skills noticed. I've got the Manchester punk scene excited about bootlegs with the Capdown vs Black Eyed Peas track I did recently... Quite a big act from round here - Sonic Boom Six - are interested in me doing some remixes of their stuff. They were produced by Ace from Skunk Anansie (who also produced King Prawn) so I'm hoping this might lead to some good contacts.

Also working on some original stuff. Kind of drum n bass rock with acoustic guitars. Might put it to the GYBO crew when it's finished. Oh...& some of my bootlegs will be on vinyl soon, available from International Bastard...as well as a French bootleg, which is part of a compilation going on sale in France.

What music are you currently listening to?

The Hives, King Prawn, Five Knuckle, Capdown, Apocalyptica, Nine Inch Nails, GHP's "Girl Wants To Say Goodbye To Rock n' Roll".

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album?

Ooff. Hard one...Possibly Metallica's Black Album.

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

First album I bought was Michael Jackson Bad on cassette. First CD - Metallica's Ride The Lightening. First vinyl - a hip hop compilation called The Rhythm Is Final, scratching the vocal bits from Resident Alien's "Ooh The Dew Doo Man" over stuff is a lot of fun.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Trent Reznor. He's a genius...Wouldn't mind being Jimi Hendrix either (if he was alive).

You've done mixes for MTV Mash. What is the biggest pain as well as the greatest joy working with MTV? Tell us some stories please!

The biggest joys -
Getting paid & seeing your stuff on the screen (also quite a good basis for a chat up line). And I supposed it's quite nice to be known a bit. I was recently in Germany & a group of guys came up to me to tell me how much they liked Nelly vs Greenday & Girls Aloud vs Kings Of Leon, which was really nice.

The biggest pains -
1. Getting something commissioned...They want tracks that utilise both vocals nicely & are almost exactly 2:30 min...oh & they've also got to be popular tracks, make the MTV crew 'excited' & be high quality (difficult when vocals are being 'extracted' ). It's also got to look like an 'obvious' bootleg so that an audience unfamilar with mash-ups can get what's going on. One track I sent in didn't get commissioned because it was apparently mixed 'too well' & they thought it sounded like a new song as opposed to a bootleg.
2. Being nagged to do umpteen different edits of the same track in a short amount of time.
3. Looking at the track list we're given.
4. Extracting and removing vocals.
5. Thinking of a really good bootleg & then realising that you're looking at last week's list & they've taken those tracks off now.

Can you recall your happiest moment ever?

When I was 18, me & some mates got very drunk, stole a boat & sailed across a reservoir. I didn't have any responsibilities or worries & I was drunk on an illegally-acquired boat. It was the best night of my life.

The Last of TiMG:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = Madonna's The Immaculate Collection
Last movie you watched that's boring = Matrix Revolutions
Last book or mag you read that's awesome = Reading Michael Moore's Stupid White Men at the Mo. It's quite awesome.
Last concert you watched that was life-changing = Hmm...concerts were better when I was younger because I had more energy. Seeing Therapy? at the Manchester Academy when I was about 17 is one that stood out in my mind. The atmosphere was incredible...the band invited the entire audience on stage at the end of the night & the security got trampled on, literally.
Last bootleg you heard that rocked your world = A toss up between GHP's "Girl Wants To Say Goodbye To Rock n' Roll" & Apeboy's Enya vs Prodigy mash-up.

In your opinion, what is the ONE bootleg that is considered the greatest of all time?

Probably "Ray Of Gob". Fantastic bootleg. Powerful, accessible, well-produced & he's even managed to persuade the artistes to let it be released offically.

In your own opinion, what is the best boot you've ever done?

Probably "The Ballad Of J-Lo" for me. I think it's the most surpising A + B match I've put together. I still find it entertaining to listen to.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

GYBO = Talented bitch centre
Daft Punk = Awesome
cry.on.my.console = Funky original stuff
DJ Zebra = Ooh la la
Rod Stewart = Perv
Jesus Christ = ...walked into a bar
Grant = Always DJ-ing
Deep Purple = Respect
EMI = Eccentric Millionaires Institute
Britney Spears = Air stewardess costume

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music & why?

The 1980's. Duran Duran. The Cure. Queen. Big hair, pointy guitars, Transformers, Coca cola yo-yos...ahh...good memories!

What do you remember about the following years:

1990 = Falling off my BMX
1993 = Playing with Fasttracker
1997 = Having grunge hair
2000 = Getting very drunk
2004 = High speed car-smash-rib-breaking-blood-ouch

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

Electric Six's "Dance Commander"

And your Sunday morning one?

Queen - "Hammer To Fall"

What are your thoughts about your recent car accident? How much did it change you as a person?

The accident has been the most challenging experience of my life. Having a stroke was the hardest part, & is very hard to describe to people. It's very isolating at first as you find out a lot of people can't show compassion easily. On the positive side, I'm less bothered by trivial things that would have previously seemed like big problems. I try to be more compassionate towards other people who need it & I don't take things for granted as much.

Do you believe that you were kept alive for a specific reason? Why?

I don't know really. Maybe. I kind of feel like helping people but I'm not sure who. There were a chain of slightly unusual events during the crash which all contributed to my survival. If the collision had been just slightly different, I wouldn't be typing this. A nurse who was also driving behind me saw how bad I was & got the air ambulance to come out. The police later told me they had expected to be pulling a corpse out of the wreck...I'm not religous, but it makes you think.

What are your plans for the future?

My ultimate plan is to own a recording studio & produce music for a living, maybe start up my own label one day. I'm looking at getting work or work experience in some decent recording studios before considering starting my own business.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

It's funny. There's the whole GYBO scene which is moving at a phenomenal rate, & then there's the rest of the world which is miles behind. The illegal nature of the bootleg makes it a very underground thing. I'd like to see things branch out into the general public a bit more. Hopefully the future will see more record companies coming round to the bootleg thing & considering official releases. And as technology advances hopefully there'll be the ability to do more stuff live. It's not unfeasible that something that extracts & removes layers (i.e vocals & instuments) from stereo audio in real time could be developed & used in a DJ setup.

Some TiMG boots:

1. Hella Killa (No Doubt vs Prodigy)

2. The Ballad Of J-Lo (Tenacious D vs Jennifer Lopez)

3. Voodoo Problems (Jimi Hendrix vs Jay-Z)

You can also visit TiMG's site here.

Spiny Norman

2004-08-13T18:37:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'Spiny Norman'?

I’ve been a huge Monty Python fan for most of my life, especially of the animation. And the animation I remember the most is of the gigantic hedgehog that stalks Doug & Dinsdale Piranha - Spiny Norman. I put in on one of my demo CDs & I’ve been using the name ever since.

What are you up to these days?

A little bit of everything. Along with making boots, I’ve also been working on my full-length mix CDs as LeMont Blanc. I’ve also finished a collaboration mix CD with my brother-in-law, who records under the name Briscoe, & I’ve done a little production work for his new mixes as well. My next boot, "Hiero Behaviour" - which is Hieroglyphics "Roll On" vs Bjork’s "Human Behaviour", should be available soon on the Strangely Familiar website.

What music are you currently listening to?

I’ve just about worn out the new Avalanches mix When I Met You. Also, Luke Vibert’s new Kerrier District CD has gotten a lot of playback. Kanye West, Scissor Sisters, Phoenix, Jay-Z, old Pete Rock & CL Smooth, TV On The Radio, & that’s just today.

What, if push comes to shove, is the one album that's your all-time favourite?

Massive Attack's Blue Lines. It absolutely opened my eyes & brought to light a whole new way that music could sound.

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

The first record I ever bought with my own money was Ghost In The Machine by The Police, at a record store called Strawberries in Warwick, RI back in the early 80’s.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

When I was young, I always wanted to be Prince. He made catchy songs, & everybody loved him. I’m not sure I’d want to be anyone else right now, but when I get old, I hope that I end up like Louie Austen.

What's it like being a day in the life of Spiny Norman?

Right now, it’s great. I quit my day job so I can go back to college full-time, so I have a lot of free time on my hands.

What is the most bizarre & embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

The most bizarre & embarrassing thing that ever happen to me happened in Rhodes, Greece in 1999. I was in this little bar across the street from my hotel with some of my friends, getting sloshed, when they asked me if I wanted to play an impromptu set. I agreed to play if they let me out of my bar tab. However, I had been drinking most of the afternoon, & was not at all in condition to play. But I ended up going on anyway. Needless to say, I was horrible. After about 45 minutes, the owner of the bar made me stop, threw my friends & I out of the bar, AND made us pay our tabs. Not the start of a good night.

The last of Spiny Norman:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = Suck My Deck by Ivan Smagghe
Last movie you watched that left you speechless = The Passion Of The Christ
Last book or mag you read that was so bad, it's good! = Confessions of A Dangerous Mind by Chuck Barris. It’s bad ass!
Last concert you watched that gave you wood = Literal wood? No Doubt in ’95. I got to meet Gwen Stefani before the show, & she is hotter in person than on TV.
Last bootleg you heard that was total bollocks = I don’t think that any boot is bollocks. Some are great, some are good, & others are a good effort gone bad for a reason.

In your opinion, what is the ONE bootleg that is considered the greatest of all time?

"Magnificent Romeo". The As Heard On Radio Soulwax... series is what made me want to do boots, & this was the first I had heard.

What is the best bootleg you've ever done?

"Without Eskimos & Egypt" (Rammstein's "Eskimos & Egypt" vs. Eminem's "Without Me"). I recorded it almost a year ago, but almost everyone had used the Eminem acapella. So I kept it tucked away for a while, & waited for everyone to forget about it. I released it to b00mb0x in June, & now it’s being played in Australia by Marty Batfreak & DJ Hickory Dickory Doc on 2MBS-FM.

Will Mash-Ups be the New Pop? Discuss...

I don’t think so. I believe that true pop music is geared for the under-16 individual, whereas mashes & boots appeal more towards the club-going person. Plus we need the pop acapellas to do our jobs.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

b00mb0x = I’ll forever be in debt to them. Naz & Assorted (the two who started the site) have been so supportive of me, & are a big part of why I’m here.
Oorsmeer = A wonderful site. Only wish it had an English translation.
BBC One World = A little too left-wing for me, but a good place to catch a European view of world events.
BitTorrent = The biggest advance in P2P since Napster. I use it all the time.
The Rolling Stones = The very definition of staying power. If only we all could last that long.
Oral Roberts = Huh huh. You said "Oral".
Cameron Diaz = A great actress, funny as all get-up.
Michael Moore = Don’t get me started...
Bon Jovi = I was not a Bon Jovi fan in the 80’s, but I thought that sampling it on the live version of Orbital’s "Halcyon" was awesome.
Beyonce = Made Jay-Z the most hated man in America.

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music & why?

The 1980’s. New Wave. Hip Hop. Power Ballads. It doesn’t get any better.

What do you remember about the following years:

1985 = I first saw Monty Python in ’85.
1990 = In Living Color, Fear Of A Black Planet.
1996 = First time I was ever on the radio (WERW Syracuse, NY).
2002 = I spent the first 4 months of 2002 off the coast of Pakistan on an aircraft carrier. First heard 2 Many DJ’s album later in ‘02.
2004 = The breakout of Spiny Norman, hopefully.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

"Full Moon" by Armand Van Helden. I love hip-hop, especially Common, & this song can heat up the dance floor quickly. Best of both worlds.

And your Sunday morning one?

"Provider (Zero 7 Remix)" by N.E.R.D. The combination of the downtempo melody & Pharrell Williams's vocals make this one of the best songs to wind down to.

What's the good thing about living in America?

Regardless of what everyone thinks, & what the media portrays, America is still the land of opportunity.

And the worst?

My fiancée thinks the worst thing about America is New Jersey. But I think the worst thing is seeing all these club nights (Club GYBO, iBoot, West Of Bastard, IBPW), & I can't go to any of them without spending a fortune on a plane flight across the Atlantic.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

I’ve always thought that as long as quality work is being created, it shouldn’t matter if it’s done in a large studio or on a home computer. I don’t think that the means of making a track matters. Only the end product should matter.

You can download Spiny Norman's boots at the b00mb0x site here.

Solcofn

2004-08-12T09:55:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'Solcofn'?

Long story short...there was a band (I am sure a few folks have guessed this already) called Soul Coughing that was one of my favorite bands. In 1997, I got their name on my license plate for my car. All that I could get to fit was SOLCOFN. Well, over the years I kept that on there & it just kinda turned into a nickname for me. Sometimes people just call me "sol". Not a terribly exciting story but that's where the name came from.

What are you up to these days?

My friend & I run a website called Jedi Boogie Knights. There are CD reviews & news stories but the main point of the site is to make a place where people can come together & discuss & share live DJ sets. We are working on a rather large DJ Archive right now. I think we have around 100 Gigs of live sets that we hope to someday have them all linked up. Outside of that I am still working on my own original music & boots .

What music are you currently listening to?

Several things but the main ones are:
Monkey Bars - Food Eating Food (They know how to party)
Kenna - New Sacred Cow (Came out a while ago but I think it's brilliant)
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (Been one of my favorite bands since 1988 when I got my first record of theirs. This is a kick ass record as well)

What, if push comes to shove, is the one album that changed your life?

I know you asked for one but...when I was in 8th grade, I went to a friend's house for a party & in the span of several hours I heard The Violent Femmes, The Flaming Lips, Faith No More & The Pixies. Hands down that day changed my musical life. There are other bands that blew me away but those...those changed me. All four get the credit, I can't pick just one.

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

Don't laugh to hard...the first 2 albums I ever bought myself (bought the same day) were Mr Mister Welcome To The Real World & Chaka Khan I Feel For You. I was in 4th grade.

What's it like being a day in the life of Solcofn?

A bit drab right now. I work my 9 to 5 as a Warehouse Manager for an electronics company & then when I get home I work on music. I go out to the clubs a few times a month & I try to have fun as much as I can. Hang out with friends & family & just try to get myself that much closer to my goal, which is to get paid for doing music.

What is the most, 1) bizarre & 2) embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Bizarre: In 1992, being the only one out of a group of 38 kids & adults on a trip through Russia, to have every bag I had opened & searched by the KGB (I kid you not) due to my father's job (he worked for the government, monitoring nuclear treaties & underground nuclear testing).

Embarrassing: Being so drunk after seeing a stand-up comedian that, once we left the show & were on the subway home, I randomly got off at a stop without my friends (God knows where) & walked around Washington D.C. for a few hours in the middle of the night (down the middle of the street yelling) & then paid about $80 more than I should have for a ride home.....When I got in the cab I grabbed all the money out of my wallet and said, "Will this get me home?"...Yikes!

The last of Solcofn:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = Bought Chikinki Lick Your Ticket
Last movie you watched that gave you wood = Spiderman 2 (The comic book geek boy in me loved it)
Last book or mag you read that was awesome = Remix Magazine, one of the best mags out there!
Last concert you watched that was boring = Don't have one. Why would I watch if it was boring?
Last bootleg you heard that was so bad, it's good! = Can't think of one...if they are that bad, they are usually never good

In your opinion, what is the ONE bootleg that is considered the greatest of all time?

My personal favorite is Calle Hanson's "Blame It On The Crescendolls". Now I know it is not "perfect", but to me, it sums up what a proper boot should be (in time, on key & one hell of a good time)!

Which bootlegger deserves a smack in the mouth & why?

Weiser...just kidding. I don't want to single anyone out but I do feel that some people are taking the whole Weiser thing way too far (& I think they know who they are). Talking as if they are elitists & that they are better than everybody (I am sure some of them were just like him when they started posting). All Weiser ever did was get excited about something he digs...he just happened to post it on a board where most people don't share his enthusiasm. Other than that , nobody has pissed me off...

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

"Assasinator 13 Remix" by FakeID. I swear I will never stop talking about that mix. Just gets me ready to party every time I hear it.

Will Mash-Ups be dead by 2006? Discuss...

I feel that as long as the scene is kept away from corporate hands it has a future. Even if it does get commercialized a bit, the true booters will still be doing this no matter what. I have faith. Plus , here in the States, it is not anywhere near as big as in the UK. I give it at least 2 years before someone claims it's dead here (LOL).

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

GYBO = My desire to do music
Slsk = Now a part of life, although for every one thing I download I still buy at least 2 CD's
Woodstock = An amazing time in musical history, I was at the 94 one & it was amazing (not the same but still fun)!
iPod = Don't have one...
The Beatles = Musical alchemists
Billy Graham = Cult member
Elle Macpherson = The single most beautiful woman to ever walk the face of the earth. I have had it bad for her since the late 80's (still smokin' hot today!!!)
George Bush = A good ole boy with way too much power & no clue (I didn't vote for him)
2 Many DJs = Brilliant
Missy Elliott = A woman who knows what she wants & gets it

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music & why?

The 60's...music was at a time when everything was new & the musical horizon was unlimited....now it is hard to find something fresh & original (you can, but it is a lot harder to find).

What do you remember about the following years:

1990 = Still amazed that the wall came down in Berlin in November 89. Hammer time.
1992 = Moving to Washington D.C. in the middle of high school. Nirvana was huge.
1997 = Lots of freaky sex with the girl I was dating. The Chems - Dig Your Own Hole.
2000 = Laughed at all the people who were freaking out about the Y2K bug. The Foggy Bottom Boys.
2004 = Found GYBO & the rest is history.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

The Chemical Brothers - "Leave Home" (Can always get me in the mood to party)

And your Sunday morning one?

Spiritualized - Ladies & gentleman We Are Floating In Space (Speaks for itself)

What are your plans for the future?

Working on some original music with some fellow GYBO folks & to continue my music. One day, I will be getting paid to do my music & will be playing at Bootie!!! You heard it here first.

Do you still see yourself involved with bootlegs in ten years time?

Yes...but I am sure it will be at a different level to me by then. More experience & better equipment...hopefully getting proper remix work as well!

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes
would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

What is "easy"? There are so many things that people think are easy & if you are good at what you do, it may look easy but it usually isn't. You either have talent or you don't. I think that if people are good at it & there is an audience for it, it will thrive. I know the remix scene is going very well right now & I think that as long as people don't sue like crazy over copyrights, boots will thrive as well. There will always be an underground for all music...that is what separates the people who do it because they love it & the folks who just want a cheque. If it is not mainstream then the guy who just wants a cheque is not going to be dragging it down with him.... I hope that made sense...

Some Solcofn boots:

1. Undo The End (Bjork vs Linkin Park)

2. Astounded Saliva (Curtis Mayfield vs RJD2)

3. That's Just The Way Drug Is (Kool Keith vs Prodigy)

You can also visit Solcofn's website here.

Superdan (aka Db)

2004-08-06T17:48:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'Superdan - Man Of The People'?

Rebranding exercise, been accused of being Stalinist in my modding ways so I've gone one step further & now I'm promoting myself as a fish out of water, a renegade mod fighting against the system & its crazy laws, giving the finger to the law to get the job done.

Or I might have been bored.

What are you up to these days?

Blimey...well I got a few things on the quiet which shall be coming to fruition soon & will hopefully start pushing people & things for the board in good directions... On top of that I'm still trying to ply my trade as a person who plays 'rekkids' one after another (all offers welcome, will play music for chips), & trying to get gigs for a few peeps on the board who will be future stars.

What music are you currently listening to?

At the moment I'm filling the gaps of my musical history by reading The A To X Of Alternative Music & really digging stuff like Country Joe & The Fish, Funkadelic, Pastels, Rapeman... Also got stuff by Cornelius & DJ Yoda always on the pile ready for a listen...

And also going through the classics listening to Paul Simon (Graceland is just f**king class), & Elvis Costello... Most new albums out are s**t at the moment apart from Futureheads & the Concretes.

What, if push comes to shove, is the one album that changed your life?

It's a toss up between Blur's Parklife & Weezer's blue album, they were the albums that made me stop & think about music y'know? That cross over point from listening to caring.

Which artiste, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

If I was Bowie I would have f**ked it up & he would be a pissant, so no one.

You've been a moderator for GYBO for quite a while now. Any chance of re-tellin the story again on how did this whole "job" come about?

Grant was drunk, Lionel was horny, & Daz got a life, so it was a natural progression to get the next best person in the list who talked bollocks in Off Topic to continue the trend.

What is the most irritating thing about being a GYBO mod?

The dance moves I have to learn.

The last of Superdan:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = The King - Gravelands
Last movie you watched that's took your breath away = American Splendor
Last book or mag you read that gave you wood = The A To X Of Alternative Music (Picture of Debbie Harry...grrr! I still would!)
Last concert you watched that bored you to tears = Ryan Adams. The cunt. What did I expect?
Last bootleg you heard that's so bad, you can't seem to get it off your head = My shit memory helps extremely well in this area ;)

What are the elements that make up a good bootleg?

I think there is only one really. That X factor, also known as fun. A lot of the stuff feels like it could have been churned out for the hell of it rather than something like Dizzee with Chas & Dave where its invention. You can't get better than a) the wow factor and b) the urge to fling yerself around or nod furiously. Stuff like that transends pitch & other problems.

In your honest opinion, which bootlegger should consider calling it a day?

No one, no matter how bad they are now, they might make a golden nugget in the future.

Mash-ups: Better than sex. Discuss...

I hear too many of one & don't get enough of the other. I'm greedy & will combine it in the future.

Which bootleg deserves a chance at the charts & why?

All the ones that are good, cos they are usually a good deal better than the floating turds in music charts.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Boot106 = Useful
Lionel Vinyl = Legend
T In The Park = Heaven
RIAA = Fatuous
Franz Ferdinand = Catchy
Soul Survivor = Wha?
Angelina Jolie = Helllloooooooooo
XFM Superchunk = Pivotal
Freelance Hellraiser = Outclassed
Kelis = Meh

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

No question. The Doors - "Break On Through".

And your Sunday morning one?

I Am Kloot's "To You"

Life after death - reality or just myth?

Myth.

Any principles of life you live by?

Never shit where you eat.

What are your plans for the future?

To avoid eating & smelling fish, & to beg for someone to gimme a job.

Do you still see yourself being a GYBO mod in ten years time?

Nothing's forever, and I'm amazed I'm still one now.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

It's just another thing that gets done to music, probably end up being a marketing tool. Power to the f**king people I say!

You can find the realm of Superdan here!

Bangers & Mash

2004-07-28T13:07:00.000+08:00

Just for the record, why the name 'Bangers & Mash'?

I did my first ever bootleg with my friend George. Thinking we'd be doing lots of boots together in the future, we came up with the name Bangers & Mash. He got bangers because I was mashed when doing it. I've thought of changing it, but it's stuck.

What are you up to these days?

I'm just doing my boots really, & looking at buying a USB keyboard so I can do more remixes. During the day I''m a freelance art director.

What, if push comes to shove, is the one album that changed your life?

The 1st one that came to mind was Prince 1999. It was a double album with what seemed like extended versions of all the songs. I was in high school, had my first girlfriend...those were good years. But when I was just a few years old, I used to love listening to Nilsson Schmilsson . On the cover his thumb was on fire.

Do you still remember what's the first record you ever bought? Where did you buy it?

It was a 12" by Sly Fox called "Let's Go All The Way". I think I bought it at Brashes.

Which artist, other than yourself, have you ever wanted to be?

Leonardo Da Vinci. Nope, no one really...hang on, George Benson!

You've done DJing work for the likes of Elle Macpherson & Prince etc. Out of everyone you've worked with, who is the biggest pain & who's the best to work with? Tell us some stories please!

I don't really remember anyone being a real pain... Probably due to all the vodka, but I DJ-ed a DMC final back in the mid 90s that ended in a riot. Bottles were being thrown everywhere, the club was trashed & my mate got sucker punched. Someone's crate got stolen. It was so bad even the security guards left the building. We spent most of it hiding behind the DJ booth, & were told to go home in case they came back.

The best people I've worked with were my 2 friends who I DJ-ed with regularly for 4 years. We'd bounce off each other, cover each other for bar & toilet breaks, & get each other jobs in various clubs.

What is the most embarrassing or bizarre thing that have ever happened to you when you're manning the decks?

Bizarre: I used to DJ by candle light at a club in Kings Cross called The Cauldron. One night a Greek girl backed up to the booth & her hair went up in flames. I grabbed a record & preceded to smack her across the back of her head with it. Funny thing was, she didn't know her hair was on fire at first.

Embarrassing: Having to mix while the lighting guy shags some girl right behind me in the DJ booth.

The last of Bangers & Mash:

Last CD you bought (or downloaded) = Parkspliced
Last movie you watched that's crap = Some movie about giant slugs with sharp teeth that come out of your ass.
Last book you read that's a waste of time = Ralph (I know, it's a magazine).
Last concert you watched that was awesome = Bluesfest in Byron Bay that had James Brown & Solomon Burke.
Last bootleg you heard that rocked your world = "Jet - The DC10 Experience" by Cube G

In your opinion, what is the ONE bootleg that is considered the greatest of all time?

"Safari Love" by Loo & Placido

What is the best boot you've ever done?

I think "Romeo Highway" is the best so far...

Any boots you wished you've done but didn't?

Anything by Go Home Productions & Loo & Placido.

Mash-ups: Are they the New Rock N' Roll or just Geek Music? Discuss...

Mash-ups are more punk. They are a driving underground force that will only occasionally see radio play or release, but as more people become aware of bootlegs, club nights will become more popular. When big record companies realise the unlimited potential of re-releasing their back catalogues as instrumentals & acapellas & understand the great distribution highway that is the Internet, maybe we'll see it become the new rock'n'roll.

Which bootlegger deserves a smack in the mouth & why?

Anyone who claims another person's boot as their own.

Let's play word association. We mention a name & you give us your thoughts...

Boom Selection = 1st stop for beginner bootleggers.
Dsico = Angst-ridden uni student producing interesting audio art.
McSleazy = The Captain
Loo & Placido = My heroes
Jet = Who? The band? They're cool.
Hillsong = Who?
Mark Vidler = Quality
Australian Madonna Show = Sexy girls & dark nightclubs
Soulwax = Amazing, smart.
Christina Aguilera = Wanna get dirrrty

Which decade do you consider the 'golden era' of music & why?

Gotta be the 70s. Disco fever, rare grooves, free sex, new drugs and sex.

What do you remember about the following years:

1984 = The Eurythmics
1986 = Sex & plenty of it
1990 = My 21st birthday
1997 = Finishing DJing & getting a full time job.
2003 = Going to lots of good outdoor day concerts.

What's your favourite Saturday night record?

De La Soul "A Rollerskating Jam Named Saturday".

And your Sunday morning one?

I assume we're talking early Sunday morning! Lewis Taylor's self titled debut.

Do you still see yourself doing bootlegs, let's say, in ten years time?

Could well be, but hopefully I'll be working in a slightly different capacity, say producing.

What do you think the future for bootlegs / mash-ups / remixes
would be like, given that being a home musician is so easy these days?

The future looks very bright. All we need is to spread the word. I've introduced bootlegs to lots of people. Some people hate them, most people love them. A few have started doing them themselves, others have started to listen out for new ones on the radio and Internet. I imagine bootlegs will become another accepted music 'style' in the next 5 years.

Some Bangers & Mash boots:

1. Time Is Now Extended (Moloko vs Manfred Mann vs The Jungle Brothers)

2. F**k Me Come Back (Princess Superstar vs Player)

3. Romeo Highway (Basement Jaxx vs America) [OFFLINE]

You can also visit the website here.