ATR artists Alex Tronic and snakestyle are to appear with tracks
`Anthropology` and `Space Lounge ` respectively on the compilation album Shanti Lounge.
Available Feb 19th 2010 Distributed through Edel Kontor .
| Label Profile | Label: Yellow Sunshine Explosion |
| Sales Notes | Format: 2CD |
| Further Information | Barcode: 5028557122322 |
| Track Listing | Release Date: 2010-03-19 |
| Genre: Chillout | Catalogue Number: YSE223CD |
Keser tour the UK -Details-
UK Tour: 20-26 February 2010
20 February: Glasgow, The Captain's Rest
21 February: Edinburgh, Sneaky Pete's
22 February: Newcastle, Cumberland Arms
23 February: Lancaster, Yorkshire House
24 February: Manchester, Retro Bar
26 February: Barrels House, Berwick upon Tweed
More details coming soon!
www.keser.co.uk
Alex Tronic Records :Label & Artist News Nov 09
Producers to tell all in Edinburgh
16:31 | Friday September 25, 2009
By Ben Cardew
Edinburgh music social night Born To Be Wide is to host a seminar looking into the role of the producer.
Born To Be Wide Presents – The Producers will take place on October 1 at Edinburgh’s Voodoo Rooms, with Oasis / The Verve producer Owen Morris, Alex Tronic Studios’ Paul Croan, Echo And The Bunnymen producer John McLaughlin and Teenage Fanclub drummer Francis Macdonald all taking part.
The event is intended to give an insight into the producer’s role and provide tips on how to become a producer. It will be supported by the Musicians’ Union.
“I’m extremely excited about this seminar and it is great that we can draw on such a wealth of experience without having to look further than Edinburgh and Glasgow,” says Born To Be Wide co-organiser Olaf Furniss.
“Collectively these producers have worked with an extremely diverse range of artists and I look forward to hearing some of the stories they have to tell.”
McLaughlin and Morris will both DJ after the panel event
| Host: | |
| Type: | |
| Network: | Global |
| Start Time: | Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 1:00pm |
| End Time: | Sunday, August 23, 2009 at 3:00am |
| Location: | The Forest |
| Street: | 3 Bristo Place |
| City/Town: | Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
Unique Beats teams up with the Forest to bring a FREE one off special Fringe show featuring the best of Scotland's up-and-coming and more established Electronica acts for 14 hours of electro mayhem.
The event runs from 3-4pm on Thursday 11th June at the RAMADA JARVIS HOTEL, 33 Church Street, Inverness,IV1 1DX
It is free and open to all Go North delegates, bands, managers etc.
Any other bands from in and around Inverness are also welcome to attend free of charge, however, they will have to register
Panelists
|
Alex Tronic Band @ Go North Festival Inverness | Inverness, Scotland | ||
|
Alex Tronic Laptop Set @ Eclectiv @ PivoPivo | Glasgow, Scotland |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Metal Tech Shows
|
||||||||||
|
Binary Zero Shows
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Paul Croan has just signed a publishing deal for his Alex Tronic project with Basement Music www.basementmusic.co.uk. Based in London and America they have managed and published a diverse rosta of artists including the Proclaimers ,Everything but the Girl, Joe Jackson and Dennis Brown
News: Feb 09
Alex Tronic is to perform live in session for Radio 1 in Scotland to celebrate the release of the To Infinity album his debut album for the label. The session will go out just after midnight into Thursday 19th of February on the Vic Galloway show .
Four tunes will be performed live By Alex Tronic and his band which includes vocals by Ăsa Seljestad . Guitars will be performed by Erik Tricity
And Kevan Whitley who are all musicians from the Alex Tronic Records Stable
The four tunes will be Tap into America , Lifes a Dream , New Dawn and In Flight. .
The performance will be available on the BBC I player for repeated listens if you miss the show.
Latest News -Alex Tronic -To Infinity Album
ATRCD072
Buy Alex Tronic To Infinity
-here £7.99Alex Tronic has released music on other labels, but celebrates the tenth release by relaesing his own cd album. The much anticipated debut release for his label, Alex Tronic To Infinity album is to be released on 7/02/09 on ATR .SO WATCH THIS SPACE!.. Alex Tronic recorded the album in the 200 year old basement studio in Edinburghs RAF Club believed to be haunted by a` Phantom Airman` . The cd has a ghostly feel in places with a track called Chiller, and another called Death of Light .
Fluid Radio:Don't forget to tune in to Fluid Radio (www.fluid-radio.co.uk) at 7pmtomorrow night (thursday 23rd october) to listen to snakestyle's live set atwaveform festival in september.
Keser, Laki Mera and The Phantom Band. 7.30pm, £5 Entry. Details: http://www.thevoodoorooms.comLysergic Sushi by The Psychedelic Manifesto released 3/10/08 on ATR is iTunes France dance album of the week and graces the top of their homepage -fantastic
News: July/August 08
Friday, August 29, 2008
Track of the month in The ScotsmanBinary Zero - The Scotsman
"Under the radar : Knob-twiddlers In the limelight and good news for all Edinburgh gig-goers"
By Olaf Furniss and Derick Mckinnon
Glasgow based based electronic musician aka Binary Zero aka Stuart Foxwell (my space.com/binary zero) is already a well kent face on the cities electro scene thanks to his Tronic night. His fame spread in June with the release of his debut album From Here You Can See Everything on Alex Tronic Records . The label is now making the outstanding 5th Objective available as a free download at alextronicrecords.co.uk. With its old school techno feel and a sample of a David Icke speech, the mesmerizing mix is guaranteed to appeal to both aging ravers and young electronica enthusiasts. It's also our track of the month.
www.thescotsman.co.uk
Download the new Binary Zero single the 5th Objective featuring David Icke free for a limited period from August 15th . This is a thankyou to you all for continued support of the Label - Paul Croan Aug 08
The 5th Objective Single click here to download
: Keser Gigs Announced
Tronic Glasgow & The Hive Edinbvurgh
05 Sep 2008, 21:00
36 Bell Street, Glasgow, G1 1LG
Cost : £5
see http://www.tronicglasgow.com/page3.htm for details Keser néøsyn Sugar Skull (aka Andy Glitch) My Devices 9pm - 2am
Binary Zero play Glasgow Show!
24 Jul 2008, 20:00
Glasgow, Glasgow, G somethin
Cost : tbc- prop free
A Great night of Electronica with some of my best friends. Satellite Dub and i am blip. Come join the fun. A big thanks to Craig from Satellite Dub for organisign this event.
August will see the release of Rise by Iain Carnegie ATRCD083
Keser Gig , Caberet Voltaire Sat July 19th - Free Entry
Hey there, hope you're all well! We're taking a cheeky break from recording album number 2 to play at Cabaret Voltaire alongside Juno! and Kobai on Saturday 19 July.
It's part of the Kopparberg tour in conjunction with New Found Sound promotions, and it's free entry!! Doors are at 7pm and we'll be on at approximately 7.15pm.There will be an after-show party held by club night 'Extra Width' in Cabaret Voltaire featuring DJ sets from Kieron Mellote (Evol) among others. Those who get their hand stamped at the gig will gain free entry to the club.
So that's free live music AND free dancing!! Woohoo! Hope to see you there!J Jonah Keserson
News: May/June08
Binary Zero has an live radio interview with on 17th June on talk 107 with the legendary Dominik Diamond . He was named Scottish Radio Presenter of the Year for his efforts at the 2007 XTrax Scottish Radio Awards. http://www.talk107.co.uk The show with Mr Diamond and Marisa DeAndrade is 2pm-4pm .
Binary Zero and David Icke make Page 10 in this weeks Guardian newspaper discussing the recent sample on the 5th objective track from the album `from here you can see everything` .
ATR and some associates spent some time at Rockness this weekend June 6th / 7th. Congratulatins to Henrik who came from Berlin and got an interview with Fatboy Slim prior to his headlining spot on Saturday. Highlights for us were The Orb .
Binary Zero release `from here to see everything` their debut album on Alex Tronic Records sheduled for June /06/08 ATR CD061. The track Glasgow is on a bbc podcast the link is http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/scotintro/
The album is picking up good advance play on Radio Scotland and Radio 1. Look out for track 3 that samples David Icke with his full consent , banging track that one !
ATR has recently joined AIM ( Association of Independent Music) which represents the interests of around 200 indie labels. We have also joined the MPA ( Music Publishers Association) www.mpaonline.org.uk
News:March April/08
Forthcoming gigs :Keser
May 4th 08: The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA. with Ulrich Schauss
Roy's Iron DNA will play Spectrum Festival at the Queens Hall Edinburgh on April 20th 2008 ,
Recent News
20th April 2008 @ The Queens Hall, Edinburgh
Tokyo Blu * Alfonzo * Sanna * Roys Iron DNA * The Fusiliers * Dumb Instrument * Epsilon
Marvin Wilson -Being Here album to be released worldwide on Mon March 26th through distributors Arabesque and Cargo.The album is for sale now exclusivelyon our site in advance of the fullscale release date..
AsA -Have been interviewed on Radio 1 about the making of the new album to be broadcast on Vic Galloway show on 21st Feb 08
Supporting the Go Team February 2008
28 Feb 2008 19:00
Cabaret Voltaire- Fresh Air FM Show Edinburgh
29 Feb 2008 20:00
The Ironworks (supporting The Go! Team) Inverness
1 Mar 2008 19:00
Moshulu (supporting The Go! Team) Aberdeen
2 Mar 2008 19:00
Fat Sams (supporting The Go! Team) Dundee
Alex Tronic Records Volume II
We are now looking for submissions for the compilation album Alex Tronic Volume II. We are looking for tracks in the electronic genre, dance, chillout,experimental, anything new and interesting. Please send one selected track, on CD format to .
Alex Tronic Records
11 Hillside Cres Edinburgh
EH7 5EA
ROYS IRON DNA-Gig @ Caberat Volttaire in Edinburgh as part of Edinburgh Universities Radio Station Fresh Air F.M. Fresh Air Live Series
28 Feb 2008, 19:00
Not Available , Edinburgh,
Cost :
with Found and Down the Tiny Steps.
Alex Tronic Label & Artist News: Nov /Dec 07
Leith Fm (98.8) Interview on Sunday Alex Tronic Records will be guests on the fantastic Al Chivers show on Leith fm on Sunday Dec 16th . His show runs from 2-4pm we will be on from 3pm just after the news apparently . |
Keser gig
19 Dec 2007, 20:00
43b Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EP
Cost : £5.00
THE MAGNIFICENTS, ACTION GROUP, SATELLITE DUB, KESER, HOW TO SWIM, New Found Sound end of year Party, December, 19 2007 at 43b Frederick Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh @ Po Na Na, EH2 1EP Cost : £5
Christmas 2007 Special offer!
Buy our 5 album catalogue all cello wrapped albums for the AMAZING PRICE OF £29.99
ALTERNATIVELY SEND A CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER FOR £29.99 PAYABLE TO 'Alex Tronic Records' ALEX TRONIC RECORDS
11 Hillside Crescent Edinburgh EH7 5EA
SCOTLAND, UK
From todays Scotish sun celeb check 8th November by Martel Maxwell
Whats Hot ...Edinburgh-based Roy`s Iron Dna debut album is superb and out now on Alex Tronic Records www.alextronicrecords.co.uk . Catch them on tour in Glasgow ,Edinburgh and Aberdeen supporting Low fidelity Allstars . See www.tickets-scotland.com for details
Roys Iron DNA live dates
On Tour with the Low Fidelity Allstars
Nov 30 Edinburgh Hive
Dec 01 Aberdeen Tunnels
Dec 02 Glasgow King Tuts
Dec 04 Manchester Academy
Roys Iron Dna will release their debut album worldwide on Alex Tronic on November 2nd .Distribution through Cargo & Arabesqu
They will be doing a dj set at the legendary Born to be Wide night at The Street in Piccardy Pl Edinburgh @ 9pm onwards , The Roy`s Dna album entitled men in wax jackets is going be album of the month in November courtesy of Radio 1 Scotland , Get a discounted copy of men in wax jackets at Born to be Wide on the night .
Other confirmed guests at btbw are Gerry Farrell. He is the creative head of The Leith Agency, the ad agency behind the Irn Bru and Tennents ads . There will also be guest djs from the music course at Jewel & Esk college in Edinburgh .
Label News:Oct 07
We are having an album launch for Roy`s Iron DNA at Born to be Wide at the Street in Edinburgh Piccardy Pl on Thurs Nov 1st all welcome
The band will do a dj set along with other guests tbc
Alex Tronic Records host a radio session with Andi and Nick of Phonanza FM (Tide 96,0 FM Radio, Hamburg) will be broadcasted this Friday 12th October.
It will feature two live songs by Keser as well as interviews with the band and Paul Croan, label manager of Alex Tronic Records. Tracks from our album Esoteric Escape will also be played as well as tracks from other artists on Alex Tronic Records.
You can listen on 96,0 FM in Hamburg or online at:
There's a video online now showing a one off version of 4_Cycles,by Keser played with an acoustic! The link to the video is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2Vp9QLhYho
Filming takes place at Kukuun club, on the Reeperbahn in Hamburg. There is also a Balcony TV show in Dublin, Ireland. The Balcony TV video archive can be found here:http://www.youtube.com/user/StephenORegan
Label News:Sept 07
Roy`s Iron DNA will release their debut album entitled Men in Wax Jackets on Nov 5th 2007 on Alex Tronic .The format is cd and it will contain 12 tracks. For more info on the band and their forthcoming tour to promote the album vist their website www.roysirondna.co.uk
Label News: Aug 07
29 Sep 2007, 20:00
Hamburg, Germany,
Keser confirmed at this year’s Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg. Other bands include Biffy Clyro, Hard-Fi, Logh, Ash... and many many more. Keser will perform at Kukuun (www.kukuun.com), Spielbudenplatz 22, 20359 Hamburg on Saturday 29th September. Festival Details: www.reeperbahnfestival.com 27-29th September 2007 3-Day-Pass: 55,00 € 2-Day-Pass: 38,00 € 1-Day-Pass: 26,00 € (All prices include tax, public transport, and advance sale fee) ADVANCE SALE The festival ticket is available at your nearest box office, online www.reeperbahnfestival.com or by phoning the TICKET-HOTLINE: 040-413 22 60 or 01805 - 62 62 80 (€ 0,14/min.)
Upcoming Roy`s Iron Dna Gigs
UK tour Nov - Now Booking
23 Aug 2007 Medina- Edinburgh Acoustic Show 20.00hrs
Keser Stu Fest
25 Aug 2007, 20:00
Bedfordshire,
Keser to play at a festival on a roof in Blunham, Bedfordshire. Other acts: Tinker Jack, The Johnny Parry Trio, Half the Man, Smotherlove, Show without Punch, The Grubby Mits, The old dance school, I see dead people, Acoustic: Sarah Smith, Aiden mackenzie
Label News:May 07
The Kind folks at Fresh Air FM,The online radio station have asked us to present an hour show on the label . There will be live sessions from Keser and ÅsA,and we will be previewing some new music on May 13th.
Alex Tronic Volume 1 is released on Digital such as itunes and Napster & HMV digital on May 1st and on general release in Europe on 11th May through Arabesque distribution . The cd is available to buy on our site and will be in the UK Record shops through Cargo distribution.
Label News:Apri 07
The first compilation album Alex Tronic Records Volume 1 has been manufactured and will feature the following artists. Release date to follow.
1. Strangest Thing , Dr A & Naz ( currently working on their debut album for us .(Boogie down is a taster).
2. El Bib is the work of producer Jock Forwell who specialise in dub dub roots vibes . He has worked with reggae legend Max Romeo and drum and bass pioneers General Levy.
3 .95BPMS -Heymann is the work of former Orange Grove members Murdo MacRury and Sam Hynd who toured with The Shamen amongst others . The track was a collaboration featuring Alex Tronic and vout .
4.Hooverfish featuring Mc Solareye . The Rain is another cool collaboration of ex Dope group frontman and Hooverfish whose music is to be released shortly on London label Jalapeno Records.
5.Joe Acheson Quartet , This tune Celtic Harp is a favourite as part of their live set .They have performed with Giles Paterson amongst others and have recently returned from gigs in Italy
6.vout -designs and builds synthesisers and is famous amongst programmers for his reactor synth modules . The track Deeper is a noodle with his extensive sonic arsenal and includes his own speech synthesis programmes and general sonic fannying around .
7.sixpeopleaway -. Providence is taken from their first ep . Ali is currently working on an album and has some festival dates including Spectrum in April and The Wickerman festival.
8.Keser - Horus is the lost track from his debut album Esoteric Escape released on A.T.R. to much praise . Keser has recently toured in Scandanavia and is currently working on his follow up album .
9.Whitespace is the work of Glasgow based electronica act 30k who occasionally moonlights on bass for Keser.
10.Velocity Experience is the work of English based producer /engineer Marvin Wilson.
11G.low is the work of pockets of resistance whose debut album Climate Change made the best of the month section in dj magazine Jan 2007.
12. Rien Va Plus is the work of global internet collaboration Kosmos Kollective who are based in Nova
Scotia and Edinburgh alike , they swap files a la net. .
13. ÅsA - Picture Perfect Dreams is the work of Alex Tronic and chanteuse Asa Seljestad who are to begin recording their second album after their debut On ./Off was our first release on the label .
A Pre launch party will be held at The Street in Piccardy Pl Edinburgh from 9pm, Thurs April 5th
9pm, Thurs April 5th at the The Street Piccardy Pl Edinburgh .
Free Entry with all welcome.
The guests are Sharon Stephen (Columbia A&R),
Six People Away, (Alex Tronic Records)
Demo set by Derick McInnon (New Found Sound).
Label News: Mar 07
Label News: Jan 07
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Gig at Bloc, Glasgow Tue Jan 23rd
The next gig will be a special one...
Sixpeopleaway, Keser and ÅsA
Tuesday, January 23rd 2007 at Bloc
117 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 2SZ 9pm, Cost : FREE! DJ Set by pockets of resistance between the acts
An excellent free night hosted by the brilliant Sixpeopleaway at Bloc in Glasgow, along with the fantastic ÅsA and Keser ..
More Details:
|
Pockets of Resistance are in the the reviews section for the best albums in this months Albums section of Dj Magazine for Jan 07 Issue 431.
Label News :Nov/Dec 2006
Keser and ÅsA both make their Norwegian debut at Blå in Oslo on Sunday 3 December
kl. 2100 / ENTRÉ: 120,- MEDLEM: Gratis!
Label News :Oct 2006
Thanks to everyone who came to vist our stall to buy ATR albums ant t shirts at Spectrum at the Queens hall last week . Here is A&R bod louise before she abandoned her post to drink lager and watch some cool bands.
We will be present at Spectrum 3 at the Queens Hall later in the month .Spectrum is a bi- annual creative arts and music festival.We will be present along with other Scots independents. Details of the festival line up are below. For more info about tickets etc www.spectrumfest.co.uk
SPECTRUM 3 | SUNDAY 22ND OCT 06 | THE QUEENS HALL | EDINBURGH
Main Stage
MR TUBAOB'U | RADIO MAGNETIC SOUND SYSTEM | THE ACUTE
THE DEAD BEAT CLUB | JOE ACHESON QUARTET | GENARO | BLACK MALCOLM
Acoustic Attic
BENIHANA | JESS BRYANT | BWANA DEVIL | TEAM SALT | THE KAYS LAVELLE | STEALER
FLOOZIE SOO | SON OF THOM | ALAN DAVISON | FUNKSPIEL | THE LAST BAND | DJ SI
Stalls
BENBECULA RECORDS | AUDIODACITY RECORDS | ALEX TRONIC RECORDS
RADIO MAGNETIC | SMOOCH | SPECTRUM PERFORMERS STALL ....MORE TBC
Multi-Media
SCOTTISH KIDS ARE MAKING MOVIES (SKAMM) | ECA | STRANGE COMPANY
AsA is back in the studio working on her second album due out in spring 2007,
Keser have a track Page 20 available on the Bannermans compilation album Under the Bridge Downtown Volume 3 along with some other cool bands.
LABEL NEWS:Aug 2006
Next Keser gig is Wednesday 30th August. Details:
'This is Music' night @ Henry's Cellar bar
"A new night Next Keser gig is Wednesday 30th August. Details:
'This is Music' night @ Henry's Cellar bar
"A new night in the capital showcasing an eclectic mix of local bands. Hoping to show the strength of Edinburgh's musical diversity.."
8 Morrison St, Edinburgh. £5 entry, 8pm - 3am. Keser on at 9.30pm.
The other bands playing are: Sher Khan, Damn Shames, Copy Haho, Q Without U and DJ Mike Fowler.
More details: www.myspace.com/thisismusicedinburgh
Keser will release their debut album to be entitled Esoteric Escape on Alex Tronic in August .The band and the General have been busy in the studio recently finishing the mixes. The album was recorded in the Alex Tronic house and we are told the General kept nipping into the diary room to moan about Kevan`s" essential "20th guitar track!...tough job rock n roll . The album was mastered at Cava Sound in Glasgow by Geoff Allan.
Label News June 2006
Big News Flash,The Studio has moved from June19th. We have a barry new facilty in central Edinburgh . Now we can record live drums . Good news for Mrs Tronic .Thanks to all the gang for their help with the move . Couldn`t have done it without ya!
P.O.R. album is available by pre-order from the site .Release date is to be June 26th. It will also be available as a download on all major servers such as Apple itunes , Napster ,Tunetribe, Karma , Virgin Digital etc .
Rhyme Rite and M.C. Dandy are recording in the studio at the moment. They also have a dj slot at Born to be wide on Thurs April 13th
Pockets of Resistance will be releasing their debut album entitled Climate Change on Alex Tronic Records. POR is the work of maverick Scots dj and producer Arch Campbell. A release date will be announced shortly as the album has gone to press .
Alex Tronic are pleased to announce a partnership with Apple i Tunes , Apple i Tunes will be stocking all our future releases . The ÅsA album On Off our debut release is the first to be listed. The diva herself sets the precedent for the label
Label News March 2006
ÅsA the band will be making a dj appearance at Born to be Wide on thursday 16th March 06 ..Born to be Wide is tipped by the N.M.E music bible as" the place to be". The magazine claims that the fortnightly get together at the city`s Street ,which has featured sets by acts such as Idlewild is "like an ipod of the arts scene ". This club has also been featured in yesterdays News of the World hot list . Nice one Boys! What next ....? Will Olaf and Martin be exposed in the News of the Screws?. What a shocker that would be..Not !
Electronic guitar experimentalists Keser are in the studio recording their debut album . For more info on theband and their music click here for the Keser information website. keser.co.uk
We at Alex Tronic would like to wish you all a happy new year and will be announcing details of our first 2006 release in the next few weeks!
Oslo Label Digicoustic sounds release their label sampler Oct 3rd . This contains a remix of the ÅsA track Breathe Again. Le Petit Remix works live bass n guitar into the track. We wish Stephan and the boys every success with the mix.
Alex Tronic are pleased to annouce a partnership with Simbiotic where together we have set up our online shop . Check out the music page ! simbioticstore.com/alextronic/
The Studio has been busy lately. Jamaican and Scots rap duo Dangerman and Rhyme Rite have been laying down tracks !
ÅsA have just signed a deal with White-flash productions to contribute music to their forthcoming DVD "Cheerleader Kicks" - www.white-flash.com for more details.
Alex Tronic have just completed a licencing agreement with Oslo label Digicoustic. They remix an ÅsA track from the Album On/Off for their label sampler due out in September ( digicoustic.com ).The track is to be Breathe Again. The "Petit remix" is a cracker .Release details to follow .
Alex Tronic Records is now a member of the NEMIS organisation www.nemis.co.uk Nemis does a great service to promote new music in Scotland.
ÅsA album On/Off gets into the "Whats hot this month" section for album reviews in The Music News Scotland.
MNS RATING- 7/8 Stars
ALEX TRONIC RECORDS / RECORDING STUDIO
11 Hillside Crescent Edinburgh EH7 5EA
SCOTLAND, UK.
Recording Studio : Tel: 0044( 0}131 556 5311 / Office 0131 554 3473 Mob : 07904713833
www.alextronicrecords.co.uk
Born to Be Wide Oct 1st 2009
Producers Seminar
Voodoo Rooms
Edinburgh
Keser Album Launch
23rd Oct 2009
GRV Edinburgh
INTERVIEW WITH ALEX TRONIC RECORDS' ARTIST, IAIN CARNEGIE, WHOSE ALBUM 'RISE', IS RELEASED ON THE 1ST AUGUST 2008.
Q: How did the idea of 'Rise' come about?
A: It took me as much by surprise as everyone else. There were a number of contributing factors. The first was the completion of the building of my studio, Chapel's End. It's a wonderful environment to experiment with sonic ideas. The music built up over time until I decided to assemble it into some sort of running order. Listening through to it, it was obvious that it hung together strongly and a number of record companies then became involved. After discussions with Paul Croan from Alex Tronic Records, I signed a five-year contract with them.
Q: What are your main musical influences?
A: Probably far too many to mention. I was fortunate enough to have a 'classical' music training and I work as a composer, arranger, producer and instrumentalist. Immediately prior to recording 'Rise', I was listening to (and was inspired by), electronic sets from the 1970s, particularly the Berlin-period Bowie releases, such as 'Low' and 'Heroes'. I loved the idea of dividing an album up (in the old 'record' format) as one side of 'songs' and one side of experimental instrumental tracks.
Q: ...and 'Rise' follows that pattern?
A: Only to an extent. It tilts in sympathy with it rather than copies the format wholesale. There are ten tracks on the album. The first five are fairly intense - dramatic even. The following five are more ambient, more accepting.
Q: Why 'Rise'?
A;The title track was the first to be recorded and came from a fairly intense period of sonic experimentation - usually at night. I think it contributed to the dark, intense feel of the track. There are these great, enveloping washes of sound - irresistible and not necessarily comfortable. A 'rising' of something. There is also a pervading feeling of desolation and loss. At that time, as now, there were many stories in the news of flooding and other natural disasters. Scary, irresistible stuff. So it all tied in with the notion of 'Rise'.
Q: How was the sound created?
A;It varied significantly from track to track. In most cases, it is a combination of electronic and real instruments, which I multi-layered over a couple of months. From the outset, however, the plan was to collaborate with other musicians. The track 'Bevatten' features two distinct musical sections. The first has a jazz groove and it was great to record the flugelhorn player, Paul Jenkins. He has a strong understanding of both jazz and classical styles and his solo gave a wonderful spacious feel to the music. For the operatic section, I worked with Ben Thapa from the group G4. He has the most amazing voice - sensitive and powerful. This section of the song is set to a German lyric which he nailed in the first take. I think we recorded two passes but it was largely unnecessary! Wherever possible, real instruments were used - they make the tracks gleam. In the case of 'To The Vanishing Arctic', the whole piece was improvised in one take on the piano. I later added some very subtle treatments, but the essence of a wholly improvised piece remains.
Q: Explain the track, 'Oiseau VIIIA'.
A; The track 'Oiseau VIIIA' was intended as a homage to composer Olivier Messiaen. His harmonic language is so rich and the idea of combining the sound of the organ (he composed massively for the instrument) with electronic treatments was very exciting. His music contains many references to birdsong, which he transcribed individually on manuscript - thus the 'Oiseau'. The 'VIIIA' is the number of the camp in which he was imprisoned in the war.
Q: It seems amazing that an album by an 'electronic' artist would feature a track called 'For Nick Drake'!
A; But what unites it all is the heart of the music - its soul. Nick Drake's music is exquisitely melancholy, and often orchestral. 'Bryter Layter' was definitely a big influence. There's a wonderful sense of place and time to his recordings and the intention was to create that within my own homage to him. The track could only be placed at the close of the album. There's a finality to it.
Q... and what about the hidden track?
A; I leave that to the listener's opinion (and detection!)
Q: What instruments do you play on the album?
A; I played keyboards, piano, vibraphone, glockenspiel, ukulele, guitar, cello, double bass, autoharp... there's some others but I don't recall them all! For the drum parts, I often combined live playing with electronic programmes to underpin a groove or idea.
Q: The cover design for 'Rise' is pretty striking.
A; Yeah - the work of brilliant graphic designer, Oliver Gibbs. The process of creating the cover went through many stages. He is a great admirer of the work of Storm Thorgerson, as am I, and his idea of 'flooding' an American diner was incredible. When he sent it to me, I was thrilled. We later organised a photoshoot at Ed's Diner in the centre of London. They were very accomodating when we all turned up with all the lights and gear!
Q: When can we see 'Rise' live?
A; There are no firm plans at present although a number of the performers on the album have expressed an interest in doing a live show. They're pretty keen! It would required a mass of planning. The logistics of reproducing the album faithfully will be a challenge, for sure! However, I really like the idea of presenting a one-off show in which 'Rise' is performed in its entirety from start to finish. The reaction to the album from all that have heard it has been so positive, it would be great to present it in a live environment.
