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February is J Dilla month and we have none other than sunny Singaporean eclectic selector and Darker Than Wax label owner Funk Bast*rd to guest for this special tribute edition hip-hop podcast exclusively threaded together using Dilla beats and originals.

“J Dilla’s still alive as long as his music is.” – Immortal Technique

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Artwork by: Eric F. aka The Town Jeweller

When and where, how was this mix recorded?

It was recorded on a lazy, cool Sunday right here at the Darker Than Wax HQ.

How will you describe it to us?

It comprises of different shades or moods, if you like. I tried to capture the various phases in his musical career, from the early days to some of the more experimental bits that he was doing. I mean, to be honest there are too many ill tributes out there already by the likes of J Rocc and Questlove, just to name these two but this mix is more about the curation of specific tribute tunes by contemporary beat makers that continue to be influenced by Dilla himself. Also, the concept of ‘blending’ in btw spaces is what I am obsessed with in my mixes, and this is an ongoing experiment in creating blends.

How did you get first introduced to J Dilla’s music?

This was back in Australia, when I was studying for my Architecture degree. I was hanging at a mate’s room when Slum Village’s Fantastic Vol.2 came on radio. I was hooked for life. That was my official portal into the world of Hip-hop.

Favourite J Dilla tune and why?

This is a tough one, but ‘Dreamy’ would come close to being that. The way he used Dave Grusin’s sample was just amazing. I can’t even explain in words really. It’s just pure vibe and energy. TIMELESS music.

Favourite EP off your label and why?

It would have to be the forthcoming ‘Truman Shuzz’ Ep by one of our new signings, Monk’ out of Paris. If you dig the heavy synthesized funk stuff, you do need to check this one out. Music that works both on and off the dance floor.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Passionate, brash at times but always grounded.

Tracklist:

1. Intro / Dam Funk – I Wanna Thank U (4 Steppin’ Into My Life) ~ 2013

2. Octavio Santos – Fall In Love (For Dilla)

3. Matmatix – Landspeeder

4. Evil Needle – One for Kennedy

5. Jay Dee feat Frank N Dank – Pause (Sawandi Rework)

6. Analog | Division – Just Another Day

7. DarkoTheSuper – Dilla Dawg Is The Illest

8. D.L.O.

MonkeyRobot is producer-duo made of Brussels based beatmakers Eric P and LuiGi (Eric Paquet & Louis Van De Leest). After more than 10 years of activity as hip-hop producers under the moniker of the Infinitskills-crew they changed their name and visual identity into MKRBT/MonkeyRobot early 2010. Exploring the boundaries of soulful music between 90 and 120 BPM became their acclaimed trademark.

Download + Full Interview:

electrocaine.com/podcast/055/

MonkeyRobot is producer-duo made of Brussels based beatmakers Eric P and LuiGi (Eric Paquet & Louis Van De Leest). After more than 10 years of activity as hip-hop producers under the moniker of the Infinitskills-crew they changed their name and visual identity into MKRBT/MonkeyRobot early 2010. Exploring the boundaries of soulful music between 90 and 120 BPM became their acclaimed trademark.

Monkeyrobot also makes part of the electronic/ cross-over future jazz project ‘74 Miles Away‘ inspired from the likes of Bob James, Weather Report and Herbie Hancock to the futuristic beatmakers of today.

Podcast exclusive:

Download a free track from MonkeyRobot:

How and where was this mix recorded?

This mix was recorded around mid- november at Eric’s studio, Brussels, Belgium.

A fusion of vinyl and digital files, all thrown together in Ableton.

How will you describe this mix to us?

This set goes back in time and forth, and refers to the moment when we were doing mixes on a local radio station called Radio Vibrations (somewhere in 2003) in the Brussels area. ‘Laid back’- founder (ldbk.eu) julien Mourlon asked us to do some short interventions and mini-mixes to integrate in his show he was running on that tiny, rebellious radio station.

We called it “Radio Hijack” back then, and we kept this kind of style till present when we got time to prepare a mix. In the pure LDBK tradition that we helped establish, this mix flows between Jazz-Funk, Breaks, Soul, Library music, own compositions, Hip Hop…to the future beat sound of today. Everything that inspires or that catches our ears at this moment.

How did you guys meet and start working together?

We met through mutual friends in 2000. Eric was already messing around with early versions of the Acid- audio software. He hooked LuiGi up, later came the MPC’s, samplers and other gear upfront and this train kept on rolling…till present. Our trademark: exploring the boundaries of soulful music between 90 and 120 bpm. MonkeyRobot loves to share its music and energy by bringing very organic live performances, with lots of keys and MPC drumming. As live as it gets.

Tell us more about your album planned, any concept or new techniques?

Brooklyn’s based label, Bastard Jazz, came with the idea to release an EP, after the feedback on the acclaimed track “Basement Infusion” that came out earlier this year on the ‘Tempo Dreams compilation’ album by Tall Black Guy.

On our self-titled 12”, we deliver four diverse tracks that showcase their skills behind the boards, the MPC and the keys, with a keen ear for the dancefloor. Kicking things off, “Brick Stomach” is a synth-heavy four-to-the-floor 120 BPM joint that comes off like a Floating Points visit back in time to 1980’s Detroit with it’s rolling snares, arpeggiating synth bassline and cloudy pads. Next Up, “Northern Light” filters shimmering space disco vibes through big, thumping instrumental Hip-Hop drums and moody analog bass. On the flip, “Rosè Gris” takes things in a funkier direction at 100BPM with it’s syncopated drums, irresistible lead, squelching bassline and all manner of synthesizer explorations. Rounding off the EP is “Last Days”, which still manages to inject a funky 80’s analog sound into it’s melancholy downtempo vibes.

Describe the scene in Brussels, what’s good?

If we speak about Brussels, we ratherly could speak about Belgium in a way.

Belgium has an infamous, for most unknown, musical history. Legendary jazz cats and projects, chansonniers, the Belgian Popcorn DJ-movement which was somewhat the Belgian equivalent of England’s better known N...

Dip into Diesler aka Jonathan Radford. He serves up a “slice of the most charismatic spectrum of modern soul” or in our words, a funkadelic excursion from start to finish featuring labels like Jazzman, Freestyle and Record Kicks. His album “Life in The Slow Lane” as the duo Double Yellow drops 12 Nov 2012.

Download + Full Interview

electrocaine.com/podcast/054/

Dip into Diesler aka Jonathan Radford. He serves up a “slice of the most charismatic spectrum of modern soul” or in our words, a funkadelic excursion from start to finish featuring labels like Jazzman, Freestyle and Record Kicks. His album “Life in The Slow Lane” as the duo Double Yellow drops 12 Nov 2012.

When and where, how was this mix recorded?

The mix is a collection of some of my favorite tracks at the moment from artists, groups and producers along side material that I have been involved in both as a writer and producer. I mixed the mix over at my friend’s house in Bolton a couple of weeks ago. We had a massive FIFA13 session after… and sadly I am not as good on that game as I wish I was!!

How would you describe it to us?

Well, I could either go with ‘loads of wicked funky tunes’ or ‘a slice of the most charismatic spectrum of modern soul and jazz’ haha – up to you! Hopefully its entertaining and enjoyable for listeners!!

You must be excited about your upcoming album as Double Yellow dropping 12 Nov 12. Could you tell us more about the process behind it?

Yes very excited that its finally coming out and with such a great label as Here & Now Recordings. The label have been a massive support in order to get this release out and showed a real love for the album from the moment they heard it.

Dave Lilley and I worked on this album in 2008 and 9 and it finally found a home in 2011 with Here and Now after being hooked up with John Cunningham from the label via a friend.

Dave and I developed Life In The Slow Lane over 18 months of recording and bouncing ideas back and forth to one another. We trimmed it into what we hope is a solid and engaging album after hours of recording horns, pianos, guitars, percussion etc.

We had an EP out in May which featured remixes from Yam Who? and Phase 5 Stereo which got an amazing critical response from Gilles Peterson, Joey Negro, Danny Krivit and many other heavyweight names!!

Could you tell us about your working relationship with Dave Lilley?

I first met Dave in 2004 when he was a promoter and ran a night called ‘The Beat Route’ in Manchester. I became a resident at the night and after some late night musical chats we made some collaborations, along with his wife Suzi on vocals, which ended up on each of my 4 Diesler albums.

We spoke about developing Double Yellow as a project in its own right rather than it just ‘featuring’ on my albums with the focus being on Dave as the vocalist. He took the lead to develop and write tracks then recording horns, piano and vocals etc around at the spare room in friends houses. We both worked on the structure and arrangement of the tracks as well as the production.

I think Dave is such a talented guy and I so honored to work with him!

What do you think is the best part of what you do…and the worst?

The best part is being totally dedicated to making music and producing. I love the creative process and releasing it. Quite simply I get a kick out of it!! The worst part is when releases might miss an audience which, of course, can sometimes impact on future ventures!! The roller coaster of music I suppose!!

And…what’s up for 2013?

Promoting the Double Yellow – Life In The Slow lane album, developing a Here & Now vs Diesler Remix Album, a secret 7″ Diesler series with another producer and working on new Diesler material with a brass band which should hopefully see the light of day next year, oh and the usual DJing and remixing!

Thanks for letting me guest on your wonderful podcast ...

Newly added to the glittering stable of electrocaïne artists is DJ and Producer Stephen Day, a versatile veteran if there ever was one. Here, he presents a sexy and groovy house mix combining the sultry with a deeper edge.

Download + Full Interview:

electrocaine.com/podcast/053/

Newly added to the glittering stable of electrocaïne artists is DJ and Producer Stephen Day, a versatile veteran if there ever was one. Here, he presents a sexy and groovy house mix combining the sultry with a deeper edge. Watch out.

Podcast exclusive: Download Stephen Day’s rework of “Marshall Jefferson – Move your body” for free

Where, when and how was this mix recorded?

I recorded this mix especially for this podcast. I used 3 CDJ2000s using USB and Rekordbox. I recorded directly into my laptop using Ableton.

How will you describe it to us?

This mix is a combination of music from the past and present. It’s full of tracks that have moved me in the last year or two. It’s not necessarily my all time favourites, but it defines the mood and style of my current tastes.

When did you relocate to Singapore and how has it been since?

I came to Singapore at the end of 2005 to be a resident at the Ministry of Sound club that was here. My 6 years here have been great. I’ve learned and tried so many new things that I never experienced in England. Things like trying new food and drinks and learning about different cultures and beliefs. It’s been a real eye opener for me and a very positive experience. I’m very thankful that chance landed me in Singapore.

Favourite things to do in Singapore?

My favourite things to do here are very much the same as I used to do in England, like playing football and other sports, also going out partying with mates, only it’s with different mates and I can play football in the sun instead of the rain! I do love the food here in Singapore and having a nice beach close by is cool.

Top 3 producers doing it for you right now?

Subb-An, Maceo Plex, Maxxi Soundsystem

5 killer tunes in the bag?

Favourite piece of music-making thing?

The Minimoog. I will never get tired of this synth.

What’s next for the year?

I’m gonna work double hard on my productions this year. I got loads of tracks that need finishing and Now I’ve got my new CDJs, I’m gonna do loads more mixes like this!

View Stephen Day’s releases: beatport.com/artist/stephen-day/146542

Life philosophy?

Be Happy!

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Tracklist:

1. Alena – Changes (Ron Basejam rmx)

2. Aurra – Baby Love (VDRK Special Disco edit)

3. Groove Armada – The girls say (Greg Wilson Version)

4. Todd Terje – Ragysh

5. Trickski – Point 0 (Chopstick & Johnjon rmx)

6. Honom – Bedcat (SD’s bootleg)

7. Surface – Falling in love (Stephen Day’s re-work)

8. Karmon – Turning Point

9. Kris Menace – Timeless (SD’s ‘U know that I like it’ bootleg)

10. Johnny Mikes – Butterfly

11. Hanson & Davis – Tonight (Dub)

12. Lone – Risttowe

13.

A booty, jackin mix with moments of reprieve from the one and only anonymous Anonym. Hailing from the legendary Motor City aka Detroit, the true essence of his home town can be heard and felt in his music.  No tracklist, but the trainspotters in the house can start the ball rolling.

Download + Full Interview:

electrocaine.com/podcast/052/

A booty, jackin mix with moments of reprieve from the one and only anonymous Anonym. Hailing from the legendary Motor City aka Detroit, the true essence of his home town can be heard and felt in his music.  No tracklist, but the trainspotters in the house can start the ball rolling.

Where and when was this mix recorded and how would you describe it?

Few months back I recorded this one in the studio. I would describe the mix as one hour of ass shaking funk, dirty Detroit techno, and some house spices from all over the globe…

Why so mysterious?

Who, me? Who I am doesn’t matter in regards to the music. Far too many of us have forgotten that and the music suffers for it. This end of the 90s look at me super star DJ/Producer bull shit that started when everyones ego and success went to their heads and they lost the spark they had. It’s because when you let the public or your fan base stare at you and focus so much love/envy/hate on you it warps you as an artist. It takes a certain kind of person to handle that role well, and whether or not I am that kind of person to handle it I do not know, but I prefer to keep it this way for now… It is also super fun to be anonymous! I am probably one of the only people who can rock a party come off my set, change clothes backstage, take of my mask, and go out on the floor to dance the rest of the night and no one knows it was me who played the show and I can dance uninterrupted. Just an anonymous guy in the club.

What is your music philosophy other than the above?

Music for me has to have passion. It has to have soul and emotional content. I have to feel the music. Which means it has to come from somewhere special. Mind, body, and soul. When you play or when people are dancing you have to lose yourself in the music and the mix. The mix has to be dynamic. It has to be diverse and interesting. With all the components of the music I mentioned before. In the mix not playing house and techno together with a few of their odd cousins like hip house and ghetto tech. Is like having a party and not inviting over the whole family.. It’s just not done.

A record you would save from a fire?

That is a tough one but I keep a record case with all my releases on vinyl, test pressings if I can get it, and at least two copies of each EP, Remix of my song, or Remix I have done of other artists songs. So I would have to snatch that, but then it would be my Kraftwerk collection those two stacks of vinyl would be hardest to replace and are the most prized of my record collection but it would kill me to see the rest burn!!!

Most surprising place you heard your music being played?

Have not heard my music that often played but I guess the most surprised I was when I heard it playing on Pete Tong’s show and he was announcing my name Anonym and not sure how to say it. Don’t normally hear my music played on radio so it always surprises me.

Any LP in the works?

Always, had one almost finished a couple years ago. These days the labels are afraid and not sure how to market albums, and if they do, they want to have too much involvement in picking the songs and helping make the album. Which kills it. For me an album is a special thing and has to be of one vision so unless it is a group or collaboration then I think there should not be any unwanted outside influence put on the artist when creating such a work of art. I do have a new album almost finished again this time more techno then house as I have been leaning that way more these days in the studio. I have spoken to a few labels who might be interested. We will have to see if when I am finished if I can get it released as an album or if everyone will want to carve it up like butchers carve meat.. Wish me luck.

Secret Cinema is back for the second time on the electrocaine’s podcast. Take a listen to one of techno’s best kept secrets. We also invite you personally to come check him out at the control of Zouk’s Velvet Underground – Dance on 17 August 2012 featuring our very own VJ, Avneesh, who will be piloting the visual experience for the night.

Drop us a mail if you need more info about the night:

Download + Full Interview:

electrocaine.com/podcast/051/