Amplifier

Recloose Early Works is a compilation of... your early works, yes?

The majority of the music is from when I was living in Detroit in the late 1990s/early 2000s and releasing on Planet E. Most of the music is out of print and there are some unearthed and re-worked new tracks in there as well.  
 

Does it contain any tracks produced whilst living in New Zealand?

Only one, a demo version of a song I did for Rush Hour called 'Maui's Lament' which originally incorporated sea swell and weather forecasts from Radio NZ. That said it was done very much in the vein of my original tunes from Detroit- synths and samples.

How would you describe your evolution from those early recordings made in Detroit to say those on your last album Perfect Timing?  

The music was more stripped back then and I focussed more of my attention on creating the bulk of the material myself. My main creative tools were (and pretty much still are) chopped samples (the weirder and more disparate the better), lots of synth layers and heavy drum programming. Later on I added more vocalists and players from New Zealand to the stew, which often times brought different results.

Has your move to NZ had much of an impact on your sound?

The environment and people I collaborate with has had a sizable impact. Over my time here in New Zealand I've attempted to explore new realms of music and performance. Forming my own band, for instance, was a direct result of being connected with the Wellington, a music scene ripe with live outfits and great musicianship.

As a DJ what is your preference, vinyl or digital?

I'll collect and play vinyl for life. Some of the most amazing music is is out of print and only today exists on vinyl so its crucial to continue to explore the past through collecting records. Add to this the fact a lot of underground releases still only come out on vinyl. That said I'm an ardent fan of Serato and regularly tour with it and have worked vinyl ripping into my weekly routine. Its a great tool for traveling DJs and has really allowed my DJ game to evolve in leaps in bounds. Final thought, the two- vinyl and digital technology- should compliment each other... not the other way around (as many people think).

We've heard the story of how you got signed to Carl Craig's Planet E records back in the day thanks to that sandwich.... if you were to do something similar in new Zealand, who'd you give a "Recloose sandwich" to and is there anything uniquely kiwi you'd add to the filling?

Nope! I'd keep it solidly Detroit sandwich, fresh roasted turkey 'all the way' (google it!) on grilled rye. Y'all have some lovely food here but deli sandwiches and pizzas aren't those haha... I'd then give that sandwich to somebody looking to invest in an American style deli in New Zealand. I STILL haven't found one here!!!

Is their a difference between your solo persona as Recloose and the live band?

All the music is made in a studio, akin to what I was describing before (samples, synths and lots of experimenting). Having the band perform these songs really adds a new flavour and energy to the music. Other than the application though its really all coming from the same inspirations- soul, funk, jazz, electronics and NOT playing it safe...

The band's getting a name change, yes?

The band did some really cool recordings last year under the name 'Starblazers'. Its taken a little while to find a home for these but it will have been worth the wait, a few of the songs are on the verge of being signed to a great indie label out of Los Angeles (secret squirrel, don't want to spoil the surprise). The rest of the recordings will appear on a compilation we're putting together at the moment that features producers and friends of our weekly radio show 'Hit It and Quit It'.

What plans are there on that front in the near future?

Unfortunately my move to Auckland and new (additional) career path as a music educator has made playing with the band pretty difficult. Its on hold for the moment but if these recordings take off the Starblazers might need to re-form for a second round of recordings...

Who would you most like to collaborate with if you could?

Thats a hard one to say, so many people out there... Collaboration is really a tricky one, it comes down to chemistry and complimentary musicality. I'll have get back to you on this one!

Where is your favourite place to play?

Japan! Great hospitality, audiences, food and music... The Japanese are on a whole other level of cultural appreciation. Connoisseurs!

Name your favourite five NZ musicians/producers:

Could I name my five favorite Detroit producers since this release is from that era? And I'm feeling a little homesick?

Juan Atkins, Dilla, Kenny Dixon Jr., Anthony Shakir and Carl Craig...
 

What is your career highlight to date?

I've had a career of mini-highlights. The fact that I'm still in love with music is probably the biggest highlight. 'Professional' musos definitely know what I'm talking about!

Any plans you can share with us for the next year?

The Recloose Early Works release, subsequent European and Japan tours (performing this music in a 'Live PA' format), some new music on Rush Hour, followed by what is shaping up to be a really amazing looking Hit It and Quit It compilation (all exclusives!). Plus helping out to tour some very special guests around New Zealand... Beyond that you can find me teaching my trade each and every day at the new DJEMP programme at MAINZ in Auckland.

Thanks for your time

Thanks!

Photo - Recloose and Friend @ the NZ Music Awards 2008 taken by Mr Business Manager