We managed to squeeze a few words out of Andrew and Doug prior to their appearance at Charlies later this week. Our apologies for the un-funny direction of questioning, we set them up for the worst interview they've ever had...Q: Okay so the first question is for Andrew (Lovefingers), here's an interesting statement from your biog "The internationally acclaimed mix of 999 songs on Lovefingers' website has made it a compulsory stop off for those fascinated by the burgeoning eclecticism of the dance scene of today." Would you say this is accurate and that it met with your initial aims?
LF: Yeah I guess the idea of 'anything goes' was a main theme for the site. I personally lean towards creating a context through a vast array of parts rather than summing things up in just a few parts - an environment rather than a statement. It wasn't necessarily educational, but more of an exploration where everyone was invited to take part. With 999 songs you can do almost anything, create any mood, juxtapose freely, find interesting linkages, create linear sequences... no limits!
Q: Doug Lee (Lee Douglas), it seems you have been working on some pretty hot projects recently; A nice 12 with Jacques Renault, you're much talked about project with Justin Vandervolgen (TBD) and lets not forget your collaboration with Andrew...
How's the project with Justin? It's fair to say he has also been killing it over the last year or so.
DL : I'll just give you a little disclaimer.. me no good with interviews.. so to answer your question:... Uh, Its good.....and yes Justin is .... enough? ...No, ...hmm ..I guess the thing with TBD is its very free we have no rules, each track or remix we try to make its own thing... we're not trying to make our stuff "good" or "tasteful" or sound like anything for the most part ....maybe just memorable,... our stuff is not for your car or office.. not yet.anyway ....who knows... i shouldn't say stuff like that.. because i always contradict my statements.. so yes TBD .. is good, just trying to not be bored or boring.. that pretty much sums it up.. although boring is good too and sometimes we are bored making our stuff.... Its called TBD that should be tell you something...
Q: You both live in NYC and use to live in LA so you've got it covered west to east. Anything we're missing out on over here that you can shed any light on, music/parties/life etc???
LF: This country is generally hit or miss, I think. We've both been to/played at amazing parties all over the place but just as many have been disappointments. I guess its no different than anywhere else. If you're friends are there it makes all the difference.
DL: NY is a great place and LA is cool too.. but they can be weird like anywhere.. as far as "missing out" can't think of anything.. puerto ricans? korean food..?
Q: If you weren't working at what it is that you are, then what would you be working as?
LF: A cook maybe?
DL: a creepy janitor ...i don't know ... anything that actually pays ... this question sucks..
Q: Nerd out for a minute and talk about some of the records you own that we probably don't.
LF: I have the original master tapes of Thriller, with Michael and Quincy's notes on a sheet of paper in the box, if you like that kind of shit.
DL: Tough one.. hmmm ...well my pal conor hooked me up with this Bob Chance album which its from 1980 but its sounds like 1972 hes about the goofiest white guy you can imagine the music is fucking out there, its good.. also andrew has these records from this guy steve tidbits or something they are suberb but i can't remember too much because i dont have them.... so i guess technically that doesnt count..
Q: The first time I heard the Stallions Suite I just closed my eyes and dreamt of a guy riding commando into the sun on the back of a pony. Can you tell us a bit about the vibe you were going for with this record?
LF: Eyes closed, hands in the air flailing, prancing around the dancefloor like a buffoon singing Ooooh Ooooh etc. I dunno, just a real feelgood kind of moment was the aim, long and drawn out.
DL: Bassically what Andrew said,... Fin showed up with this Ennio Morricone version of Outcasts Sorry Miss Jackson....hehe.. we looped up the bassline and recorded a few hours worth of stuff with his band.. Ennio Morricone was a big influence on that obviously.. we wanted to make something beautiful and epic..
Q: Who would be the dream artist for you to produce together as the Stallions?
ST: ...fuckin' Beethoven dude... whoo knows... i think were more into producers anyway so it would amazing to work with any number of legendary producers from Library music to Pop, Disco, House, Dance, Modern composers like Terry Riley ... would be cool to see how these people work..
Q: When you're travelling around far away from home do you ever get lonely and look to your buddy for a bit of comfort if you know what I mean?
LF: Very funny.
DL: Andrew is not my type, i dont like beards and he smells like a white guy..
Q: Is there anything in particular within today's diverse and burgeoning world of music that you particularly can not stand? Please elaborate if you need to...
LF: Anything warped to shit with Ableton. Also people hammering that same dumb piano riff over and over... boring.
DL: I warp stuff and I made one of those piano tracks...asshole, but i know what your saying ,... i don't like to talk about things i don't like because i will probably end up doing just the thing i was saying i can't stand .... i would say its sad how dance music is so disposable.. its not really taken as seriously as some shitty band of talentless haircuts..
but i guess if it were any different i would probably be a douche bag too..
Q: When was the last time you heard a track and threw your hands up in the air, bit down on your lip and thought this is the shit?!?
LF: The new Backwoods album out soon is kinda like that. Maybe also the last time I heard Harvey drop Tranquillo.
DL: Second that backwoods LP from Kent (force of nature) MEGA!
Q: Who's got the best look?
ST: these guys..
Q: And the burning question, what is it about a moustache that makes a man so sexy?
ST: Authority.
Q: Thanks guys, any thoughts to leave us with?
ST: Don't listen to anything we just said...... check out ESP institute.. TBDSounds , TBD classics, Come Party with us....leave your troubles behind..
The Stallions - A Night In Babylon (Live in Istanbul) by warmhq
ST: Authority.
Q: Thanks guys, any thoughts to leave us with?
ST: Don't listen to anything we just said...... check out ESP institute.. TBDSounds , TBD classics, Come Party with us....leave your troubles behind..
The Stallions - A Night In Babylon (Live in Istanbul) by warmhq
Naive Melody Presents the Stallions
Lovefingers (ESP Institute/Blackdisco) & Lee Dougls (Rong/TBD)
Friday 25th June
10pm till 4am
£8 entry
Lovefingers (ESP Institute/Blackdisco) & Lee Dougls (Rong/TBD)
Friday 25th June
10pm till 4am
£8 entry
