Carnivale by Particle
interview main act:
Interview Heartthrob - April 2008
Heartthrob will be returning once again to Amsterdam on Friday the 25th of April to play at Carnivale in the Studio 80. The Carnivale debut at Studio 80 will go hand in hand with Heartthrob’s album premiere “Dear Painter, Paint Me”. It’s going to be a very special moment, because he will be finally playing his new material, which hasn’t been heard over here until now. Last year we had the honor to interview him during 5 days off. Since then a lot has happened, so we decided to get into contact with him yet again to get an accurate view of what is currently happening. Therefore we added some extra up to date questions to the interview.
You’re going to be soon in Amsterdam again, what are the 5 keywords that come in your mind when you think about Amsterdam?
Herring, relaxation, family, chaos, bisexuals.
What’s your impression of this once so liberal city?
Whenever I play here I have a great time. I love Amsterdam. I am lucky enough to have a lot of friends here. We always have a laugh, some dinner and drinks and of course party… Like all good friends do. I love the layout of the city. I think the kind of quirky atmosphere has transposed itself upon the people and that has made the people a bit strange as well… Which I think is a good thing!
You’ll be playing at Carnivale in the Studio 80. What do you expect of the theme: “Carnivale”?
I hope I get to wear whatever I want and am surrounded by gypsies, hustlers and bearded women.
Haha, well it might be you’re lucky day ;)
Word is going around that you’re new album is the bomb (quote of Marc Houle). What kind of direction have you hit into musically wise, compared to last year? Did your recent move to Berlin influence it as well?
The album is composed of tracks I recorded over the last 8 months in Paris. I made a great effort to push the tunes musically, with their arrangements, compositions and sound design. Some of the melodies for the songs were written over the last few years and have lingered around in my head. The tracks share emotional characteristics, even if they aren't in the same style. I guess I was a bit sad and angry. Some are straight-up Techno, while others are more extended and complex. Some are even a little like pop songs-though way stranger. Maybe spooky interstellar disco theme songs. They aren't necessarily minimalistic and I wouldn't classify them as dj tools. I set out to make techno songs that are musical, emotional and personal.
Plastikman’s Sheet One was musically wise a turning point for you at age 16. What we noticed from other foreign artists to whom we spoke was that the Dutch crowd appears to be quite young to them. Do you think that MINUS had the same effect on them as Sheet One had for you?
Well that’s an interesting question, but I think the overall global sensation of this kind of music that we’re currently working on is so established at this point. Some people will be taken by the sound, but it’s so everywhere at this time, so that it’s not that striking nowadays as it was 15 years ago. Of course there will be individuals around who get their inspiration from the work of certain modern techno artists. Back in the 90’s techno was only just emerging. People couldn’t label it, however now they can give it names. For instance you can say that it has a 4/4 beat and you either love it or hate it.
You appear to be more a remixer than a solo producer, at least if you look to your discography. We would like to cite one of your quotes: “I was not sending demo’s out, I’d been making music for a while, but really only keeping it for myself. It was a quiet passion I had. Especially in New York where most people don’t understand that you’re an artist that produces techno music...” Is this the success behind you’re live performance, keeping most of your tracks only for yourself?
I have 30 tracks that will probably never be released, so yes, if everything would be released there wouldn’t be any real surprises anymore.
You’re 2006 floor killer Baby Kate is about Kate Moss. Why did you decide to devote a track to her?
When I was making that track she was going through her cocaine scandal. I really like Kate Moss, although I don’t know her personally. But I think she’s living her life and she’s obviously very beautiful. She has this sort of magical quality to me. So for some reason it felt right to give a track to her.
Like a lot of artists you have an alter ego. Yours is called Vivien Whistlewood. You once said that it was her task to destroy Hagda, the evil part of Magda. Did she accomplish this mission?
No, never. It’s all just one horrible degenerate beast, but in the shell of a beautiful woman.
So does that mean Vivien will have to come back and do some releasing again?
Definitely!
How special is your bond with Magda?
She’s very special to me. We’re planning to have a puppy farm together, after our music careers. Then all the little MINUS kiddies can come over for the weekend and play with the pups.
That’s a good way to spend your after music period. Magda also gave you the nickname Heartthrob. Do you think she has a crush on you?
Haha, yes I have my reasons to think so.
Do you want to share any crazy MINUS story, anecdote or experience with us?
Well the most dangerous person involved with MINUS is Troy Pierce’s girlfriend Natalia also known as Natalia Escobar. Together we have this move called: “like it or not”. It’s one of the hardest things that I’ve ever done for my body. Basically I sit against a wall in a 90 degrees position and there’s no chair to sit on. Then she jumps on my legs, stands on them and puts her skirt on top of my head. I can send you pictures!
We can imagine that must hurt a bit. But also the Ambivalent R U OK remix title of Troy begins to make sense. So readers, please try this at home or in the club! It was a pleasure to interview you again and good luck the next couple of weeks. We’re all really looking forward to have you back in Amsterdam. See you soon!
