I remember the first time I interacted with Machinedrum aka Travis Stewart. I was given the opportunity to perform at Decibel Festival 2012’s Warp Records Showcase, opening up the night for Jimmy Edgar, Clark and Travis. It was the highest profile show I had played so far, and the challenge was just what I needed to think bigger and further develop my own voice. I remember him coming on stage towards the end of my set when I was playing some Slick Shoota, bobbing his head and singing along. From then on, I become more and more enamored by this man, both for his hefty amount of quality productions, and his friendly demeanor. Daft Punk are still my main dudes, but I watch them from afar. It’s just a pure gift to cross paths with Machinedrum over the years since that Warp show. He is truly one of the most talented and visionary artists around. I was there at the Vapor City Live debut at dB Fest 2013, the Jets show that same year, Vapor City live in Portland in 2014, and now this Machinedrum show at Crocodile in 2015. Once again, I felt like this was a culmination of everything I had learned, and another challenge to better myself and add my own energy into the night. This wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the artists creating these songs. Followers of this site should recognize a few friends that have come through in interviews over the years. Big shout-out to my favorite producer to come thru Disco Droppings, XI, whose on the very first track of the mix. Shout-outs to Embassy Recordings, Broodlings, Slick Shoota, HxdB and WD4D, who you’ll also hear. And respect to DJ Rashad and the Teklife family, who you’ll see represented..
It was a total joy to work with The Crocodile on this show. Thank you to all the staff, and especially Shaina for allowing my intern Beck Ninneman and I to bring in additional lights, and granting us some brand new subs. The vibes were fierce and rowdy. It was that show I’ve dreamed about since I started, where everything just clicks.
Tracklist
XI – Trinary
The Bug – Skeng (Kode9 Remix)
Broodlings – Two, Three (Embassy Recordings)
Stray – Chatterbox (Original Mix)
WD4D & Suttikeeree – Up On Something (Unreleased)
At The Drive-In – Pattern Against User
Ital Tek – Challenger Deep
Nine Inch Nails – Survivalism (Jimi Jaxon Remix) (Version 1)
DJ Rashad – Ride Dis Dikk (DJ Earl Remix)
HxdB & DJ Cure Feat. MC ThinkTank – Sound The Alarm (Firestar Soundsystem Remix)
Mincha & Ghost Town – Aberdeen (Howie Lee Remix)
Drake – All Me (DJ Paypal x DJ Taye)
Fracture – Loving Touch (Original Mix)
Rvdical The Kid – Tokyo
DRJ – With You
Etherwood – Unfolding (feat. Laurelle Robichaud)
SpectraSoul – Light In The Dark (Feat. Terri Walker)
DJ Jy – Kesha Wif The Fatty ;] (Drippin x Slick Shoota Remix)
Pascal – P-Funk Era (Original Remix)
DJ Rashad, DJ Spinn, Alix Perez – Make It Worth (Original Mix)
Pumped on this new Embassy Recordings release. Label boss Distal and label mate Wheez-ie are friends of Disco Droppings, we’ve talked at length via interview about a variety of topics. Since then I’ve kept my eyes on Embassy, and included tracks from the label in my sets (Sleepyhead, Thefft).
I’ve grown a little tired of being told to put my hands up, too many rave mc’s and dj’s demanding it. However, I will do it for Wheez-ie’s “Five Fingered Salute”. It’s a sassy exception; booty bumpin’ freak music. His “You Lose” goes in the direction of a bad trip or a ritual of some techno sort. Wheez-ie shows versatility here, and it’s exciting for me to think about what else he’s got in the works. * A few months ago Wheez-ie announced that he’s started a record label, with vinyl/digital releases on the way. Just be patient!
There’s a slowmo, badass feel to Moldy’s “All I Want”, could hear this one all day. This track was on heavy rotation at Dub War, the historic first dubstep night in America (2005), which featured Kode9, Skream, Digital Mystikz and Shackleton. The release ends on a spooky, A-class note with “Through The Rain”.
Gotta say right off the bat, I absolutely love Wheez-ie. This interview is a dream come true, as his raw productions have influenced my DJ style a lot lately. Between him and Slick Shoota, I’ve got some powerhouse tracks that have demolished audiences. In this feature, I’ve posted some favorites that I frequently play out. In terms of his most recent releases, check out the Remember The Score EPon Well Rounded Records and the All Werked Up EP on Individuals. We talk about a whole host of things here on Disco Droppings; from his work with Embassy Recordings label boss Distal, to acid juke, his musical family and his favorite Busta Rhymes track. You should know that when I post long interviews, it’s because I just have so much to say to this artist and they responded in a warm and inviting way. Let’s get started..
DD Whatsup dude? So happy to have you here on Disco Droppings. Been meaning to write about your work. I first played one of your tracks at Decibel Festival 2012 here in Seattle. I opened the Warp Records Showcase (Clark, Jimmy Edgar, Machinedrum), and included “Keep Yer Chin Up”. That track was one of the ones I was most excited to present. The energy just gets me sooooooo hyped! Have you heard any mixes using your tracks that especially got you excited?
W Dave Q played Keep Yer Chin Up at DubWar. That was a real highlight. I had been going to DubWar for a while and to go from just being a guy vibing in the back to having a track played by one of my favorite Djs. That night really meant a lot to me.
DD “Keep Yer Chin Up” is the title track of your Embassy Recordings EP release. This is a brilliant collection of originals and remixes. That label is run by Distal, who I interviewed for Disco Droppings last year. He’s a prolific dude with a razor sharp perspective on music and life in general. What’s your relationship with him like?
W I met Distal on the Internet in 2010 after listening to “Boss of the South” on Youtube. We exchanged tracks, and since then we’ve become really good friends. He and Mite put out the EP with Keep Yer Chin Up on it and are also putting out my new EP on 12”. I’m really excited for you guys to hear it!
DD I’ve never been to your hometown of Houston, Texas. How would you describe the music community as well as the general environment?
W Houston is an interesting city. Rap culture is unavoidable. I doesn’t matter where you go in the city you’ll hear bass booming out of peoples cars. We also have generally good food, and nice (but sometimes random) weather.
DD One of the free tracks on your Soundcloud is “Dreamz”. This one is INSANE. Acid juke is something I’d like to hear a lot more of. How has the acid sound influenced you?
W HAHA. I’m glad you liked Dreamz. That was the first Acid track I ever made. At the time I was listening to a lot of the old Trax back catalog and was trying to figure out how they were making their tracks sound so raw. I don’t think that Dreamz really nailed that sound, but it turned out to be a banger.
DD You’ve said in a past interview that you “..like the idea of playing around with funny words and serious music”. Can you think of some tracks outside your own that really embody that?
W For a long time I struggled with trying to figure out if words in music even matter. So many pieces of music have no words, yet they are extremely emotional. I’ve always felt my instrumentals were serious while the lyrics didn’t have to be. A Lot of Ghetto House and Ghettotech is like that for me. Trax like “Nut In Your Eye” by DJ Assault or “3 Fine Hoes” by DJ Deeon are really great examples.
DD I’ve also gathered that everyone in your house plays music. Your mom is an orchestra director, dad’s a retired band teacher, your brother is in school for classical piano and you play the oboe. How does your family react to your music as Wheez-ie?
W I think by now I’ve written this answer like 6 times. Everyone has been really supportive. As I’ve progressed and my arrangements have become tighter and more musical they’ve really started to like a lot of my music. I’ve been writing electronic music in various forms since I was 11, so they’ve had to hear every stage of the process lol.
DD Your “Woo Hah! (Wheez-ie RMX)” is hilarious. Every time I show it to friends it makes them laugh. What’s your favorite Busta Rhymes track?
W My favorite Busta track is “Break Ya Neck.” I remember seeing the video for that track on MTV back when I was in middle school and I thought it was AWESOME. HOW DOES HE RAP LIKE THAT?!? Busta might just be my favorite rapper that isn’t from the South, and he just DESTROYS that track.
Simple, effective and finely-tuned. I’d say these are accurate ways to describe ATL based, Distal. After hearing about him through interviewing HxdB (hear the solid Booyant/Amphibianrelease accompanied by an Archie Pelago remix), I was determined to get him on Disco Droppings. His sound and distinct attitude are something to celebrate, so I’ve set up this lengthy conversation with Michael Rathbun aka Distal, for your reading pleasure. We cover his recent travels, getting accepted into RBMA 2012, several releases from his label, Embassy Recordings, the U.S. internet bills and such. Not discussed, is his ultra fresh album “Civilization” on Tectonic Recordings. Hear a few tracks in this feature, and pick up the full release here.
DD Welcome to Disco Droppings Distal! Been looking forward to this. You just got back home from playing some shows yah?
DISTAL Yes sir, just did some industry shows with Trouble & Bass and Scion. Other than that just working hard and staying busy, also trying to find some time to relax in between!
DD Big congratulations for being accepted into the Red Bull Music Academy. My buddy Kid Smpl also got in. You have a lot of experience as a DJ, producer and label manager. What attracted you to the program? Who do you hope lectures this year?
DISTAL Thanks. Yeah I’m always down to learn and grow. It seemed like an amazing experience to take advantage of. Everyone I know that has gone through the program has learned a lot and gone on with their career with great support from Red Bull. It’s a win win to stay creative, active and attentive. I hope they get some old school techno guys to teach this year. I learn a lot from past generations.
DD I’ve gathered that you’re really into film and books. What have you been reading/watching lately? How often do these interests bleed into your track names and ideas for songs? DISTAL Man yeah I love watching film and reading. I watch more film than I do read, but I’m always immersed in one or the other. And yeah I would say in an unrelated way the two worlds do connect from time to time. I just watched La Haine … an amazing French film from the mid 90’s with an early Vincent Cassel. It’s about violence, class warfare and gun control in France. Such an amazing movie.
Films have a different emotional response from me. So much of what I do is robotic, and there’s something so very human about good film. Reminds me that I’m alive and being human is not only a struggle, but at times a very beautiful thing to be. Also, I sample the hell out of films!
I’m currently reading “All The Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy. I love his work. First thing I read from him was “The Road”, which I suggest anyone who has a few hours to spare should definitely read. I love reading his books real slow and methodically. He writes in these elaborate prose that weave in and out of fiction and poetry. Definitely for fans of dry westerns. I’m also finishing a fun biography on Frank Zappa by Barry Miles (The guy you might remember from that big famous book “HIPPIE”). An amazing and fun read, very inspirational for ANY musician who is fighting the good fight.
I just finished reading “Atlas Shrugged” earlier this year, I’ve been meaning to read it for a long time, because I think it’s very ironic how easily our current situation can be related to this semi-fictional novel. I get a lot of flack for enjoying Rand’s work but I think most of her haters are coming from a place of bandwagon sentiment. None of them have read it, they just want to hate it to be against something. At least when I dislike something, I’ve taken my time to give it a fighting chance.
DD XI recently was interviewed here, and he’s quickly become a favorite of mine. I saw you two hanging out through Instagram. What did you guys do? Any collaborations in the works? That would be insane.
DISTALWe’re good buds and I spent some time at his house in Berlin when I was touring in Europe. It was such a fun week and unfortunately we never took the opportunity to work on music, although there is DEFINITELY some collaboration work with Embassy and XI coming out in the near future. He’s an amazing artist and friend, can’t say enough good things about that guy.
DD One recent release from your label Embassy Recordings really stood out to me. Your 10th release, Sleepyhead’s My Lyf. I first heard “Nothing Changes” via Mirror State on his Sub.fm show, incredible tune.
DISTAL We loved Sleepyhead’s stuff for a while now. It’s very romantic and subdued but still has this edge to it. It’s almost mysterious at times. He’s a funny character. Mite and I first heard My Lyf and were both sold on it from Day 1. He had given out ‘Nothing Changes’ online a few months prior to us signing it, but I didn’t care, I wanted more people to hear it regardless of it potentially being pirated. It’s probably my favorite song on the EP, and from what I’ve heard other peoples favorite as well.
DD Switching up the mood, I have to go back to this Wheez-ie Keep Yer Chin Up release. This collection of songs is savage. The title track, with that vocal sample is huuuuge. I don’t have a question for you on this, just wanna say thank you for giving these tracks a home on your label.
DISTAL Yeah man, just WAIT. Our second release with Wheez-ie will be on vinyl and it will be HUGE.
DD You recently played Boiler Room. Your 8+ years of dj’ing really show here. What was it like that night?
DISTAL Hah funny story about that night. I barely made it to the gig. I went the wrong way on the bus in London. Then the new bus I got on broke down. Then I couldn’t find the building and the security guy was giving me a hard time getting in. I was sweating bullets from running when I arrived, only had a few mins to down a few shots of whiskey and just step up. A big ole can of “phew” was served that night. The experience itself was an honor! It was really nice to see everyone back home tuning in and watching. Tectonic is a great family and I’m happy with them.
DD Many artists shy away from politics, but you’re very comfortable weighing in on things. You’re from America, what do you think of these internet bills? I signed petitions against SOPA/PIPA, and now there’s CISPA…I’ve lost track of everything and gotten discouraged as they just won’t stop bringing these bills back. What would your advice be to people who feel disillusioned by politics? Especially with something involving the internet, which we’re so deeply connected to.
DISTAL The internet is the last form of FREE and unbiased information and communication that the human race has left. If we let the government get involved, we are surely condemning our communication to a life of servant-hood to the state. The government has no right to be involved in matters of the internet. They use the excuse that they are protecting the market place from pirates.. If they really want to protect the economy they’ll back away from it and let the market place handle the market place, they’ll stop bailing out business’ with our tax dollars, and stop the federal reserve from being a wrecking ball to our currency. Not to mention how much money we waste on useless overseas spending and involving ourselves in foreign affairs. Do we not have enough to worry about here? It’s common sense, and Thomas Paine would be pretty pissed.
I don’t care what people think. If you’re an intelligent adult, feel free to engage me in some good conversation about the issues. I don’t object to criticism and/or discussion. The only way we can move forward is to bring these issues into the light, be involved and debate them. To the disillusioned people I say, wake up before its too late.
DD Any final words? I hope to have you back again soon. Thanks for taking time out to talk with Disco Droppings.
DISTAL Shout outs to everyone who’s supported me over the years. I wouldn’t be here without your love and support. Oh, and to Obama, my career, yeah I built that. Lol see ya soon man.
dd 