Summer 2014 in Seattle coincided with the beginning of the Disco Droppings monthly at Kremwerk. In keeping with the spirit of the site which pulls together a wide spectrum of sounds, I’ve featured some of my favorite local artists including DJ Veins, Sphyramid, and Bardo:Basho, along with my residents Zoolab, Mascara and Greyspot. This month I will show just how wide my interests are, Dave Segal at The Stranger says it much better than I can..
“Los Angeles trio Ssleaze push a strident strain of synth punk, aggro vocals and all. They seem to play with a perpetual sneer on their mugs and probably find Throbbing Gristle to be too genteel. It’s as if Ssleaze are channeling the disdainful attitude of the cast of Liquid Sky into their craggy, cranky songs. They sound like particularly nasty dominatrices who’ll leave welts on your ears. Fellow LA peeps Egrets on Ergot play uptight, frantic new-wave rock that has similarities to early-’80s groups like Pylon and the Lines—and it’s damned danceable. Seattle’s Ononos make for an ideal opener. What’s curious about these glamorous minimal-synth malcontents is that they only have two songs online and no official releases. Five years deep into their existence, one would think, Ononos should have a sizable discography. But this just makes their club appearances all the more special. They’re one of this city’s most riveting live acts. This extra-raunchy edition of Jimi Jaxon’s Disco Droppings night also includes Jaxon DJing with Dorsia, DJ Guano, and Mascara.”
And here is an extra special gift to go along with this interview with Andrew Flores. The exclusive first listen of “Love Market” off Ssleaze’s upcoming release ‘The Thirst Is Real’. Now onto our fun conversation..
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DD Hi Andrew :]] How would you describe your band Ssleaze, and you as DJ Guano?
AF In broad terms I’d say we are an Electro-punk band heavily influenced by the darker sides of music and life. But people have called us “MOLLY GOTH”, “PARTY PUNK”, “BACK ALLEY PUNK” & “RAVE PUNK”. As far as DJ’ing goes, I don’t know how to explain that. I usually try and showcase the history of electro & darkwave.
DD Were you interested in bands first before getting into DJ’ing?
AF Yeah totally. I remember being really inspired in my teens from various bands that made me want to start doing it myself. Dj’ing kinda came into place when I realized I had always thrown super great house parties, and was approached to start doing club parties.
DD And what are your parties like down in LA?
AF Juicy, plain and simple.
DD I’m down.
AF People don’t really get to pick if they are or not. I like to beat them into the beats.
DD We’re similar. I’ll make em’ like it, or it’ll be too weird and they’ll leave.
AF Yup!
DD Last time you guys were in Seattle you played Cockpit. Sad I missed it, you guys had a pretty wild time yeah?
AF Yeah! I knew the night was going to be killer because we had the honor of sharing the night with butcher and Ononos. But I wasn’t expecting the warmth and acceptance we received from the crowd. Everyone was just going so crazy! I honestly to this day still think Seattle showed us our best show ever. I have easily never had more fun before.
DD Hyped to bring you back this month! SSleaze were just recording new material. How’s that feelin? And will you be showing off any of these tracks at this month’s Disco Droppings Presents @ Kremwerk?
AF Yeah we actually just finished last night, and it feels amazing. These songs have so much heart and I couldn’t be any happier with how they came out. We worked so hard on this album. I think the best part is when listening you can tell how exciting and thrilling it was for us. And yeah we will be playing its entirety at Disco Droppings!
DD Special vibez. Well thanks for stopping by the site, if you have any last words feel free. See you ina few dayz Andrew:]
AF Hmmm, when yr highness barks “you bitches better werk,” you better werk. Thanks for having me! Can’t wait to get juicy.
– Jimi Jaxon
dd 