Asian Dan

David Rubato is one of the most exciting producers to come out in quite a while. He adds a level of class and musicality to the ever growing genre of electronic dance music. He channels such greats as Jean Michel Jarre and Giorgio Moroder, mad scientists that twisted and turned knobs to dial in the perfect blend of sine and square waves. Circuit is one of my favorite dance tracks of the past few years. Amazing bass part and squelching synth. I cannot wait to hear more from Mr. Rubato.

Siriusmo is leading the way in the kraut dance scene and his remix of Mr. Rubato’s Circuit is further proof of his production magic. The psuedo French suave monologue kind of gets annoying

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202008/david_rubato_-_circuit_siriusmo_mix.mp3]
David Rubato – Circuit (Siriusmo Remix)

www.myspace.com/davidrubato

Asian Dan Interview: David Rubato
Where does the name David Rubato comes from ?

My parents named me David after Oistrakh and i picked up Rubato while joking with friends on my piano style being all about voicings.

What are your biggest influences, musical or otherwise?

My inner drive to move forward.

Could you describe your production style ? What is your main way of composition? Is the groove, bassline/drums, the first and most crucial element you work on?

I compose and produce by going back and forth between associative thinking to accumulate ideas–of objects, goals, techniques, principles etc.–and applying them with methodical attention to every detail, as I consider that all aspects and elements are decisive. I find it somehow similar to solving a puzzle: clusters happen but there’s no strict processing order. My work is done when each second of the record induces in me the exact feelings i’m after. This MO developped itself over time, partially in reaction to the early remixes i did, for Spencer&Hill and NyLon, which I don’t like at all.

Circuit is one of my favorite dance tracks I have heard in quite a few years, I know it was all a live recording with real bass and you twisting knobs on a modular synth 🙂 what was your main inspiration behind that track?

Thanks. There were two main ideas, one of which you mentioned: experimenting with real time and looking for strong sensations.

Your music is crafted and composed like composers and producers from the 70s/early 80s, are you trying to bring back that level of musicality to dance music?

I get a kick out of challenging myself, working on my skills and creating what suits my tastes. It’s an inner adventure. Curiosity for music made thirty years ago is part of that process but I don’t think in terms of “what dance music needs” and I’m not trying to bring back anything.

What is it like to be part of the Institubes family?

It’s very interesting.

What do you think is the next “big thing” in music? I feel like dance music in particular is trying to clean itself up and polish its sound, shake off all the noise and distortion that Justice started, ha.

I don’t view dance music as a unique entity trying to do one thing more than another. Individuals act based on their unique interests and desires and all possible things are happening at the same time.

Future plans for David Rubato? Releases, tours?

More music, no touring for now.

David Rubato’s sheet music for Circuit 🙂

I was speaking to Daniel and Luca C. from Cazals and told them that Asian Dan might as well become the official Cazals fan page. They are a fantastic band and released a fantastic album this year, one of my favourite. Anyways here is the next installment in the Cazals band profiles, introducing Martin the bassist and producer of Cazals who also goes under his electronic moniker, Dubka.Here are 2 great Dubka remixes, very pop and 80s. He did a great job nailing those classic 80s drum and synth samples. Catchy stuff
[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202008/Late%20of%20the%20Pier%20-%20Space%20&%20The%20Woods%20(Dubka%20Remix).mp3]
Late of the Pier – Space & Woods (Dubka Remix)
[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202008/Pin%20Me%20Down%20-%20Cryptic%20(Dubka%20remix).mp3]
Pin Me Down – Cryptic (Dubka Remix)

www.myspace.com/dubkaisdead

Asian Dan Interviews: Dubka
1. Who is Dubka? What is your first musical memory?

I’m Dubka, I’m a musician and producer. My first musical memory is lying on the floor in front of my dads hi-fi speakers, listening to “The Longest Time” by Billy Joel. I remember the feeling of the bass in my chest and all the amazing contrapuntal vocals.

2. What are your biggest influences, musical or otherwise?

I’ve always loved Francis Bacon’s painting and just the way he saw the world and thought about art. Mark Rothko is another influence, which leads me to Morton Feldman and John Cage. I find some of the things these people wrote just as inspirational as their art. Sometimes more so. Musically, I love Stravinsky, Yellow Magic Orchestra, The Strokes, Bartok, Ligeti, Penderecki, Talking Heads, Daft Punk, Laura Branigan, Prince, John Carpenter, Devo, Ariel Pink, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Eurythmics, Stan Bush, Tel Jeroen… I could go on all day.

3. Who are your favorite Producers/DJs?

I think Daft Punk are so far ahead of everyone in so many ways, it’s impossible not to admire them. And I kind of see Oizo as the ring leader of all the new French guys. Nile Rodgers is great, the Persian guy who did the best Chaka Khan stuff, Brian Eno especially with Talking Heads, Phillipe Zdar, Prince, the guy who did MGMT sounds great. I’m sure there’s more but I can’t think right now. I’m more into music than production.

4. What are your top 5 tracks you put on to dance?

Well, like most people, it changes all the time but right now I would say:
Once In a Lifetime – Talking Heads
Lucky Star – Madonna
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Savin’ The Day – Alessi Brothers
Dare – Stan Bush
[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Sept%202008/04%20-%20Stan%20Bush%20-%20Dare.mp3]

5. What to you is a perfectly produced track? Any examples?

That’s a tough one. I don’t think there’s any such thing as perfection. Production is almost like dressing someone. When you see them naked, you might instantly think of something that would accentuate how that person looks, highlight their qualities and hide their flaws. Maybe they look amazing naked. Some people could make a bin bag look good and it doesn’t really matter what you do with them, if anything. So, if you follow my analogy, I think it’s all very subjective and at the end of the day you just end up with one vision, not perfection.

6. What are some difference between producing tracks as Dubka vs. producing Cazals?

I don’t think there are any similarities! The first is me pacing up and down, lying on the floor, not speaking and looking for exactly what it is I want to do and how I see the track. The latter is a compromise of everyone’s artistic vision, technical ability, ego and all the rest of it. If I want to try something, I have to convince the others of my intentions. And then working with Cazals differs from working with another band because I’m much closer to the whole thing. Luckily they’re usually quite tolerant when I tell them I’m right and they’re wrong. Haha!

7. Does your bass playing influence your Dubka production style? I have been playing bass for 10 years and feel that the bassline is the crucial link between the drums and melodies especially in dance/electronic music.

I’m sure it does. Bass was my first instrument so I guess I must relate most things musical to that in some way. I find the interaction between bass and drums and drums and melody really important. They’re like the book-ends of the track that hold everything else in place. Also, playing drums, keyboards and guitar gives me a better understanding of how they interact and how to arrange them and that in turn helps explaining ideas and communicating with other musicians.

8. How do you feel about DJs and electronic producers stepping behind the mixing board like Erol Alkan producing the Mystery Jets and Late of the Pier?

I was skeptical at first but when you think about it, it’s all just a matter of good taste and how you motivate people. Erol is a cool guy and I think he’s done a really great job with the bands I’ve heard him work with. As far as I know, he mixed those records as well, which is very impressive. SebastiAn said he’s working with Peaches and Uffie too but I guess that isn’t such a huge departure, apart from the communication and the compromise.

9. Dubka’s future plans? Cazals future plans?

I’m not sure what’s happening with Cazals. There are a few more gigs to honour this year, then who know’s? As for myself, I’ve just finished a remix for Hearts Revolution which I wish I could show you but it should be released soon. Oh, and I’m just starting one for Sebastien Tellier. I’ve been talking about revisiting an old project of mine with some friends called The Plastic Society (www.myspace.com/wearetheplasticsociety). I always have problems with my own music because I find showing it to others can somehow affect how I view it and that makes it difficult for me to judge exactly what it is I want to do, which I find very important. There’s music in my computer that nobody has heard and maybe never will but I’m talking about it more these days so I’m working on what’s going to become of it. Maybe you’ll see a Dubka album, who know’s?

What are your biggest influences?
Klaus Nomi, Sun Ra, Mariko Mori, David Bowie, Fela Kuti, Brian Eno, Mike Cooper, P-Funk, Laurie Anderson, General Strike, The Legendary Stardust Cowboy, Kwadwo Donkoh, Can, Poppin Pete, Coil, Les Baxter, Prince Paul, Cluster, Jon Hassell, Konrad Plank, Daniel Miller, Sly Stone, Nino Nardini, Vangelis, Christian Fennesz, David Byrne, Kraftwerk, Lauire Spiegel, Martin Denny, Roger Roger

J. G. Ballard, Philip K. Dick, Robert Anton Wilson, Kurt Vonnegut, Anthony Burgess, William S. Burroughs, Alfred Bester, Bernard Wolfe, Don Delillo, Frederick Pohl, Doris Lessing, Jake Chapman, Michael Houellebecq, Michael Marshall Smith, Arthur C. Clarke, David Gerrold, Aldous Huxley, Ursula K. LeGuin.

2. You are definitely a new and interesting surprise to the Ed Banger Team, your addition shows how much those guys just love all music.

Most interesting people aren’t dogmatic in their musical tastes, they enjoy a wide variety music. I am honoured to release on Ed banger. They work with so many fantastic artists, producing distictly modern music. As much of the known Universe is rapidly realising Pedro is a very clever and charismatic leader.

What music did you guys bond over?
The music of our mutual friends.

3. I love that you are heavily influenced by Krautrock and Ambient music. What is your favorite musical era?
Always the present. But loads from the 1970’s, early 1960’s exotica, 1930’s pop, Victorian music boxes, the harp of King David.

5. What are the top 5 songs that you put on to dance?
Born Under Punches and Crosseyed And Painless by Talking Heads
Move on up Curtis Mayfield
Disco Africa by The Ogyataannaa Show Band
Township Funk by Dj Mujava
Voodoo Ray by A Guy Called Gerald

Who are your favorite DJs?
Nathan Gregory Wilkins
Optimo
Harvey
Ivan Smagghe
2ManyDJs
The Glimmers

Producers?
Jake & Dinos Chapman

6. What are your currently listening to? What do you feel is the next big thing?

I am listening to and loving new music by; Zongamin, The New Sins, Kwes, Apollo Sunshine, DJ Mujava, Findlay Brown, Duffy, Kitty Daisy & Lewis, LCD Soundsystem, Los Super Elegantes, Late of The Pier, History Clock, Naum, Bravo Fimber, HTRK, Uffie, Issakidis, Hot Chip, La Horse, Fennesz, Bishi, Rustie, Busy P, Roots Manuva.

7. Future plans for Mickey Moonlight? Releases, tours?
Album and occasional dj gigs and remixes. Some exciting collaborations.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/July%202008/Asian%20Dan%20-%20Jean%20Nipon%20-No%20Sex%20Last%20Night%20Mix.mp3]
Asian Dan Presents Jean Nipon’s “No Sex Last Nite Mix” – 5 Minute Minimix

Tracklist:
Kate Perry – Use Your Love
Sedat – The Turkish Avenger
Surkin – Next of Kin (Laidback Luke remix)
DJ Rob 3 – The Chase (Nipon edit)
CZR – Groove to This
DJ PJ – Too Much Monkey
Billie Idol – Eyes Without a Face

Asian Dan Interviews: Jean Nipon

1. Who is Jean Nipon? What is your background? What is it like to be part of the Institubes family?
I’m a DJ, producer, and omelette eater.
I used to be drummer for some straight edge bands, then more emo or noise.
Institubes is such a great team, cuz we’re all different but we share the same love for ghetto music and shitty F.M. music. Its like: we do mainstream music but for specific people 🙂

2. What are your influences, musical or otherwise?
My main influence is girls, how you get them and how they throw you away. Then its a mix between Descendents, Technotronic, Don Caballerro, Prince, Johnnie to, Minor threat, Knut Hamsun, Saul Steinberg, Céline, KRS one, Tyree Cooper and some Joe Walsh. The best if you want to do some house music its to listen the complete opposite; like this you have more chance to create something original.

3. What is your DJ philosophy? Your production style?
When I play I always try to avoid playing the obvious stuff. The challenge is to entertain the crowd with some obscure gems. Like an old piano house track or maybe throw some 70’s hard rock. Anyway if the girls keep jumpin’ its all good. So whatever I play I must please the ladies. When I produce I think “Can I play this tune without thinking” so its often a matter of reduction. Less hi hat, less synth, less breaks. Tryin’ to obtain the core of a good dance track. It never come easy.

4. What are your top 5 songs that make you want to dance?
Oh boy! Ok so for this moment it would be:

1-Gemini- Stand Up
2-Prince – Pop Life
3-Jess and Crabbe- In Your Ear
4-James Gang – Walk Away
5-Beatles- Twist and fuckin’ Shout

5. What are you listening to right now that you can’t get enough of? What is the next big thing?
Well right now I don’t know . Everyday I discover some old electro disco jams with some crazy sounds into, so I’m not excited about a lot of new things; but wait oh yeah I’m into hardhouse again !! Dudes like DJ Trajic or Less Furious CZR. For me this music from the past is still the next future. Now the glam electro pop and guitar stuff are on the top, but I think the answer will come from the ghetto music.

6. Future plans?
Next will be the “Eurogirls go Baltimore” Vol. 2 with DJ Orgasmic and many guests? It will be hugely stoopid? And on September my ep “Wild at Heart” on Institubes.

Jean Nipon MyspaceArtwork by frnkcois

Who is ASTROLABE? How do you describe your music?
ASTROLABE is organized by 3 members, a young boy, a modern computer and an old computer.
The modern computer loves 80’s idols so much and the old one likes simple beats and synth sounds.
The boy makes them play together. The three live in Tokyo.

What are your influences?
I’m very influenced by Y.M.O and 80’s Japanese Idols.

What do you think of the Japanese electronic music scene?
I think the Japanese electronic music scene now is not so good…
I don’t like Shinichi Osawa that much.
A new generation of Japanese electro is rising!

Future plans for ASTROLABE?
Mmm… it’s very difficult question. because I don’t know even about tomorrow!

J. Gatz: Pop rap.
Frontpage: Pop hop.
Hot Tub Jonny: Poppadopoulis. Ask Cam how to spell it.

2. Who makes all the beats? What is your creative process like?

J. Gatz: Frontpage wakes me up from deep R.E.M. sleep. I narrate my dream. We circle every third word in the transcript. We browse our record collection for songs including these words. Sampling is chance.
Frontpage: I melt the fillings of the dead. Add that to vinyl solution. Boil on high.
Hot Tub Jonny: Frontpage does the beats. He’s like that guy in the movie where he counts the quarters when he drops them. Or toothpicks. Raindance. The creative process involves, including but not limited too®: Côtes du Rhone, Hennessey, Triptofan, one way tickets to Feza, PBR, Louis XIII.

3. What are your biggest influences on your music?

J. Gatz: JLG, JLB, Cave Pearls, Pearl Harbor, Harbor Seals, Sealed Fates, Fate Albert, Albert Brooks, Bruichladdich, Zebra Cakes.
Frontpage: David Banner, David Banner. Lil Wayne, R.A.G.U., Snap hop, Alexander Scriabin, Tiny Tim, Wagner, Ian MacKaye, Stravinsky, Henry Rollins, Ex Models, Zebra Cakes.
Hot Tub Jonny: G. G. Allin, Nabokov, Caps Lock, Zebra Cakes.

4. What are your thoughts on the current state of hip-hop/rap?

J. Gatz: Last Christmas I prayed to Santa for a Busta Rhymes and Mystikal collaboalbum. No luck. Santa’s getting a dis track this year.
Frontpage: Sometimes the bass is too loud. One time I got sick from drinking old milk. I got a weak stomach! My stomach will continue to hurt until Mystikal gets out of jail and makes a full length with Busta Rhymes.
Hot Tub Jonny: New John Varvatos store in the Marcy Projects. Summer ’07!

5. Future plans for LIONSHARE? Any collabs or remixes?

J.Gatz: I’m moving to the desert. Play songs to the fireflies and rattlesnakes. Make some Indian friends. Both kinds of Indians. Remixes? I’ll remix myself a mojito. New York is kind of a mojito town.
Frontpage: Our first show is next Friday (the 13th of June @ Death By Audio in Brooklyn). We’re going to have a big record release party in late July. Painted hats! Faces obscured!
Hot Tub Jonny: Spinnas on your headphones. LIONSHARE headphones. They really spin!

6. Final thoughts or words for Asian Dan readers.

J.Gatz: See us live.
Frontpage: See us dead.
Hot Tub Jonny: Hear is dead.