You are here
Pance Party Interview
When I first heard Pance Party way back when, I was astonished by their polished sound. For a group so new, how could they be so deft in their production, with skills far beyond their exposure? After following their successful Kim Jong Thrill EP with another monster release, Let's Get Invisible, Pance Party established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Not to be pigeonholed as just another American electro group, they have a versatility that you love to see in a dynamic artist. One listen and you can tell these guys mean business. Fresh off their collaboration with Valerna, Pance Party aims to take over the world, one crunchy bass line at a time. We were lucky enough to score an interview with the three lads from the Bay Area, and without further ado, here are the results.
1. Ok, first off, what's with the name? Why Pance Party?
Swardy: Well, Nickelback was already taken, so.....
2. Being that there are three of you in the group, what roles do each of you play in Pance Party? What musical backgrounds do you have as a group or individually?
Andy: We each do a little bit of everything, but all of us definitely bring unique elements to the table. Before starting Pance Party, I was working in a lab as a research scientist, and that definitely fits with my style - I tend to be a lot more technical in my production.
Eric: I am a huge fan of really melodic catchy music. I like writing simple, yet very memorable hooks and progressions, so that is where i think i come into play most, in terms of Pance Party productions.
3. What does a typical Pance Party show look like? What kind of equipment do you guys use?
Eric: Right now we keep it simple. We run Ableton Live and use midi controllers for mixing and live sampling. Andy is building our lighting rig as we speak. Eventually he'll be all visuals (there's no need for three DJs). You should see the shit he builds...
Andy: Well every show is a bit different - different venues, crowds… but the one constant is that we get a little bit too excited while playing out. I've been growing my hair out for a while and it's finally gotten to the point where it's really fun to headbang, often uncontrollably.
Swardy: Ya I mean we're still fans. We've heard rumors that eventually you get used to this shit... but until then, if it looks like I'm as into a track as the crowd -- its because I am.
4. In the studio, what software/hardware do you employ? Any favorite tools?
Andy: We use Logic to produce, and dabble in all the other DAWs for specific jobs and sounds. All the software is basically the same - it's much more important just to be comfortable in your work environment.
Swardy: Whats become important to us is getting a track into the environment that best suits the next job. For example we write, synthesize, arrange, mix, and master in Logic. BUT we glitch edit in FL studio, write string and horn elements in Reason, create atypical tempo maps in Ableton, etc...
5. How has the electro scene grown in San Francisco? What do you see in the near future for American electro?
Andy: To be honest, San Fran can be a bit backwards in terms of its electro scene, at least compared to LA. But there's a lot of good in that as well. The scene here is strong enough to pull in every big name act, but it's not nearly as in your face as the LA scene. I think that's been a big help for us because it's allowed us to develop our sound without the pressure of having to conform to any trends.
Swardy: Andy's right... things are funny here. But good funny! I just think that we're not exactly associated with a specific scene right now: a difficult thing as you are bootstrappin, but a benefit down the line.
Eric: I definitely see electro music in general as having major influence all across the board from the mainstream Ke$ha stuff, to bands like Hot Chip. Everyone's got a 4/4 kick snare and a catchy synth line. I think its electro is here to stay, but it will definitely have to evolve to stay current and fresh. I mean, people are going to get sick of dutch squeaker house sometime right? But no, electro is taking over the music scene right now across all genres. except country. Oooooooh man....electro country! its gonna be the next big thing!
6. What do you see as some of the challenges of the electro world for new DJs?
Andy: The internet is an awesome tool for getting music heard widely and quickly, but the flip side is that it is even more difficult to get noticed because of the ridiculous number of producers all flooding the same outlets. I think the biggest piece of advice for standing out is for producers to craft their own sound - copying what's trendy at the moment is a surefire way to lump yourself in with hundreds of people doing the exact same thing.
Swardy: Ya and to land a record deal... oops did that sound bitter?
7. After two blazing EPs, Kim Jong Thrill and Let's Get Invisible, what's in store for Pance Party? Touring? More music?
Andy: Yes! We just released a collaboration project with our friends Valerna called "The Robobot" (check it our at therobobot.com). We've got a bunch of new tracks waiting to be released, but we're leaning towards releasing them as singles rather than putting out another EP.
8. Who are some of your major influences, DJ or otherwise? Also, what is currently on your iPods?
Andy: As far as dance music goes, we've been listening to a lot of Siriusmo, mainly because it's just so damn delightful. Eric and I come from rock backgrounds, but sadly, once you get into dance music the old stuff just sounds so boring and predictable. Really the only thing that gets me off these days is classical - Beethoven being the best.
Eric: I still listen to a ton of 80's music. Anything with a huge snare drum. Right now my jam is "She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult. It sounds so huge. The production on that track is great. If you don't know it, get it and be ready for sonic awesomeness.
9. When you think of a neon dancing bear, what type of bear first comes to mind?
Andy: Well seeing as how all of San Francisco is still obsessed with the Grateful Dead, I think of their damn bear logo - which is a real shame, because I hate the Dead.
Eric: I think of a giant panda. Imagine how sick that would be?
10. Thanks for taking the time to answers some questions! And lastly, would Pance Party ever consider a trip to Nashville for a show?
Andy: Hells Yeah! We're always down for a trip to the Windy City :P
Eric: They listen to electro in Texas? Of course, we'll get our agent on it!
Swardy: I don't know Lloyd, the French are assholes :D
Dem Slackers Interview
Dem Slackers, yet another talented producer out of Holland, has created some of the freshest sounds over the past two years. His deep, gritty bass antics leave no room for interpretation, they simply grab you by the face and peel it off. An acclaimed producer, his credentials include remixes of Mightyfools, Evil Nine, Foamo, and the Squatters. And, with a new EP that features a star-studded remix package on the horizon, it looks as if Dem Slackers cannot be stopped in 2010. He was gracious enough to answer some questions from NBD. Enjoy!
1. When did you first start producing dance music? Were you always into electro or was it something you found through other forms of music?
Probably about 3 years ago, when I kind of rolled into it because one of my best friends was producing house at the moment. At the beginning it was more the "dutch house" sound I was producing but I soon heard the now really old Crookers stuff which got me into the weirder harder stuff.
2. I've got to be honest, hearing Fake Blood jam your remix of Fifty What at Ultra was mind bottling, how do you achieve such a deep, dark, dirty bass sound?
That sounds really epic, wish I was there! And I can't really reveal my secrets now can I? Ok I'll tell you, I travel to the dark caves of Mordor where I collect the dust of the nightmare queen which I then sprinkle over my computer (don't tell anyone!).
3. There seems to be a youth movement in EDM, guys like SonicC, Foamo, and yourself are producing some of the best stuff out there, what do you think it means for dance music to have such young talents get so much exposure?
I think that only improves everything, and strives us to do better and better every day.
4. What's the next few months look like for Dem Slackers? We know you've got a new EP coming soon.
Indeed, the new EP is coming out soon with some sick remixes (Bart B More, Evil Nine, Peace Treaty and Clouds) and we're going to make a video for the a-side of the whole thing. Besides that I'm working on some remixes and collaborations for and with some really cool artists.
5. What equipment do you use when DJing and also producing? Do you consider yourself more of a performer or producer?
I usually DJ with 2 or preferably 3 CDJ 1000's MK3's and a DJM 800 mixer. At the moment I'm using FL for my beats but I'm planning on switching to Logic. I've always been more of a producer but I'm growing into being a DJ lately, it's a lot of fun, but making the actual music is still one of the best things in my life.
6. Who are some of your favorite artists of the moment, DJ or otherwise?
I'll just drop some random names I was listening to today.
Breakbot, Hey Today!, Caravan Palace, Chromeo, Bart B More, Aeroplane, Fatboy Slim
7. Lastly, when you go to shows, are you cutting up the rug? Any signature dance moves?
I like to do the ping pong dance from that how to rave dance video on youtube! But usually I just wave/throw my arms around in a random manner.
Algeronics
Algeronics caught my ear last year with his remix of Daft Punk's immortal Digital Love. Hailed by some to be better than the original, Digital Love hit number one on The Hype Machine and Algeronics has been producing full bodied wobble ever since. Here is NBD's exclusive interview with the one and only Algeronics.
When I was 12, my friend who was a sophomore in High School at the the
time told me to check out his new song. It was a repetitive
loop of sounds that didn't even make sense or even fit together very
well. This really intrigued me to create my own compositions. At first
I started producing mini songs and ringtones and it wasn't until I was 13 that I
attempted to create "real" songs. Eventually, I officially started
ALGERONICS when I was 16.
I hear a lot of UK wobble in your style. Who would you say are your
major influences?
Yes, I am a big fan of LFO modded basslines. My addiction initiated
when I was exposed to music blogs. If you have heard my earlier stuff,
it was nothing but distorted basslines. Major influences of mine
consist of Jack Beats, Foamo, AC Slater, and Rusko. If you pay
attention to my music, you'll notice a little influence from such
artists!
What kind of equipment do you use for DJing and production?
For DJing, I use Pioneer CDJs. I just find it more convenient for me to
take my CDs to the clubs as it is common for most venue to provide such
equipment. I'm a little paranoid bringing a laptop with all my music on
it because if it crashes, there will no longer be a party! For
production, I run Ableton Live 8 on my computer, mix with my HD280
headphones, and occasionally record with my Microkorg.
I hear you're working on a new EP. Would you care to tell us about it?
That's right! I'm really taking my time with this one, so it will not
be released anytime TOO soon. However, you can expect 3-4 tracks of a
70s disco theme. I'm deciding whether I'll release them as singles
and include remixers or if I'll consolidate each track into just 1 EP.
What upcoming artists should we have our ears out for?
Definitely have your ears out for Night Drugs and Cassette Club. Night
Drugs promote a very authentic french house feel and yet they keep it
contemporary! As for Cassette Club, not only do they include vocals in
their tracks, they also have great remixing skills! Lately, I've been a
big fan of the two and can't wait to hear new stuff they will release
in the future!
Do you enjoy listening to the music you play for an audience in your
free time?
Yes! Although I am one who listens to a wide variety of music, I feel
that it is a great idea to listen to the music you will include in your
sets. This helps me discover new cue points and even inspires me to
work an EP or an unofficial remix. This is also a good practice because
it generates new ideas for my future tracks.
What's the biggest blunder that's happened during a performance/most
embarrassing moment?
There are three incidents that qualify for being my most embarrassing
moment.
1) A club didn't have CDJs so I was forced to spin on Turntables. But
that's not the bad part. The DJ prior to me broke a needle right before
it was my turn to get on! I could not beatmatch tracks so, it made me
look like a complete newbie.
2) Although this is a very common slip in DJing, I ejected the CD out
of the deck that was playing aloud.
3) I was playing a sick set, the energy was high, everyone was dancing,
until the power went out. For some reason, the crowd was pissed at me
like it was my fault! I even heard a "What the ****, DJ!"
You be the judge!
Do you ever find yourself playing games in your head while looking at
the crowd?
I play the music I personally like. That being said, rarely will I play
something that I know will appeal to the crowd. I do this because, I
hate when DJs before me play a song that I was planning on using in my
set. So altogether I avoid this by playing the more underground and not-so-popular music.
There's always that risk that the crowd won't like your style though. I
try not to think about it but the thought comes and haunts me every
once in a while!
