Interview with MSTRKRFT
We had a chance to sit down with Jesse of MSTRKRFT to ask some questions before they make their way to San Diego on their first tour in over five years. Read what he had to say:
Q: Who/what were the biggest influences for OPERATOR?
The gear we decided to use really became a third member of the band on this record. We decided to sorta take a back seat to the machines and not try to force them to do what we wanted, and instead follow their lead. It creates a kind of feedback loop while you work. Sust deciding to do that was the biggest influence on how the record turned out.
Q: What was the creative process like for OPERATOR?
We would turn on all the gear, hit record on the computer and then not look at it until we were leaving. We didn't want to look at a screen or think about making music that way. We just focused on the gear we had in front of us and tried to forget about things like wether or not the music we were making had a purpose beyond just making us happy.
Q: How do you feel about OPERATOR now that it's finished and released?
We are very happy with it. It's always good to see your work get released like this. We started work on the next album as soon as this record was mixed, and having this out feels like a door has opened for us to push things much further.
Q: How do your current live shows differ from the live shows you played after releasing 'The Looks' and 'Fist of God'?
The biggest difference is that we are mostly performing live now, although we still DJ when it makes more sense for the club etc. In terms of what we are playing when we DJ, I think the feel on operator is expressed there as well.
Q: How has your modular equipment influenced your recorded music and your live shows?
The key for us was not using equipment on the record that we couldn't also travel with and use live. The modular setups are always evolving to some extent, and have changed many times this year already. Working this way really makes every show very different, and allows us to really feed off of the room more than ever before.
Q: What are your thoughts on the current state of dance music?
I feel like this is a somewhat impossible question to answer. It's like asking someone about a city they visited, in that the things they experienced shaped their opinion. I think dance music is in an incredible place right now, with more creativity and resolve than ever before, but then thats just based on the things I pay attention to and listen to. I'm sure theres a sea of garbage out there, but if I don't pay attention, for me it doesn't exist. hope that makes sense.
Q: How has dance music changed since you first released 'The Looks'?
It seems like its gone through a cycle and into a place we had hoped and imagined it would.
Q: Who are your favorite DJs/producers?
Gary Beck, Robert Hood, Phantoms Revenge, Truncate, Surgeon, Len Faki… hard to choose!
Q: Who are your favorite bands?
Right now? Cult Leader, Naomi Punk… again, very very hard to choose!
Q: What can MSTRKRFT fans expect from you guys over the next few years?
We will keep making music that makes us happy.