Dark techno and dusty beats

Local promoter Blush Events may be new to the local scene, but judging by the line-up of their first event, Jigsaw, they definitely know music. Jigsaw will feature none other than Dusty Kid, who will be performing an exclusive live set, and French supremo The Hacker, who will be playing a two-hour DJ set.

Dusty Kid was something of a musical prodigy as a child, learning to play both violin and piano.

He eventually moved from classical music into the world of electronica, embracing its liberal outlook, as well as the wealth of synthesizers, samplers and sequencers to experiment with new sounds and produce his own compositions.

Further to several releases and remixes for artists such as Mutiny UK, Robbie Rivera and Trinity Hi-Fi, it was his 2004 project Duoteque, with DJ Andrea Ferlin, that propelled Dusty Kid into the limelight, with his music being picked up by important names like Richie Hawtin, Tiefschwarz, Ricardo Villalobos, Sven Väth and Magda.

Ever since, Dusty Kid’s profile has been in the ascendant, thanks also to further solo releases, among them New Ordinament EP, Tsunamy/Milk and The Cat/The Kitten, all hugely supported by DJs all over the world, burning up dancefloors and getting amazing reviews from the press.

His live set is hard to describe, but with elements of eclectic techno, the 1980s and Acid House with a dash of Minimal, it’s guaranteed to get the party started.

The Hacker started his musical career aged 17, inspired by the New Wave bands and the dark electronica of the 1980s. It was in 1995, however, that he launched himself as The Hacker, his music infusing particular Detroit elements at its core.

His debut album, along with subsequent 12-inch releases elevated The Hacker’s profile within the French electronic scene.

But it was his forays alongside Miss Kittin into upbeat synth-pop, which would later spearhead the electroclash scene, that made him a mainstay on the international scene, thanks to which he also became a much sought-after producer.

When the project with Miss Kittin was put on hold, The Hacker once again focused on his solo work, releasing his acclaim­ed Reves Mecaniques album and seeking new collaborations with various artists as well as taking on globetrotting tours.

In 2009, he teamed up once again with Miss Kittin for the anticipated Two album and is currently working on his third solo album.

Jigsaw featuring Dusty Kid Live and The Hacker will be held this Saturday at Stitch Club in San Ġwann. Doors open at 10 p.m. Tickets cost €15 and are available by calling 7926 3155 or 7744 7527.

Interview with The Hacker

Going back in time, what were the tracks or artists that first ignited your love for music, and which ones eventually inspired you to produce your own music?

It was mainly bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, Kraftwerk and the early Detroit techno – stuff like Juan Atkins, Kevin Saunderson and Jeff Mills.

The 1980s played a big part in shaping your musical roots; with hindsight, what do you feel were the characteristics that defined this much-debated decade in music?

I really like the way they used synthesizers, drum machines and sequencers back then; it was the beginning of electronic music so it wasn’t necessarily always perfect, but there is a lot of personality in that music.

The larger part of your recorded work has involved Miss Kittin. How did this musical partnership come about and what is the fuel that keeps it going?

We are from the same city, Grenoble in France. We met at the beginning of the 1980s, we were part of the few people who were interested in techno.

She began to DJ and I began to make music, and a few years later we started our collaboration, which was very natural.

We still work together because we share the same passion and interest in music, and also because we know each other so well – it makes things much easier.

You started out in techno and eventually played a big part of what became the electroclash movement. What prompted this shift and how much do your techno roots influence what you do now?

Personally, I see my music as techno; it was the music media that came up with the Electroclash tag 10 years ago.

It’s fine by me because I don’t really care about labelling, but as far as I’m concerned I never stopped making techno to make electroclash instead – I’m just making music, that’s all!

You’ve done several remixes for other artists. Is there a particular track by an artist that you’d absolutely love to work on but haven’t had the chance yet?

I’d like to remix something from Depeche Mode one day… that’s my favourite band.

In comparison to your other albums, Reves Mecaniques projects a darker ambience. What was the force driving this album and is it something that will also influence your future releases?

I’ve always liked dark music. I think it comes from my new wave influences, so it’s quite likely that these elements will always be present in my music. It all comes pretty natural to me, so yes, my next release will also have this kind of atmosphere.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’ve been doing some remixes, including one for Blackstrobe. I’ve also just released The Only One on 12-inch via the Signature label and I’ll be releasing another 12” single on my own Zone label. This will be in collaboration with Gesaffelstein. After that, I’ll start working on a new album.

A word to your fans about what they should expect from your DJ set on Saturday.

A good dark techno set, and lots of fun, for sure!

http://thehackermusic.com