Sketching _ Interview with Timothy Alexander

Label owner, producer, DJ, trained musician, studio engineer.. TA’s roots go back to the industrial sounds of Skinny Puppy, Nitzer Ebb, Ministry & Killing Joke.

Understanding this, it’s probably no surprise that he is now producing broken beat and fucked-up industrial techno. A clean production style and contemporary approach makes his music stand out as being something special.

It is for that reason that we are really excited to have a mix & an interview from him.

Tim is providing a mix for subsekt 022 that is going to be broadcast on Fnoob on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 @2300GMT. The show is actually a double header and will also feature a stunning mix by Claudio PRC. As always, it will be available on soundcloud after transmission.

In this interview, we discuss TA’s roots, influences and production history. Afterwards, the conversation moves onto his move to Berlin and how it has influenced his take on music and ultimately, the direction of his label.

 

First off – The obligatory background checks: When / how did you start DJ’ing?

I’ve been Djing since about 2007/2008. I used to be in heavy metal bands and took a fair bit of inspiration from bands like Ministry, Skinny Puppy and Mortiis, followed by Post-Hardcore bands like Cult of Luna and Pelican. Being able to go through different types of aggression in music is something that I really enjoy. I started making chip-tune music in about 2007 and was invited to an electro and house night in my hometown. It was then down to being invited back to afterparties and playing around on the decks, mixing badly.

So what were the tracks or producers that ignited your interest initially?

One of the first tracks that I can remember that got me into Techno was probably Perc – Work Softer (Matador Remix). I first heard it on the Richie Hawtin/Dubfire Radio1 Essential Mix which was a big influence.

And of course, this is your 2nd mix for subsekt. Another monster!! How did you approach it?

Mix was recorded live on Ableton with a Allen and Heath Xone 2D. I’ve been using Traktor for a few years so I thought it was time to have a play with Live for a bit. I like being able to have my output laced with mastering tools. I’m still tweaking it but I think I’ll be using it more in future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBBWgWPK0OU

So who are you enjoying production wise at the moment?

The tracklist pretty much sums up what I want to hear when I go out. I’ve put a bit more 4/4 stuff on there than I would play normally and it’s mainly artists that have influenced me such as Oscar Mulero, Reeko  and Perc.

I’ve found Rune Records to be a goldmine of good, inspirational Techno.

Casual Violence is about to release some more material soon, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on him.

Tags: Diacope Timothy Alexander