Knowledge _ Interview with Dadub

Hard to believe that it’s only been a couple of years since Monad VIII. The deep connection that listeners have since developed with Dadub’s music is a good measure of how powerful their sound is.

Looking back to 2011 and considering the amount of time that has passed since then, it feels as if their music has been in our consciousness for far longer than it actually has. Coincidentally, this mirrors Daniele & Giovanni’s approach to music and their formal philosophy of life.

The longest and most enjoyable interview that I’ve done; we spoke about all the usual stuff, like their new album ( You Are Eternity ) and production, live performances, their workshops and also a bit of politics towards the end. The guys were very open and down to earth, speaking honestly and from the heart. They also have a great sense of humour, which is definitely captured in the interview.

As I was listening back to the recording of the session, typing their words, the sentiment of what they were saying really hit home. Their character really shines out of these pages and after chatting to them, I think that it’s no surprise that some of the most intelligent music that’s been heard in recent times has come from such inspirational people.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the album over Christmas and I really enjoyed it. How long did it take to make the album, as I think I heard you talking about it back at least year ago, was it? Was it a long process?

Giovanni: It took almost one & a half to two years, because we couldn’t work on the album full time. Usually our daily routine is going to the studio and mastering. We composed the album in the free time from the work we do every day. It took that long, but some of the synths or drumbeats that we used came from our archives. There are some tracks that contain elements that were composed maybe 6 years ago, 8 years ago or more hahaha. I find that it’s a good thing to use elements that were made in this way as it helps to give more variety. It is a good surprise to hear that they work well and are totally cordant with the new material. We knew that we wanted our personality to come through in the sounds.

If you had to choose one track to play to someone from the album, what would it be? Any favourites?

Giovanni: For me, it’s the one with King Cannibal. For several reasons really. Mainly as he is one of my favourite producers and a big influence to me, but also because of the result. I really like the way in which the track starts as a sort of classic, post-DnB, post-dubstep sound. Then its how the narration flows into the middle break. The arrangement came out of a kind of trance; quickly with no thinking. When I heard it, I said “Wow – There is something special here”.

Daniele: We made the loop and it was sounding perfect without any post production.

Giovanni: Last weekend, we went to a club –  About Blank – and there was a DJ from Austria, Electric Indigo, playing. She knew that we were going, so she played a lot of tracks from the album.

Daniele: She would have played them anyway haha

Giovanni: Yeah haha. She played the King Cannibal track in her set and when I heard it in a club for the first time, surrounded by people and seeing their reactions, I really liked it. It was a strong feeling.

Daniele: For me, I particularly love is Arrival – the one after King Cannibal. It’s really launched by the immense mass of sound. I love the drums that we created for that track. I’m quite proud of it.