Gal on the SP-1200
Obviously you’re well known for using hardware live and in the studio. Is that just because you find hardware inherently inspiring or are they simply the best tools for the job?
Jordan: Both, I guess. Even the cheapest hardware usually sounds more pleasing or interesting than computer plugins – except the physical modelling stuff, which always sounds annoying to me, plugin or hardware. Turning a knob is easier and more fun than mousing stuff in real time.
So is the studio setup almost entirely hardware based?
Gal: Yes. Other than Logic, which functions as a multi-track recording and editing system, all the rest is hardware-based. For a typical jam we would connect two or three drum machines, between two and four synths, possibly a guitar and some effects, all going to separate outputs of the mixer. We usually record long segments of improv or a current idea we have at the moment, then edit the best parts later and overdub additional elements if needed. Finally we fine-tune the mixing, maybe add some more processing or effects, but by that stage it should sound pretty good already, otherwise something isn’t working in the track.
Even the cheapest hardware usually sounds more pleasing or interesting than computer plugins
Are you excited by the new breed of affordable hardware that’s being brought out? Things like the AIRA models, the MiniBrute, and so on?
Gal: I think it’s cool that they’re at least trying it out. I wasn’t too impressed by most things sound-wise so far, but the concept of small, user-friendly analogue hardware boxes in an affordable range is great, and some of them can be very useful. For instance the Moog Minitaur or the TT-303 BassBot which David brought a couple of times to try out in our Magic Mountain High gigs and they did the job. Hopefully this trend will also help to reduce the price of some small vintage gear like the TB-303, which is now ridiculously overpriced.
Is there a dream product which you’d like to see a manufacturer release? Something which would make your life a lot easier live or in the studio, or something which would allow you to do an entirely new thing?
Gal: Something like a new, good-sounding SH-101 with the built-in simple sequencer and triggers would be sweet. That could make things a little easier live. But please, none of that virtual analogue or physical modeling stuff!
Are there plans for a follow-up to Techno Primitivism?
Gal: Yeah, we’re on it right now, but there’s still a lot left to do.
A new SH-101 with the built-in simple sequencer and triggers would be sweet. But please, none of that virtual analogue stuff!
I think around the time Techno Primitivism was released you said you thought it was a big improvement on your debut album. Do you think with the benefit of the last couple of years’ additional experience there are areas where you could improve again?
Gal: I like the first one and we’re still proud of it as well. I just think we probably have new or different ideas, and also more gear and a new studio space since then, so hopefully that – in addition to a couple more years of experience that we have now – will result in an exciting, fresh new album. We’re trying to make tunes that are interesting to listen to, either at home or in a club, both now and for the long run.
Are you generally critical of yourselves? Are you able to step back from your own work and analyse it in that way, picking out things you’re happy with and things you think don’t work so well?
Gal: Yes, probably too critical and more analytical than the average listener.
Jordan: Super critical, but not to the point of not being able to finish stuff. We’d rather give up on a track in the early stages if it’s not working rather than saving a bunch of demos to be worked on later. That being said, I’ve been having a lot of trouble falling to sleep all this week, thinking about our next LP. I’m kind of obsessing over it. But it will be OK…
Juju & Jordash play live at Fabric for the launch of Move D’s Fabric 74 mix CD this Saturday, February 22nd. Find them on Facebook and SoundCloud. For musings on being cheesy, bad coffee and chicken wings, follow Jordan on Twitter.