London-based Joe and Will Ask? take to the hotseat for our quick-fire quiz, extolling the virtues of sci-fi, Talking Heads and partying on Thursday nights.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
I really don’t do much else at the moment, although I did just have a two-week holiday with no phone or computer so I can’t complain.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you’re worried about something, don’t hide from it.
What inspires you?
Not listening to any music at all for two weeks is incredibly inspiring.
What’s the next big thing?
Bands will be cool again. And proper underground techno, although that’s already happening really.
Best club experience?
That’s too tough, but the best set I saw last year was Seth Troxler at a Japan tsunami fundraiser. It was on a Thursday and he played for hours.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Tesco cafeteria was my first job. It was horrible but I have fond memories.
How do you know when a track is finished?
Normally I’d say a few days to make the track, then a couple of weeks away from it, then a few days tweaking, and it should be finished. It’s a very difficult call to make, though.
When did you realise you could give up your day job?
Money from music meant that I was able not to take a student loan for my final year of university, so it kind of happened naturally.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
10cc – ‘I’m Not in Love’
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
You can probably charm your way in pretty quickly through blatant cringeworthy social media stuff, but to last in the music industry you need a consistent output, and to make it clear what you do. Don’t just change your mind all the time and follow trends.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
There’s a lot to choose from! My least favourite is probably ‘Warm It Up’.
Recommend us a film.
I watched Tyrannosaur a couple of days ago and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Recommend us a book.
I recently found and finished my half-read copy of Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. The film is so abstract, it’s nice to have it explained.
What are you addicted to?
Biting my nails is my bad habit.
What one thing would most improve your life?
A bike!
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
In a Hells Angels bar, before and after some awful chiptune bands.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
I used to hate it, but now I absolutely love it. I ask people who’ve never made music before to make music with me. People have such good ideas!
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Talking Heads – ‘This Must Be The Place’
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?
I had the Arturia soft synths on my old PC, but don’t have them on my new Mac and it’s killing me.
Must-read blogs/forums?
I honestly never look at either.
What’s your single biggest frustration within the music industry?
Arrogant idiots.
Favourite label?
The one we will eventually set up to release club music. It doesn’t have a name yet.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Coming back to a track that you thought sounded amazing, but it sounding shit.
What’s your motto?
Make music that excites yourself.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Don’t fall into habits. For example, don’t always EQ certain sounds a fixed way. Everything is worth taking a step back from and considering.