The straight talking Death In Vegas frontman lets us into his world. Building sites, ganja and Dennis Hopper.
Why music?
It’s a form of escapism.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
More art.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Lift your knees when you run.
What inspires you?
Love/depression.
What’s the next big thing?
For me, my label Drone.
Best club experience?
Musically, Carl Craig in his 69 days was pretty wild. If the system’s good, the equipment rocks and there’s a forward-thinking crowd then I’m in heaven.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I’ve only ever worked on building sites and I loved it. Probably working with certain advertising people. “Is this going to be the final volume?” springs to mind as one twat’s comment.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When you hit the magic moment (not always achieved).
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
Death in Vegas, summer 2005.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
MMM – ‘Donna’ because it’s visceral techno at its best.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Two chords and sing ‘la la la’ over it.
Recommend us a film.
Dennis Hopper’s Out of the Blue.
Recommend us a book.
Journey to the End of the Night by Louis-Ferninand Celeine.
The easiest way to make it in the music industry? Two chords and sing 'la la la' over it.
What do you lust over?
Consoles.
What is your greatest regret?
Musically, not learning an instrument as a child.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Right now, sunglasses.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Either or, really. If it doesn’t work it’s just a bad decision on your part.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
It really depends. For me it’s space. I like subtractive mixing – taking out conflicting frequencies rather than adding too much. Back off your effects. Achieve as much as possible with minimal parts – give instruments and parts space. With vocalists, get them to believe their lyrics and you’ll get the best vocal performances, hands down.
How do you relax?
Ganja.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?
Art or money?
Art.
I like subtractive mixing. Back off your effects. Achieve as much as possible with minimal parts.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Tuff one. Erm… BORFT is up there. They’ve been at it for 20 years or so, released some amazing reissues and it’s run by FRAK.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Nothing. It’s everything else that you have to do once it’s done.
What’s your motto?
Keep left.
Richard’s single ‘Gamma Ray’ is out now. Find him on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud. Find Drone on Twitter @dronedronedrone