S_W_Z_K

David Brown of tech-house duo Swayzak, now releasing records on his own under the name S_W_Z_K, reveals his love of Italian racing bikes, shares his passion for focaccia and bemoans his fruitless hunt for a pair of good quality leather shoes.

If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?

In jail, homeless or banking.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Never trust a blonde.

What inspires you?

Waking up in the morning.

What’s the next big thing?

War.

Best club experience?

Leaving at the end of the night.

When did you realise you could give up your day job?

I just got a day job (in a bike shop) for the first time in 16 years! I really enjoy it and it keeps me with a regular income, unlike music.

How do you know when a track’s finished?

When I’m finally bored with it and I can’t take it any further.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

‘My Way’

What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?

Be an unscrupulous label owner, don’t pay your artists and sell drugs to them!

What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?

They are all rubbish as far as I’m concerned.  Some may agree!

Recommend us a film.

Zeitgeist. A very good film in three parts about the system we are all part of.

What or who is overrated?

So-called DJ sets by almost anyone these days who use a laptop to control their dull rubbish.

What are you addicted to?

Mozzarella and tomato focaccia bread with a bit of olive oil and some balsamic vinegar.

What do you lust over?

Italian road racing bikes – very sad!

What is your greatest regret?

That I didn’t study music at school, I didn’t study art at school, in fact I didn’t study anything but girls and sleeping, smoking and spots!

What one thing would most improve your life?

Shoes. I need quality leather gents’ shoes but they are all so ugly.

What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?

Too many to mention, though without doubt Madrid is the worst city I’ve ever played in. I’ve never had a good gig there, so let’s say Madrid.

Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?

Pain in the ass if you’re not careful. Creative types are always a pain in the ass, demanding coffee and such like, toying around with their iPhones and suggesting dinner with Andy Warhol (I thought he was dead?).

If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?

The Who – ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’

What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?

Apple Macintosh computer.

Art or money?

Art, then after about 30 years sell it.

Must-read blogs/forums?

I don’t read blogs, it’s a waste of time.

What’s your single biggest frustration within the music industry?

They are a bunch of lying cheating robbers that claim to be your friends.

What’s your motto?

“Get tae fuck.” I say this most days in lovely old London town.

Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?

Don’t waste your money buying gadgets that don’t improve the music. Music is your imagination not the machines. Music is your thoughts so stop trying to copy everyone else – do your own thing! [Isn’t this a bit more than 140? Ed]

You can preview and purchase David Brown’s debut solo album as S_W_Z_K here.