In this world in which techno music is evolving through the time, through the names and through the styles, we had the chance to discuss about it with someone who really knows what he is talking about. Edit-Select delivers his wide vision of the present, the past and the future of electronic music.
- Hi Tony, we are honored to host you on board. First can you tell us what the name “Edit-Select” refers to?
Hi my pleasure, the name actually comes from a Korg keyboard I was using and was looking for something and there she was 😉 a beautiful thing .. names are a pain but this actually fitted my persona!
- What is the difference between your 2 projects Percy X and Edit Select ? Did Percy X evolve in some kind of Edit Select or are these two completely different characters ?
The main difference between the two is one was planned and the other just happened, Percy x was born through tracks I had that I gave to Soma. I was signed to another label at this time so I had to be careful. Anyway the guys at Soma asked me for a name and I thought shit I don’t want anyone to know it’s me so I gave them this random name from a book I was reading, then within a few releases I was headlining gigs in Belgium etc.. as Percy x really weird scenario…
- You come from Glasgow and the city is well known for its underground spots. How would you define the Scottish scene or the scene from Glasgow musically speaking ?
The scene here in Glasgow has always been good, the club nights have always been strong and varied in style and the producers and DJ’s likewise its like any other industrial city, they seem to breed artists that maybe somewhere beautiful would not, I think it’s a great thing, the need to explore and grow mentally is the gift you receive for your hard work and sufferance to the climate.
- What’s different for you in the fact of releasing tracks on your own label and on someone else’s ?
Someone else is paying for it 🙂 no to be honest I’ve had some strange releases on varied labels over the years, the reason being is that sometimes my DJ schedule wasn’t great and I only live from music as income wise. If things had been different I wouldn’t have taken the offers from other labels, it’s kind of clashed with my profile and in many ways been more hurtful than good. My main aim now is to minimize releases and only send out good music.
- Your style evolved through the years and the different monikers that you had. What have been your artistic influences throughout your career?
In the beginning I was influenced by DJs like Jeff Mills, Mike Banks, Andrew Weatherall through to King Tubby, Jah Shaka and bands like Twilight Circus, Future Sound Of London and many more. Today I like artists like Mike Parker who in my opinion has brought something really futuristic and timeless to the scene, Mike’s music could fit in anything from a 60’s horror film to a current day Sci Fi flick.
- We usually hear electronic producers and DJs saying they want to take us into a trip. So, what kind of trip do you want to take us in ?
That’s my little secret you’ll need to wait and find out !
- We’ve been listening your EPs and your albums and what comes often in mind is that your techno is stripped-out and very hypnotic. I was specially talking about the last EP that you released on Soma Records called Horizon. What do you have in mind when you compose this kind of EPs ?
I try to make music that stands the test of time, something you can play out and also listen to in the car or beach whatever. My main aim is for the music to sound good in 10 years time rather than just being current.
- You played almost everywhere in the world from Lithuania to Japan, Canada or Australia. Do you think that people react differently to your music depending on where they live ? Or do you think it unites everybody in its own way, like a common catharsis ?
Great question, I feel it has the same effect everywhere people are often surprised but pleased with what I play and the way I play it, someone said to me in Vancouver after my recent gig there : actually she was a sex therapist – “how did you do that, you created a spell”. That’s my main aim to make people experience something spiritual.
- You did an amazing performance in Detroit in 2016, how does it feel to play in such an iconic city for the techno genre?
That was really special for me as soon as I walked into The Worx I could see and feel the club’s significance. I was smiling and thinking to myself this is where it all began and you’re playing here… fantastic, I love the set from Detroit one of my favs.
- From Mark Broom to SNTS we can hear a wide range of different techno artists, do you find or do you impose similarities in the production of the EPs ? Is there any Edit Select Recordings precise style ?
No, from the beginning to the current day it’s always been about what I would play so it’s a really simple theory, if it fits in my set then it’s good to go.
- We are noticing that EBM is becoming more and more trendy and gets as much popularity as techno over the years. By the way, what do you think about the current situation of electronic music ?
The current scene is very strong, my only worry is that it’s over saturated to many people involved and management companies pushing artists that would not have survived or even surfaced in my day… On the flip side you have some really talented artists pushing things forward with gusto, exciting and interesting time …
- What are the next big projects for Edit-Select and Edit Select Recordings ?
I have the new LP and Ep on Soma a new track coming out on the next Bassiani series, loads of remixes and other goodies some I can’t mention yet but watch this space !
Thanks a lot Tony, hope to see you somewhere soon.
Keep the good vibe on !