Page 18 - Zone Magazine Issue 010

Do you have any releases that are imminent and when?
On my own label Pivotal Sound Lab I’ve released a more chicago/tech driven sound. On my other label ‘NFNT’ (Infinity) a more puristic techno sound. The first release called 'Monopoly' is awaiting remixes and is being road tested extensively.
You're well known for your remixes that have been huge hits. One that sticks out is your remix of 'Days Go By' by Dirty Vegas, which tracks have been your favourite to remix and why?
I think that one did well and I enjoyed making it (at Harry Lemon’s studio whilst mine was disconnected at the time). Also the Funk Function series came out well.
Do you have a particular work flow when producing tracks and what instruments/plug ins do you constantly turn to?
I start out with a preprogrammed template working in Persons Studio One where I’ve mapped everything ready to mix with busses for effects and delays. I have a lot of outboard gear that I use to add some well needed analog flavor. EQ’s like the Ibis, Massive Passive of my Focusrite Red 2 come in handy for that. Also compressors like my Urei LA22, an STC-8, Chandler’s TG1 and my Avalon 2044 help to warm up the digital world. I record sounds using my Moog’s, Rolands and Korgs or build from scratch using my modular synth. In the box I use the McDsp and Fabfilter stuff a lot. Also some of the Presonus stuff does wonders.
You had some great residencies including Cream, Slinky and Gatecrsher, how does playing in the
UK compare to your home town of Rotterdam?
Funny enough I have to admit that I liked playing in the UK a lot as I could feel that dance music was accepted in a wider scope at the time than domestically. The sound I played at my ressies was very different from the sound in Holland.
Your recent appearance at Boothstock looked like it was a festival to remember from the video footage online, how was it?
It was very good. To be programmed on a festival with the likes of Basement Jaxx, Kenny Dope, Joey Beltram, Deetron and loads of other talent is nice in itself, but to see my area blow up the way it did was really something since it was in my own city of Rotterdam.
You've had some key dj's supporting your music over the years, who's really been an important part of that support and why?
I have to give props to Carl, Sasha and John Diggers for believing in- and breaking my sound and supporting it over the years. It’s good to believe in the music you’re making. But it’s important to see top level supporting it so that you as an artist can grow creatively and delve deeper in your own philosophy music wise.
Do you have any influences that have played a part in your productions?
I don’t think any of what I produce is uninfluenced really. I grew up during my music school years listening to synth pop acts like Depeche, Cabaret Voltaire, The Normal, Vince Clarke alongside Jody Watley, Michael Jackson and Genesis (to name a few) so when I found freedom in
housemusic (anything was all of a sudden possible between the kick and the hat) I think that, if I have to be honest, anything with a decent analog synth and a black groove would get me going and in turn, my music.
How has the scene in Rotterdam evolved over the years?
I’ve seen it grow from a recalcitrant movement where we literally pushed everything past it’s limits (sound, amplitude, opening hours, drug experimentation, entertainment etc.) to a clued on crowd that doesn’t cut corners when it comes to what’s expected from the electronic artists. If you like mcDonalds, this city probably will let you down. If you’ve got a taste for newer and fresher ideas I believe you’ll find your mojo. It’s why I don’t think I’d consider moving.
Finally, what do you like to do in your spare time other than music?
Spare time? Hahaha, It’s a novelty that I don’t believe I have. But on those rare moments I don’t listen to music, I do build myself some kick ass scale models. I don’t believe I’ve ever told anyone that hahahaha.
Connect: https://www.facebook.com/ lucienfoortofficial/?fref=ts
Words By Paul Sawyer
Pics By Seré Seesing