10 x 4 – S_W_Z_K

British duo James Taylor and David Brown begat the project Swayzak, releasing two albums of charming tech-house. But last summer Taylor left the duo to pursue his own projects, leaving Brown as the sole Swayzak survivor. The good news is that today Tresor Records is about to unveil S_W_Z_K , Brown’s own solo effort and worthy successor to the (reformatted) name.

1. Your most memorable show?
I cant remember most of them. It’s mostly the bad ones that stick in the mind, but there have been some great ones like in Loop (Tokyo, 2003). I guess Tokyo is always the goal and to get there and play and ride the trains, buy the gadgets, was a major thing. Lots of smiling faces, camera phones and V signs, great fun. Perfect shows are another thing. We did a few in the USA in 2004 that were pretty damn good, playing as a four-piece band of all things. Then we never did it again after that—too much stress!

2. is any aspect of fame important and if yes, why’s that?
Not really. I like to be normal (I work in a bike shop five days a week ). I guess its nice to be complimented on the music occasionally, but that’s not fame. Fame is Hollywood and acting, in the famous way, movie stardom. I’m actually rarely in awe of a star, I’ve met a few and been to a few interesting parties but I treat them just as they should be treated, normal!

3. If you were still in high school, which clique would you belong to?
Punks / Skins / New Wave / Mods….at least, I thought i was one or all of them! I also liked heavy metal.

4. What goes in your coffee?
Frothy milk semi skimmed, one brown sugar. I miss brown sugar when i am away, no one seems to have it in Germany? I know one dj who actually takes his own brown sugar wherever he goes!!!!

5. Better show: Buffy or X-Files?
Buffy any day. a friend of mine, George, wrote the music for the show. Apparently he got the job after the producers had come to see Swayzak play the Viper Rooms in LA . We were on too late and he was the support, so he got the job and I’ve got to say he was a classier act too!! We did a remix for him that was rather good, mind!

6. What defines your music-making process?
Laziness, lack of ambition, mixed with frustration and grumpiness. I am not good at working on music, it takes time and it needs the right moods plus I refuse to churn out rubbish just to get gigs—unlike many others! I make music for myself first, and if others like then it’s a bonus.

7. Tell us what you think of this song:

I quite enjoyed it. Too short but very sweet, needs a bit more time to evolve, maybe around ten minutes more.

8. Name three essential artists.
The Smiths, The Fall, The Cure .

9. Raging or chilling out?
I’m fed up with raging, just getting tired so chilling out for a change.

10. One thing you can’t live without?
Euthymol toothpaste, been my choice brand since 1990 when I discovered non-minty toothpaste was far more enjoyable and felt like you were really cleaning your teeth. It’s pink and got eucalyptus oil in it.

Published July 16, 2012.