This is the second part in our series of interviews with De:Tuned artists. Initially a party organisation from Belgium, De:tuned has become a record label for reanimating the sounds from electronic music’s early days, run by Ruben Boons and Bert Hermans. They have a monthly slot on WAV and next to their own mixes, they also invite international guests who released on their label. Their next guest mix by David Morley (Apollo Records) will be broadcasted on Monday 30.11.20 around 19h via wearevarious.com.
But first we asked David some questions. Enjoy.
Listen back here to David Morley’s guest mix on WAV for De:Tuned
WAV: Hi David, most people will know you from your work on Apollo records, the ambient division of R&S Records. You released some classics on it in the ’90’s. The ‘Evolution / Birth’ ep was even the first release on Apollo. From what I see these days, people and producers are looking once again for that early ambient techno sound. “Music From Memory” will soon release a compilation in that kind of vibe & the Belgian “Stroom “ label also invited you last year at the Brussels based Listen! festival.
How did that go and do you have the same impression about that increased demand in this genre of music?
David: “The live show for Stroom went very well I felt! It was a pleasure to play in the Ancient Belgique. I have a full recording and am considering a release. Its a shame 2020 happened and meant I couldn’t perform the same set anywhere else however. I do feel that people are more and more open to experiencing all forms of music, so yes, electronic ambient is certainly not a completely ignored genre. To be honest it has always been slightly under the radar and I’m fine with that.”
WAV: Your career stretches from the early nineties till now. Next to your own productions on Apollo, you’ve also worked with Andrea Parker (Mo’Wax) and Gez Varley (K7). How do you look back on that & which moment / period do you think was the most interesting?
K: “I guess the initial period from about 1988 to 1993 was the most exciting. I was so happy to be making music and producing professionally. It was all a blur, but amazing. So much great music and so many interesting people creating music. Personally my most rewarding work was with Andrea (Parker). We worked hard and we were never trying to fit in. Simply creating to the maximum and being somewhat perfectionist and absurd (in an odd kind of way!). It was the first time I had such a connection with someone. We each brought our own things to the work, but we were almost always on the same wavelength. And it was immense fun, even if we exhausted ourselves after probably 15 years of working together. Kiss MY ARP was a massive project that took a lot out of us. I wish every artist could find their soulmate to work with though. We are considering making some new music together, but 2020 also screwed that up.”
WAV: You are located now in Brussels & running the Ursa Major Studio, a production – recording – mastering studio and it covers also a label. Can you tell us a bit about that? Which projects are you working on for the moment & who are the people that should come to your studio.
David: To be honest, I’m in a transitional period. I love my studio, but I’m a bit isolated from my family who are in Germany. So, I’m in the process of planning my next stage.
I master ambient as I feel I can bring something to it. I don’t throw things through a limiter and call it done (or mastering software). I still prefer hardware if time allows but at least with ambient I can actually enhance rather than just fix problems. Basically I choose who I work with. I’m not trying to be a commercial studio right now, although I am realistic about earning a living and selling music, well.sucks.… I do projects that excite me with people I like. It’s a luxury I take. People like De Nooit Moede. Creative and interesting.
Right now, I’m starting a new album and finishing an alternative project of mine.
WAV: The studio and the gear looks impressive when I look at some of the videos online. Is there equipment that is irreplaceable for you? Synths or gear that you are very attached too?
K: “Irreplaceable, I would say my ARP 2600. I love it to death. It’s the sound of Kiss My ARP with Andrea. A desert island synth for sure. I’m attached to all my gear but especially: Fairlight IIx, ARP 2600, TR808, Fenix and Synton modulars, VCS3 and Prophet 5. But the things I enjoy just as much are my studio outboard. EMT 246 reverb, Eventide H3000, Roland R880 and Lexicon 300. And then my 24 track tape and mixing console. I would add though that these are things I’ve amassed over 35 years. I doubt I would pay what people pay for some machines these days if I had to, but I’m glad to have ended up with some choice pieces.”
WAV: In 2016 you released The Origin of Storm on De:Tuned records. How did you meet Ruben & Bonny (the people behind the label)?
David: “I honestly cannot remember the initial contact, but I met Ruben in Antwerp one evening and we agreed. Once again, if I like someone personally and I see that they are doing something that motivates, I am happiest. He’s one of the good guys for sure. I’ll be working with him again for sure.”
WAV: How does your schedule look like for 2021? Would you like to do some gigs again (if already possible) or will it be mainly studio work?
David: “I would love to do some gigs. But as always, I will just work on my projects in the studio until things can happen again. I would like to do more producing however. Taking an interesting project and hopefully bringing it to the next level. Working in the studio is still fun after 35 years and I intend to carry on if people are happy to work with me!”
WAV: Do you still follow new producers or bands and who or what gives you still inspiration?
K: “I’m going to be honest, not really. But not because I don’t find it good. The opposite. There is so much great music being released that it can be intimidating and I find myself wanting to be inspired by them, but I also feel my inspiration comes from within and trying to be something I am not is going to fail badly! I am still inspired by Brian Eno. More and more probably. It’s not that I make music like him, but his mentality is wonderful. He seems to be able to focus and constantly be creative. Something to strive for. But I get inspired by all sorts of music. Andrea probably inspired me most in my life though. Gave me the strength to just do whatever I felt.”
WAV: Our last question is about a favourite Belgian band or artist. Please reveal :).
David: “I LOVE TC Matic and loved Front 242 when they started. So I’ll say TC Matic “Give them a Leader” and F242 “funkahdafi” and I’ll add Wim Mertens “Mildly Skeeming”
WAV: Thank you so much for your time.
[Interview by Fred Nasen (WAV)|