Photography by Guy Heart
Adam: That’s a great question and I could be embarrassed a bit to answer, haha. When I was 15-16, I came across some “New York Underground” CDs and trance. Shortly after, I started getting my way into NYC iconic clubs like Tunnel and Limelight. Age didn’t matter. It was a totally different world back then, crowds, trends, scene, the whole nine yards. From there I shifted gears by going to the all famous Twilo and buying GU019, Digweed! He actually just played a few of those classics recently in NYC as a tribute. From there, I was hooked. The experience was overwhelming.
2. Were you guys DJs on your own before starting AlterImage or have you always DJed together? And how did you meet initially?Ian: I met Adam on the Twilo message board! I was a DJ a few years before him and did many events during my college years. Adam became my roommate junior year when he transferred and he got the bug and started DJing as well. We formed AlterImage after leaving college when we moved back to NYC.
Adam: Ian said it. Just a side note – Once I got in the zone on the decks I really ended up teaching him how to do it proper, haha . Just kidding, we always joked about that. During college, us and another roommate went to the record stores in town or in Boston at every free moment, bought new tunes and then went back and played records for hours to see who bought better records. What a great time. We fought for Tijuana Groove when it came out on Bedrock and I still have all my vinyl. The ones we didn’t like were thrown out on the roof of our townhouse on campus. By time we left, our roof was covered. Everybody could see as they walked by, haha.
Photography by Guy Heart
3. What does the core of your current studio consist of and what are some of your favourite software programs to use? Do you guys have a separate studio space to work out of or is it based in Ian or Adam's residence? or both?Ian: I use have my iMac and run Ableton and Cubase. For sounds I love NI Komplete and Autoria synths as well. Also a huge fan of playing with samples and using Sound Toys, Camel and Waves fx on them. We do have a separate studio space at each of our apartments and trade stems back and forth when working on tracks. While working together in front of a cpu is fun, its not always an option and can even limit the creative process when working late into the night.
Adam: Yup, separate spots. I have a PC from Sonica and love it. I use Cubase 5 as a primary sequencer, and then I dabble with Ableton (love the sampler and some to plugs). Favorite plugins? Well that’s top secret, jk . I love all NI components, Rob Papen plugs, Sugarbytes and Spectrasonics. I have a load more but focus on a few core items because I learned them and know them as go to pieces for certain sounds. For processing I use Wave’s and PSP tools in every track.
4. Does your production style come out a lot in your DJing and do you tend to play a lot of your own productions?Ian: We try to drop our own music and music on AIR as much as possible. Our production style totally reflects DJing and vice versa but only a part of it. We DJ more of a variety of sounds than we produce, simply because we don’t have enough time to produce all the music we want.
Adam: I agree, we try to play our stuff to test it out in the club and see the response, but if it doesn’t make sense in the set for what’s going on with the crowd then we don’t get to it. We are big believers in the art of opening and programming. So it depends. We don’t like to force it. I think our production style is still getting defined as our skills grow so it’s getting there; however I think it has come a long way.
5. You guys have thrown quite a few events in the past, the massive label launch with Nick Warren, Dave Seaman, Derek Howell and Randall Jones comes to mind; and also events with Chloe Harris and Lank as well. Talk a bit about the importance of doing events like this for developing the label brand and do you have any events in the future we should know about?Ian: As a label we try to cater to two customers: DJs and the average club goer/music enthusiast. These events bring our artists and music to the forefront of the general audience and allow us to push ourselves and artists to that next level from releases alone. Parties and good times is what music on the label is all about and the events we do allow us to show that! We have had many obligations with the label and production front but look to pick our events up later in the summer. They are a lot of work; time that can sometimes be better spent making a track at the moment.
Adam: What he said.
Photography by Guy Heart
6. If you had to pick some of your favourite AlterImage productions what would they be and why?Ian: Like with many artists we feel our productions get better each time so its typically the latest that is my favourite! But I love our remixes of Daniel Mehes “Ethnoreality”. That one got some serious plays from Hernan Cattaneo, i think we have 4 videos of him playing from all over the globe! Very excited about the Mowree remix we did that will be out in July.... EVIL!
Adam: Like Ian said, as we evolve, we always love our latest track. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I love Timechange, Ethnoreality remix, Muddy Waters, Relax Your Soul (not out yet) and The Bee (not out yet). I like them because they project the feel I love and work well in the club.
7. What do you draw inspiration from when working? on a new track or remix? Are you influenced by the sounds of other producers when you are in the studioIan: I am always influenced by other music I hear. Music has always been about sharing and inspiring. If I ever need inspiration going out and hearing John Digweed or Lee Burridge makes me want to run home to the studio! My love for this music started in a club setting and to this day impress and make me fall in love all over.
Adam: I’m inspired by artists of all genres. I’ll definitely go out or listen to others for inspiration but never want to mimic them. I look to capture a “feeling”. I want people to close their eyes and dance to the music. That’s why I love compilations like Involver 2. Other producers I like currently are Maetrik, Louis Jr, Guy J, Cid Inc, Quivver..etc. The list goes on. Other artists in different genres I dig are people like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Adele, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, The Beatles.
8. When you guys finish an original production is there anything that determines what your plans are for the track in terms of a home for it? Do you write stuff to specifically suite your own label sometimes?Ian: It’s a combo of many factors that determine where our music ends up. It could be doing trades with other artists, what remixers we think would be good and the vibe of the track overall. We do have goals of labels to work with and have been doing more targeted tracks.
Adam: Agreed.
9. You've had some amazing producers on AlterImage. Cid Inc, Quivver, Derek Howell, Silinder, Nick Stoynoff and Chloe Harris all come to mind. Who would you love to have on the label in the future and why?Ian: Thanks for that! We love all our artists and look to work with many of them again. But we do have a wishlist of artists we hope to reach out too; Barry Jamieson, D Nox & Beckers, Pig & Dan are all monster artists we have on our short list and the reasons behind wanting to work with them is the same as any artists, we love what they do and their music fits the direction of AIR.
Photography by Guy Heart
10. Your productions and label have been receiving consistent support from a wide assortment of top DJs like Hernan Cattaneo and Anthony Pappa in recent months. What does it mean to you to have such a legendary figure pushing your work?Ian: Support means everything whether it’s from a top 10 DJ to the bedroom superstar. But the guys you mention are the top of the top and get tons of music sent to them all the time. To have them support what you do is defiantly a sort of validation and gives a sense of pride for the hard work.
Adam: It’s always an honor when people we look up to show support. It’s also an honor in general for anyone to support and appreciate what we’re trying to do. It’s the circle of love.
11. What is the nightlife like in NYC now compared to 10 years ago when clubs like the legendary Twilo were running?Ian: Ahhh, Twilo. Well its much different to say the least from a scene and a personal perspective. Back then it was all so new and fresh on both those fronts. The club was amazing and there will never be anything quite like it again. However, the club promoted openness, family, music, good times still live on. We just saw John Digweed at D36 here in NYC and despite the change in scenery (and sound system) from 10 years back, we were with many of the same friends and Diggers blew the roof off of the place, so in that sense things are as good as they have always been. Today NYC music events and club nights are driven by promoters NOT the clubs themselves. So this leads to promoters getting gigs, not artists.
Adam: I share the same view. Let’s face it; Ian and I come from the Twilo Era. Twilo was a special time. Opening sets by Jimmy Van M and Sean Cusick with John Digweed and Sasha headlining. I’d stand in line at 1030pm and meet people from Japan, Europe and other places around the world who travelled to NYC just to go to Twilo and see Jimmy Van M with Sasha & Digweed. That’s a serious warm up with serious headlining. Programming in opening sets today is barely existent. The passion in the crowds has changed a bit too. In my mind, the game has changed in that sense and the driving force behind shows has changed, that’s business and it’s all fair. I don’t’ know if the new generation sees the opening set as part of the experience of the night. All in all, there are a lot of great parties still but the dynamics have changed just as all things do sooner or later. You got to learn how to evolve with it.
One thing I love about the music community is that the friends I made 10 years ago from going out, I still see and hang out with them when I go out now.
12. What have been your most memorable nights out? both as clubbers and DJs?Ian: Not to be harping on Digweed but the guys kills it. His last show at D36 and before that at Pacha have been incredible. Twilo nights like GU19 release, Twilo 5 year anniversary, DT vs Carl Cox, any PVD night were all major points in American dance music culture. As DJ, one of most memorable gigs was with Jimmy Van M at Cielo here in NYC. Sasha and Sean Cusick were both in attendance and in the booth so to be there, with those guys and spinning was like a dream. Sasha coming up to me on line in the bathroom saying our set was “fuckin’ wicked” will forever be a highlight. Our AIR launch party at Pacha with Seaman/Warren/Randall Jones/Derek Howell was a very proud moment as well.
Adam: As a DJ, we have had some great nights and opportunities to play alongside some icons we really look up to. We had a great night with Jimmy Van M like Ian mentions above but also our night with Dave Seaman & Nick Warren was a blast. We have also played some nights with the trance crowds along side of Axwell and Markus Schulz, really amazing time. The crowds are jumping up and down at 11pm. As a clubber, some nights I’ll never forget are Danny Howells monthly 10 hour sets at Arc. Always got there from the start to finish and he played amazing music. The other standout is the Twilo fire drill at 4am during the 4 year anniversary. We stood outside for an hour in the cold and everybody started singing together. When we came back in, the lights dropped and Digweed tore it up. Every time I went out, I met 20 new people (Power Bar meet up anyone?)
13. What do you guys like to do for fun outside of the music? Ian: I am big into sports like soccer and biking and being outside in general. I love good food and have been bit by the travel bug lately having just done a great trip to London and Barcelona. My friends and family are everything to me and I love spending time with them.
Adam: Spending time with my wife LuLu and going out for good food, wine, beer, hanging at beaches and playing sports (not watching).
Adam: It’s always an honor when people we look up to show support. It’s also an honor in general for anyone to support and appreciate what we’re trying to do. It’s the circle of love.
11. What is the nightlife like in NYC now compared to 10 years ago when clubs like the legendary Twilo were running?Ian: Ahhh, Twilo. Well its much different to say the least from a scene and a personal perspective. Back then it was all so new and fresh on both those fronts. The club was amazing and there will never be anything quite like it again. However, the club promoted openness, family, music, good times still live on. We just saw John Digweed at D36 here in NYC and despite the change in scenery (and sound system) from 10 years back, we were with many of the same friends and Diggers blew the roof off of the place, so in that sense things are as good as they have always been. Today NYC music events and club nights are driven by promoters NOT the clubs themselves. So this leads to promoters getting gigs, not artists.
Adam: I share the same view. Let’s face it; Ian and I come from the Twilo Era. Twilo was a special time. Opening sets by Jimmy Van M and Sean Cusick with John Digweed and Sasha headlining. I’d stand in line at 1030pm and meet people from Japan, Europe and other places around the world who travelled to NYC just to go to Twilo and see Jimmy Van M with Sasha & Digweed. That’s a serious warm up with serious headlining. Programming in opening sets today is barely existent. The passion in the crowds has changed a bit too. In my mind, the game has changed in that sense and the driving force behind shows has changed, that’s business and it’s all fair. I don’t’ know if the new generation sees the opening set as part of the experience of the night. All in all, there are a lot of great parties still but the dynamics have changed just as all things do sooner or later. You got to learn how to evolve with it.
One thing I love about the music community is that the friends I made 10 years ago from going out, I still see and hang out with them when I go out now.
12. What have been your most memorable nights out? both as clubbers and DJs?Ian: Not to be harping on Digweed but the guys kills it. His last show at D36 and before that at Pacha have been incredible. Twilo nights like GU19 release, Twilo 5 year anniversary, DT vs Carl Cox, any PVD night were all major points in American dance music culture. As DJ, one of most memorable gigs was with Jimmy Van M at Cielo here in NYC. Sasha and Sean Cusick were both in attendance and in the booth so to be there, with those guys and spinning was like a dream. Sasha coming up to me on line in the bathroom saying our set was “fuckin’ wicked” will forever be a highlight. Our AIR launch party at Pacha with Seaman/Warren/Randall Jones/Derek Howell was a very proud moment as well.
Adam: As a DJ, we have had some great nights and opportunities to play alongside some icons we really look up to. We had a great night with Jimmy Van M like Ian mentions above but also our night with Dave Seaman & Nick Warren was a blast. We have also played some nights with the trance crowds along side of Axwell and Markus Schulz, really amazing time. The crowds are jumping up and down at 11pm. As a clubber, some nights I’ll never forget are Danny Howells monthly 10 hour sets at Arc. Always got there from the start to finish and he played amazing music. The other standout is the Twilo fire drill at 4am during the 4 year anniversary. We stood outside for an hour in the cold and everybody started singing together. When we came back in, the lights dropped and Digweed tore it up. Every time I went out, I met 20 new people (Power Bar meet up anyone?)
13. What do you guys like to do for fun outside of the music? Ian: I am big into sports like soccer and biking and being outside in general. I love good food and have been bit by the travel bug lately having just done a great trip to London and Barcelona. My friends and family are everything to me and I love spending time with them.
Adam: Spending time with my wife LuLu and going out for good food, wine, beer, hanging at beaches and playing sports (not watching).
Photography by Guy Heart
14. This is one we generally ask everyone and I know it's a tough question but please list your top 5 all time favourite tracks? Also what are your 5 favourite labels at the moment?Ian: So much good music over the years but Ill say:
1. Joshua Ryan – Pistol Whip (James Holden Remix)
2. Timo Maas – Ubik the Dance
3. John Cream & Stephan K – I Wish you Were Here
4. Litex – The Storm
5. Jayn Hanna – Lost Without You
1. Bedrock
2. Vapour
3. Mirabilis
4. Flow Vinyl
5. microCastle
Adam:
1. Planet Funk – The switch (thanks Danny Howells for rocking this during your 10 hours sets)
2. Shmuel flash – Saturn (not on Beatport for some reason but you can hear on Youtube. What a mental tune, wait until 5:30 mark the guitar riffs will blow you away )
3. Philip Charles featuring Randall Jones & Sean Cusick – Don’t Com Up to Me (Dirty!)
4. Alex Kid – nightshade (Rodriquez Jr mix)
5. Erphun – Paradise Cursed feat. Slighter & manik (Dubfunk Digitized 3 Edit)
1. Joshua Ryan – Pistol Whip (James Holden Remix)
2. Timo Maas – Ubik the Dance
3. John Cream & Stephan K – I Wish you Were Here
4. Litex – The Storm
5. Jayn Hanna – Lost Without You
1. Bedrock
2. Vapour
3. Mirabilis
4. Flow Vinyl
5. microCastle
Adam:
1. Planet Funk – The switch (thanks Danny Howells for rocking this during your 10 hours sets)
2. Shmuel flash – Saturn (not on Beatport for some reason but you can hear on Youtube. What a mental tune, wait until 5:30 mark the guitar riffs will blow you away )
3. Philip Charles featuring Randall Jones & Sean Cusick – Don’t Com Up to Me (Dirty!)
4. Alex Kid – nightshade (Rodriquez Jr mix)
5. Erphun – Paradise Cursed feat. Slighter & manik (Dubfunk Digitized 3 Edit)
I know you said 5 but that’s just impossible, lol. I had to do at least 6.
1. Bedrock
2. Vapour
3. Stock5
4. Iboga
5. Open Records
6. microCastle
Lot’s of good labels out there these days, some have been so consistent for so long. I kept my list at 6 but would throw Get Physical out there because they have made some great strides and really contribute to the community in many ways along with solid tunes. Kudos.
15. If you guys were trapped on an island for the rest of your lives what is the one album you would take with you?Ian: Sasha & Digweed “Communicate”
Adam: I’ll take Involver 2. It’s a tough choice with some much good music out there but that’ one hits the spot with the feel and stands out in my head the most. To be honest I don’t listen to many sets, not as much as I would like. I never owned an iPod either, haha. So much time in the studio, I just take breaks from music when I’m out and about.
16. What can we expect to see for the rest of 2011 from AlterIamge and also AlterImage Recordings? Ian: Artist wise we have music coming up on Stripped, Ready Mix, Whose Haus and AIR we are all very excited about. For AIR we have our releases set through 2011, look for stuff from Lank, Silinder, Jim River, Kriece, Fiord and many more.
Adam: We have some exciting stuff going on. One big item is the new website we have currently being developed. This should be ready to go live at the end of July and will offer a much better user experience for everyone. We’re very excited about it. Keep your eyes peeled and please share feedback on anything so we can help continue to get you what you’re looking for the way you need it. We are artists doing the DJ/production thing and running a label to share the love. We know what the grind is all about and it’s not easy so we have great respect for all the artists out there and want to offer them something great when they join our team.
17. Finally, what advice would you have to all the aspiring producers and DJs out there?Ian: Have a plan, set goals and targets for yourself. Its easy to get lost in the big picture so set small goals that get you in the right direction. In today’s world talent only goes so far, partnering with the right people, building a brand, staying on top of trends and marketing are all equally, if not more, important in getting yourself noticed.
Adam: Tough question, the music industry is changing so much you really need to stay on top of what that change is and how to navigate it to your advantage. It’s definitely easy to get lost in the shuffle when just focusing on producing or DJing. You shouldn’t just do one or the other; you should be versatile and cover the full spectrum of being an artist or business person. It will help increase your success rate because you become more valuable. You need diversity. You can’t predict the future, so short term goals, motivation and having something to offer are key.
2. Vapour
3. Stock5
4. Iboga
5. Open Records
6. microCastle
Lot’s of good labels out there these days, some have been so consistent for so long. I kept my list at 6 but would throw Get Physical out there because they have made some great strides and really contribute to the community in many ways along with solid tunes. Kudos.
15. If you guys were trapped on an island for the rest of your lives what is the one album you would take with you?Ian: Sasha & Digweed “Communicate”
Adam: I’ll take Involver 2. It’s a tough choice with some much good music out there but that’ one hits the spot with the feel and stands out in my head the most. To be honest I don’t listen to many sets, not as much as I would like. I never owned an iPod either, haha. So much time in the studio, I just take breaks from music when I’m out and about.
16. What can we expect to see for the rest of 2011 from AlterIamge and also AlterImage Recordings? Ian: Artist wise we have music coming up on Stripped, Ready Mix, Whose Haus and AIR we are all very excited about. For AIR we have our releases set through 2011, look for stuff from Lank, Silinder, Jim River, Kriece, Fiord and many more.
Adam: We have some exciting stuff going on. One big item is the new website we have currently being developed. This should be ready to go live at the end of July and will offer a much better user experience for everyone. We’re very excited about it. Keep your eyes peeled and please share feedback on anything so we can help continue to get you what you’re looking for the way you need it. We are artists doing the DJ/production thing and running a label to share the love. We know what the grind is all about and it’s not easy so we have great respect for all the artists out there and want to offer them something great when they join our team.
17. Finally, what advice would you have to all the aspiring producers and DJs out there?Ian: Have a plan, set goals and targets for yourself. Its easy to get lost in the big picture so set small goals that get you in the right direction. In today’s world talent only goes so far, partnering with the right people, building a brand, staying on top of trends and marketing are all equally, if not more, important in getting yourself noticed.
Adam: Tough question, the music industry is changing so much you really need to stay on top of what that change is and how to navigate it to your advantage. It’s definitely easy to get lost in the shuffle when just focusing on producing or DJing. You shouldn’t just do one or the other; you should be versatile and cover the full spectrum of being an artist or business person. It will help increase your success rate because you become more valuable. You need diversity. You can’t predict the future, so short term goals, motivation and having something to offer are key.
Interview by Annette Heart
