Link to the Show / Show Notes
I think that if I go to the middle of the deep desert and spelunk down to a cave near the center of the earth I may find an elusive clear skinned tribe of undiscovered people that have not heard of Jay Tripwire. If you enjoy dance music of the tasteful variety, you certainly have heard of Jay Tripwire (aka: Mr. Barcode or The Clones {w/Mazi}) or at least heard one of his tracks. Wire (as I will humorously refer to him) has been released over 200 times on over 50 labels, has played in over 100 cities and has sold enough physical pieces of vinyl in the last 20 or so years to build a wax castle… and live in it. Fwd.dj is extremely excited to have the pleasure an exclusive mix and interview from this humble and accomplished house veteran.
Save for your recent Mr. Barcode release on (Felinephonix Music) you have very noticeably narrowed your production and DJing to the "deep house" spectrum in the last 2 or so years (at least that's my impression). Is there any specific stimulus or logic that has lead to this decision?
Well, I've just streamlined names for certain sounds… there are alias projects out there I'm doing right now that are more tech in their sound. I have always made deep deep stuff from day 1 too, if u check on my records there was always a really deep cut on there, so it's not really anything new. Deep to me doesn't mean anything more than the literal term for "deep" which means the music has meaning and has a more eyes open approach to the feeling and emotion from it. Faceless club bangers just don't hold enough meaning for me; I'm looking for music with substance.
What does house music mean to you and why do you think this message/art form is important in this time period on earth.
House music is supposed to open our eyes and minds to the real world, house is often a catalyst to people becoming enriched with a wide array of expression and freedom, and by going out and celebrating our lives thru dance and social interaction we break the shackles and the oppression of our governments and cleanse ourselves of the corrupt messages that are constantly trying to brainwash each and every one of us.
What social/political/world messages are important to you (if any) and do you try to weave any into your persona/music?
Yeah I have become a few more levels up on the awareness scale the last few years ( I'm a level 14 house paladin with a +6 sword vs undead trance zombies and a +5 on all save vs spells on a 10d percentile), I have always had my eyes open to the world we live in but lately I have come to some ultra realizations about certain things, and have been doing some eps with not only the titles based on these awakenings but the music too is very true and not contrived, it has a spiritual sound to it without saying a word and comes deep from within me.
What software/hardware/samples do you use and recommend?
I have been a big fan of Logic in its various forms from Notator on the Atari to Logic Audio Series.
I use some out board gear and of course my +6 gloves of Elven of haste really help me work fast.
I'm not one to really recommend anything really; whatever works and feels comfortable is what I would recommend... I know cats who use Cubase, and even some dudes out there making big records on Fruity Loops... so it's all in the hands of the user.
What are your tips for creating bass lines (seems to be one of your strong points)?
Baselines are part of defining the groove, but making them actually sound good is also a credit to your studio monitors, if u have good monitors and have a lengthy list of 6 level bard and rogue spells, u can get a pretty good grasp on how the bass will image in a club and how much of the brown tone to put in.
Do you have any comment on the "minimal techno" scene?
Some of the music is really cool, I like how some of it has fused into a more intelligent hybrid of deep house, chordy techno and with those spacious stripped down drums. On the other hand some people are exploiting that sound for creating a cult based on recreational drug use of negative mind rotting chemicals and the introduction of some sort of cube for people to worship as a false idol. Haven't people seen hellraiser?? Usually those who interact with a cube in this manner are heading down a slippery slope into the darkness....
You're my space has an interesting blog about "indigo" people. Care to talk about that and how that belief impacts your music?
That was something I read that I posted, I didn't write it, but the meaning holds true to me and helps shed some light onto who I am and why.. .
Would you be so kind as to tell us the back story on your alter ego: Mr Barcode?
Mr_barcode was a creation of natural sleep deprivation, reading too many comics and the dark part of me that exists that wants become more machine than human in order to extend my lifespan at the cost of losing part of my humanity. Barcode also sees humans as slaves to the machine and brings that message to his music and warns humans about the dangerous path they are choosing.
When he performs he also wears a mask and swat team uniform to conceal his identity ( http://www.myspace.com/mrbarcode).
What does the rest of 2008 hold for you?
Alot more releases and remixes as per usual, DJing a lot and moving to Europe before the years end.
I am going to begin work on my 2nd Jay Tripwire album, I'm wondering if the 2nd album will revolve around sounds made only from objects made of wood...
Any comments about your mix for our listeners?
This is a live recording on 3xcdj 1000s.
Other resources:
http://www.myspace.com/jaytripwire
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Jay+Tripwire
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