Reported by Jessica Alici
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Submitted 05-04-10 17:59
Tristan Cooke has been producing the finest in psychedelic trance since 1993. Playing both DJ and live sets his career has taken him all over the globe to countries such as Japan, South Africa and Brazil to name but a few. It’s also seen him collaborate with well respected artists such as Hallucinogen, Dick Trevor, Laughing Buddha and many more in addition to signing with both Twisted and Nano Records.
On the 9th April Londoners will have a rare chance to catch him play at Vauxhall’s Club Colosseum for the Haiti Appeal Project Party. 100% of all profits for this party will go to the DEC, so it’s for a great cause. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to ask Tristan a few questions ahead of this gig.
Tristan, you have been producing psychedelic trance for over 16 years, what first got you into the scene?
I'd been partying for some years before I discovered Goa trance in 1992 whilst travelling around India and I never looked back!
What was the first record you bought?
Tough one to remember but I think it was Blondie - Heart Of Glass.
You’ve collaborated with some of the top artists in the psy scene, what do you feel are the positives and negatives of collaborations?
Positives: inspiration, talent, fun, perspective, maintain energy in the studio. Negatives: egos!
You are one half of the awesome act Fearsome Engine. Where did you meet your partner in crime Laughing Buddha and what made you both decide to join forces?
I can't remember where we met, our friendship built slowly but surely over many years. Simply good timing brought us together to write some material; it immediately clicked and we knew at once that we would form an act together.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I just arranged to do some studio time with Gabe from Wrecked Machines which I'm really looking forward to. I think Domestic would be killer to collaborate with too.
Your DJ career was cut short by developing Tinnitus a few years ago. What affect did this have on you and does it cause you any problems now?
Ironically it was the best thing that ever happened to me, it meant I focused just on my own work and my production and my work quality advanced hugely. Once I stopped beat mixing that the tinnitus subsided a lot, but I am not tempted to start DJing full time again! Except maybe some free parties in Goa during the season there.
You’ve released three solo artist albums over the years, how long does producing an album take you and where do you get your inspiration from?
It can take up to a year for an album and inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere.
Do you have a formula or set way you put a tune together?
No, but I do quite often have a concept in my mind of how I want to approach a project. It may start with a studio technique, or sample or another tune that has inspired me.
What goodies do you have in your production set up and what piece of equipment could you not do without?
My Macintosh computer with it's Universal Audio card.
What are your thoughts on the divide in the dance music scene between analogue and digital production techniques? What is your personal preference?
I think if you don't incorporate the benefits of both techniques you are missing out big time!
If you weren’t a producer, what would you be?
I am many things beside a producer already; depends if you mean to earn money or fulfill myself creatively! I think any job that involved not having a boss, not working from nine to five and nothing that involved not being able to travel three months of the year.
What has been the highlight of your career and what has been the lowlight?
There have been many highlights, but perhaps playing the eclipse moment at the South Africa eclipse party. Lowlights would have to be getting stiffed by dodgy promoters.
Channel Four have used two of your tracks in documentary programmes, how did this come about and what were the programmes subjects?
One track was used on a documentary called Rock Gods; a friend of mine was doing some editing for it and they couldn't decide what music to use as all the 'rock' demos they were sent didn't seem to fit. My mate was blasting my album Audiodrome in the background, the producer heard track four Dirty Lick and went mad for it and insisted that they use that! So it was pure good luck.
How do you balance your busy schedule with your family life?
No faffing in the studio, I try to time limit a tune to a week. I generally do mornings with the family and then work all night!
If you had to choose one track that you’re most proud of, which one would it be?
Which of your children do you love most? Tough to say, but generally the newer the tune the more I like it. I still feel I'm learning my art and still progressing.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in life?
Trust yourself, follow your heart.
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers?
Persist.
Which artists do you rate?
William Blake, Francis Bacon, Dali, Jimi Hendrix, John Martyn, Iain M Banks.
Do you think the psychedelic scene has changed much over the years and if so, how?
Yes indeed a great deal, what's more important though is how it hasn't changed in the sense of the experience the parties should be trying to create for the people.
What’s the future got in store for you? Do you plan on releasing a new album soon?
I’m doing a solo album this year and also a collaboration album with Leon from Avalon.
On 9 April you’re playing for the Haiti Appeal Project Party. Apart from the excellent cause that all profit is going to, why else should people come along? What can we expect from your set?
A killer line up, a killer vibe. Hopefully people can expect from me the same funked-up groovin ecstatic psychedelic sounds as always!
If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?
Tall dark and handsome (well tall anyway!)
Lastly – tell us a joke
I think I just did.
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions and we’ll look forward to catching you on 9 April!
Haiti is country that’s had a lot of bad luck and after the recent earthquake we want to help in whatever way we can and hope that as many people will get on board by buying the forthcoming release that’s the product of a great many wonderful people that have submitted time, energy, creativity and music to the cause.
So please. All we’re asking is that when the Music is available you buy it. All the profit will go to Haiti. It’ll be as easy as a few clicks of your mouse and cost you no more than a round of drinks. Then please get some of your friends to do the same and also ask them to pass the message on. It will take 5 minutes of your time and you will be part of something that will directly make the people of Haiti just that bit happier, safer, healthier and less hungry...
The country of Haiti stands out in the Caribbean as being the poorest country there; surrounded by more well off lands of paradise. A look at a satellite picture will show you the level of deforestation against the lush contrasting Dominican Republic… The country needs rebuilding and is now entering the rain season and continued support is needed so that these brightly spirited people can get back on their feet.
The release, available on CD and as a digital download, is a collection of tracks donated for free by some of the finest musicians and record labels in the world of electronic music. On the digital release will be 3 mixes. All money raised will go to the DEC.
To celebrate this attempt to make some difference we’re putting on a party on Friday, 9th April in London. All artists are playing for free and all profits of course will go to Haiti.
Please get behind this. Let’s be amazing.
For further information or to offer assistance in Media/PR... or just a hand in spreading the word.... please contact: robin@triskelemanagement.com
From: Steve Morleyon 6th Apr 2010 15:58.01 Good interview! Nice to read more about one of the best Psy Trance producers around
From: Nikki Son 14th Apr 2010 14:26.39 Great interview! I love watching Tristan play. His set at Sonica 2005 inspired me to play psytrance. He came on to play the closing set at the most mindblowing festival I had ever been to musically, fresh as a daisy, fully of energy, and just pumped out the coolest grooves! Danced as hard as the clubbers. One smooth character!!! Inspiring!!
From: jaseon 14th Apr 2010 23:55.58 Grate interview love it, such a true person within his own music really shows what the heart in music is all about keep it up my friend!!! hope to see ya soon!!! Thanks
From: jaseon 14th Apr 2010 23:56.30 Grate interview love it, such a true person within his own music really shows what the heart in music is all about keep it up my friend!!! hope to see ya soon!!! Thanks
From: Jessica Alicion 16th Apr 2010 14:57.49 Thanks Guys He played a blinder at the Haiti party. You can of course catch him + other awesome artists at the Alchemy Records 9th Birthday Bash on the 1 May!
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