Asian Dan

Artwork by EIKNARF

After hearing the Magistrates 20 Min Mixtape – a what I would call a “scanning through the radio/channel surfing” mix/mashup, I wanted to hear more. I asked the Magistrates boys if they would craft another similar mix that would give us all another peak into their pop music minds and they graciously agreed. Get ready for 20 mins of schizophrenic pop madness. They mix Can’s “Vitamin C” into Radiohead’s “Idioteque” into Yellow Magic Orchestra’s “Rydeen” – three of my favorite tunes of all time so I cannot argue with the insanity and awesomness that is this mix. Try to guess all the tunes. Also checkout how they let Damon Albarn win in ping pong.

[audio:http://diestruktur.com/asianmandan/music/Oct%202009/Magistrates%20-%20Mix%20Tape%20Part%20II%20-%20asianmandan.com.mp3]
Asian Dan Presents Magistrates 20 Min Mixtape Part II

Asian Dan Interview: MAGISTRATES

1. Who is Magistrates? How would you describe your sound?

We are a collective of scientists, mathmeticians, chefs and philanthropists. The music we play alters the chemicals in your brain and makes your feet and hips groove uncontrollably.

2. What was your first musical memory?

Michael Jackson and The Beatles dominate most of our childhood. I [Galbally] have a weird memory of having Sunday Roast when I was about 4 or 5 and my Dad was playing Chris De Burgh, I think it was the whole album, and I remember at the time feeling physically sick… I’ve never been able to enjoy a Sunday Roast again.

3. How did the band form? What is the band’s vision and goal?

Our paths crossed, we all enjoyed the same things, we had the same type of mindset and we all played music; so we just put our heads together and eventually formed Magistrates. We aim to keep on making good music for as long as humanly possible, to express ourselves through it, and to send it rippling around the globe.

4. What is your perfect vision of Pop music? Who or what is the zenith of pop music that you aspire to reach or even come close to?

‘Why’ by Carly Simon we all agree is as close to Pop perfection as it gets pretty much. The production, the melody, the construction of sounds – the bassline is killer, and it just encompasses everything a Pop record should have, whilst still maintaining its coolness. ‘Let’s Dance’ by Bowie is another masterpiece – Nile Rogers was feeling it bigtime… Anything from ‘Thriller’ and ‘Dangerous’, ‘1999’ and ‘Purple Rain’ – the list goes on…

5. Name one your favorite pop tracks from the last 6 decades that have heavily influenced your sound.

Ah, that’s a hard one, but maybe Prince – ‘Controversy’

6. I love the 90s house style piano production on your tracks and the fact you covered Sterling Void’s “Runaway Girl” – what are your top 5 favorite house/dance tracks?

Mr. Fingers – ‘Can You Feel It’
New Order – ‘The Beach’
A Guy Called Gerald – ‘Voodoo Ray’
The Original – ‘I Luv U Baby’
Bobby Brown – ‘2 Can Play That Game’

7. What was it like opening up for Blur? Any good stories?

It was amazing. Damon brings his own table tennis table to every gig he plays, and sets it up in the middle of the venue – he’s pretty good at it. Andy played against him as Graham and Alex were watching with the rest of us, it became pretty intense – but someone hinted that it’s kind of a golden rule not to beat Damon, or he gets pissed off, and that he’d probably smash our pies in, or just get moody, so Andy let him win… yep, that’s right, LET YOU WIN DAMON.

8. What are you listening to lately? Any current acts you can’t stop listening to and see going places?

The Dead Weather album is great. Jack White just does no wrong – he’s a true master of our times. Also, Blood Orange – the new side project by Dev from Lightspeed Champion are great. Check out their song ‘Sutphin Boulevard’ – it’s really minimal, stripped back simplicity, really nice to listen to…

9. Future plans for Magistrates? Album? Tour?

Right now we’re holed up in the studio, putting some delicate touches on our album and drinking tea and eating lots of good food. The album will blossom next year, hopefully like sakura in Spring… and heavy touring will follow no doubt.