365Mag Interview: Binary Finary

[Cupe]

Binary Finary are back in the scene performing live as well as DJ sets. It's been a while since they were in the spotlight since their smash hit 1998 so with their return an interview was certainly in order so that we could get the scoop on what has been going on in their lives through the years and what we can expect from them in the here and now. We caught up with Stuart Matheson of Binary Finary for a Q & A on the group's behalf.

Can you tell us what your live act entails?

Well there are 3 members currently. There is Matt Laws and myself who are in the studio writing material for release and for the live set. Sasha joins up as a DJ / Live Performer for Binary Finary LIVE, which is what we go out live under.

I've spent a lot of time in the studio to remix some classic tracks, as well as the creation of new material. Its been fun, hard work, frustrating and exhilarating all in one go!

Can you describe what equipment you use while performing live on stage?

We use 2 MacBook pros, networked up with 2 JazzMutant Lemurs and a keyboard, all plugged into a traditional dj mixer. Clips are triggered live from the Lemur's as well as the control of filters and effects.

What does your studio equipment for production consist of?

Well over the years it has trimmed down a bit from a hardware perspective; however I'm adding in a few things as we go along. Recently re-purchased a JP800, and it's been lovely getting back to know this old friend.

Primarily using software, because you can write on the go without the need to drag round tons of equipment. A Yamaha CS6x and W7 are also used from time to time, along with the trusty JP!

How do you decide whether you wish to perform live at a certain venue or a DJ set?

Usually this is determined for us; it would be nice to think we had a choice in this! hehe

Which style of performing do you anticipate doing more frequently, and why?

Well currently we are focusing on the Live side of things. I'm more of a producer than a DJ so it suits me better. However that's where Sasha comes in, as he is primarily a DJ, so we have all basses for live covered.

Where does Sasha Vatoff fit in?

I joined up with Sasha to take the Binary Finary Live project out. Sasha joined in with the live angle as a DJ and Live Performer.

To be honest with you, he was bugging the crap out of me to do a live performance, so after pestering me I told him if he wanted to come along and help out live, then I'd be ok with it. 10 minutes later he had organized a gig!

Are you working on any new original productions, and can you tell us a bit more about them?

Yes, always working on new productions. Part of the Live set involved the creation of new tracks. We are planning on an album release at some point, and just working on getting a single or two out before then.

We've also been writing some chill out music, which might see the light of day at some point.

We've done a track with Melbourne's Trent McDermott, called 'Freedom Seekers'. This should be out this year, just working out some details on that now.

When do you anticipate your next release?

I think I may of answered this above! . Soon… Promise!

What activities have you both engaged in since the group took a break in 2000?

Well Matt has become husband to Pip, and a father to Archie, and has since moved from England to Ireland. He is enjoying fatherhood, and is gaining a reputation in Ireland for offering good solid advice to young writers and musicians.

I've moved myself to Australia lock stock after meeting my now wife whilst travelling to Australia in 2004.

We've both constantly been writing music, it's not something we can get away from even if we tried. It's part of our DNA.

What are some of your plans to commemorate your return; is there a tour in the works?

We've signed on with Fresh DJ Agency, so its fairly early days for us there. There are some ties being made to gigs in Europe and Asia, so we'll have to wait and see.

From the outside looking in, what are some of the notable changes that you have witness in the music business and in the Electronic Music scene since 2000 up till now?

I think the music industry in general has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. It isn't really even recognizable from what it was. Obviously the rise in software and the Internet have changed the ball game considerably. I still don't believe the music industry has really caught up with the Internets emergence, and is still fire fighting to see where it fits.

How have your styles changed over the years?

That's a great question, one I am not sure of. Ha. We really just write music we like, and like to hear played out. It's not pre-determined, so if you start off wanting to make a trance monster, but it ends up as chill out electronica, then so be it.

Are you currently signed to a label or are you releasing tracks on various labels at the moment?

We aren't signed on to a label, we are looking to release tracks as they come on various labels and also some releases ourselves. We were one of the first groups in the UK to release an album digitally on our own, so we are more than happy to go that route on a few releases.

Do you feel that 1998 will always be your biggest hit or do you aspire to break your own record?

1998 was released in a very different time than we are in now. I wouldn't put the pressure on anyone to break any records; it's just about having some fun with everything.

Since 2000 so many different sub-genres of trance have emerged. If you had to classify the current sound of Binary Finary, which sub-genre of Trance would you choose?

I think that's a difficult question, because we aren't writing for a particular style. I'm not sure I totally follow the idea of being put into a specific pigeonhole of style/genre. I know that makes sense for the listeners out there, dependent upon their tastes, but I would just say 'Trance'.

Can you share any other information about upcoming projects?

As mentioned we have a chill out project we are working on, along with an artist album. We are also looking at doing a compilation containing remixed tracks. All in all, that keeps us very, very busy.

Do you have any additional comments for your fans?

Yes, thank you to all who have come along to our shows and given us great feedback via email and on the web. We wouldn't be doing what we are now if it wasn't for you all.

Also would like to thank everyone for supporting the 1998 re-release. It's been great to be a part of this track again.

So a big heart felt thanks to everyone who has supported us, and we hope to bring your beautiful ears some great live music and releases shortly.