Pretty Shitty City

Metabeats takes some time out to answer some questions about his new album ‘Metaphysical’ and the proto-jazzanova sound.

Can you fill us in on your background?

Basically music has always been around me. Not so much musicians, but in my home and being around dj’s around my way. My father had a good range of stuff as well from like Stanley Clarke to Santana, to Marvin to Linton Kwesi Johnson. Not many kids I know were listening to stuff like that.

My bro used to play jungle. He got these homemade style decks built in to one box. He bought them out the free adds. They were fucked. Plus he was a big Wu-Tang fan too. They really turned me on to hip hop like Wu Tang Forever is one of my favourites. I even used to dj Garage music. Real Garage music. Not that Babycakes bullshit, people might be surprised of my background but that’s what i think helps what i bring to the table. I ain’t a purist. i love hip hop but i also love music innit.

Whats life like on Associated minds?

Life’s healthy with them. They see what I do. That’s how it should be. They pulled me on board based on what I do, not so they can mould me into something else. I still got my freedom. I still do my Squid shit. They’re a tight unit… basically the name says it all.

Your new album ‘Metaphysical’ has just been released, what can we expect from it?

Proto-jazzanova-esque dirt that rattles pictures off your t.v.

Talk us through the beat making process.

Post scratchin’ my nuts and foldin’ one up, I might go through some samples. When i find something i like, i get some drums.

I gotta have the drums banging before i get into the beat whether it’s using the keyboard or chopping something up. I get bored of using the same sort of drum sounds often, so after that I chop the samples up. I play around with them over the drums. Make my own melody or something, I’m not really into using breaks too often, only if its tooooo savage and it works right with the track. I usually know when I’m satisfied cos i step a way from the machine (RS7000) and stand on the other side of the room n jus rock my head to it. Then it’s out in the mail….

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Hi Lifting Gear Engineer, Can you tell us a little about yourself?

The name that I was born with is Rob Morgan. I’ve been making strange bleepy tunes for a few years under the guise of Lifting Gear Engineer. Hooked up with Machine Records in Cardiff and been lucky enough to have releases with them. I’ve been gigging across the country meeting lots of like-minded people along the way. Highlights have included support slots with Mike Paradinas and Mira Calix. I’ve had some great exposure from the likes of Radio 1 and Radio Wales.

What can we expect from your new album Jumble Heads?

It’s a natural progression from my previous stuff, but I feel it’s really come together with this one, I am now at the peak of my powers! There’s an array of different moods on the album, with some fun chucked in for good measure. There’s plenty of driving, skittering beats that glue it all together too.

Can you give us an insight into how you create your tracks?

Before I start I’ve got a feel for how the track will sound in my head. Usually put down the rhythm first, I always make drum tracks from scratch. The vast majority of my stuff is melody and harmony based, so nearly all the parts are played live. I’d then top it off with some bleeps and random noises. Hopefully what comes out is a physical manifestation of what was in my head originally. That’s when I get the best buzz out of it I think.

How does the process differ during a live performance?

I’ve got the bare bones of the track laid out, but then I’ve got loops I can trigger over the top, which makes each performance unique. I use live analog synth sounds with a keyboard and also a Casio keyboard going through a filter with distortion/delay which gives some freaky results. I love to experiment live, making noises. I’ve used a lot of different setups in the past, sometimes writing tunes purely for playing as live segways which have never been recorded!

How do you feel about Swansea’s music scene?

There’s loads of talent in Swansea, and it seems there’s more and more nights which cater for more alternative acts which is pretty exciting. I think in the past the scene’s been dominated by old rockers, cover bands and metal bands but there’s definitely signs of change at the moment.

What about living in the ‘Pretty Shitty City’ itself?

I’m originally from the valleys and came to study when I left school. I lived in Cardiff for a few years which was great as I had loads of opportunities to develop musically, but something has drawn me back to Swansea. There’s something in the air that gives you a hazy attitude I think. The pace of life suits me.

Can you recommend any local artists, musical or otherwise?

My favourite local bands around at the moment are Poq and Everyone Else But Burt. They’ve both got a fresh sound and have great songwriting talents. Then there’s the more experimental, off the wall characters like Tony Tapwater and Chavboy who you can’t pigeon-hole, they’re pretty ‘way out’.

Ok, and lastly what’s in store for LGE, any future projects in the pipeline?

I’ve just finished a couple of remixes for Poq which I had a lot of fun doing, they’re style gave me a lot of scope for mashing up and mixing. I’m always writing new material and at the moment expanding my sound, moving away from the purely electronic stuff. So my current project could end up a big contrast, a whole new concept even.

Jumble Heads is out June 18th on Machine Records and available to download from Bleep.

You can catch Lifting Gear Engineer live at Monkey Cafe, Swansea on 20th June.

http://www.myspace.com/liftinggearengineer