Socialeyes Presents Max Cooper At Corsica Studios

Socialeyes Presents Max Cooper At Corsica Studios

26 May, 2010
by: Robertswaine86

Rob Swaine talks to Max Cooper about the up and coming Socialeyes gig this Saturday at Corsica Studios with Elite Force and Colin Dale.

This Saturday sees the return of Socialeyes to the one and only Corsica Studios in Elephant and Castle. Not only is it possibly the coolest club in London but this event boasts the hottest line-up of the bank holiday weekend. Each artist brings something different to the mix. All things dirty and downright nasty come in the form of 'tech-funk' maestro Elite Force and UK dubstep heroes, Bar9. Colin Dale headlines the techno and tech house room. As an ex-banker and co-founder of the once pirate radio station, Kiss FM, his three decades of experience in the game will ensure a hugely exciting, genre-defying set.

In support of Colin is electronica artist and scientist, Max Cooper. When he's not in the laboratory, he's crafting the most emotive soundscapes to come out of London. Since his breakthrough single, 'Harmonisch Serie', his name has been on the tip of every prestigious techno producer's tongue and he's recently done remixes for Hot Chip and Au Revoir Simone. We caught up with Max to find out a little more about the man behind the beautiful noises:

Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about how you go about doing a live show as a solo techno/electronica artist?
 
I use Ableton live and the Akai APC40 midi controller, which basically means I use a computer and twiddle some knobs in order to reproduce my tracks. As you're implying, calling any performance of entirely electronic music, “live”, can be a bit misleading, but as yet no-one has thought up a better word for it!

I've actually seen you DJ before at a couple of Firefly events in Nottingham when you've been scratching over techno. Is this your hip hop roots coming through? What music did you listen to when you were younger?
 
Yes exactly, and good to hear you have experienced the specialty that is Firefly at the Garvey! I used to play hip hop and funk, and breaks, drum and bass, trance and electro, not at the same time of course. I’m always developing my tastes and trying to incorporate elements of all my musical interests of the past into my productions and shows.

I've read a number of articles that hail you as the new James Holden. Do you see this as a compliment or would you rather be celebrated for having an entirely unique, original sound?
 
It will always be a great compliment to be compared to anyone as good as Holden, but I’m not quite there yet. Holden had a really groundbreaking new sound, and as mentioned, I’m really still working towards this. But I am working hard on it, and in particular my album will be a chance to push forward something a bit different that doesn’t have to be designed to work in the clubs.

Some of the lead lines in your tracks, particularly in 'Harmonisch Serie', remind me of the closing theme from the MegaDrive game Golden Axe. Have you ever played it, and have computer games ever inspired your writing?
 
Ah yes, I remember playing Golden Axe at Bangor Leisure Centre in Northern Ireland, probably about 20 years ago! But I’m afraid I can’t remember the closing theme tune. Unsurprisingly! And no, I don’t think computer games have inspired my music, although films have. The reason for this is probably that since I’ve been producing music I’ve entirely given up playing computer games, because I’ve had no time. Production is a ridiculously time-consuming shenanigan.

How do you find life on the road?
 
Life on the road is fun, I’ve been reading a lot of books and enjoying seeing new places and meeting cool people with interesting things to say, but I imagine it could get tiring after a few years.

What's in your CD player at the moment?
 
I’ve been listening to Helios – 'Caesura', loads recently, beautiful chilled music all the way.

Have you played at Corsica Studios before? With such an eclectic line-up at Socialeyes, are you looking forward to this weekend's event?
 
I’ve never played at Corsica before, but it’s one of my favourite clubs in London so I’m really looking forward to it. Plus some of my favourite acts are playing too – Justin Robertson, Elite Force, Bar9, Colin Dale. Top job on the line-up I say!

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