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DJ Scot Project (WAX Magazine UK July 2001)
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| max2100 |
DJ SCOT PROJECT - HARDER, DARKER, DIRTIER.
"In certain circles, mention the word trance and you’re likely to get a hefty slap across the face. There's ignorance about trance music that's been brought about by certain UK labels jumping on the bandwagon and shagging the music for all it's worth. Too often we've heard the same old Yamaha preset or break/snare combination. But whilst the owners of Eye Q count their licensing cash from the latest Symmetry C remix, along comes a new breed. Harder, darker and dirtier. Prepare yourself for DJ Scot Project.
Throughout time, underground music styles are created and just as the music gets exciting, Mr Loadsamoney gets his lips around it and sucks. Either you counteract this or you end up no better than that 12-year-old girl at the front of a Westside concert. At the end of the day there's two reactions to commercialism - harder or deeper. And across the country, many are choosing harder.
The last year has seen a rise in the popularity of German hard trance in the UK club scene. And when it comes to this style there's no-one quiet like DJ Scot Project, both as a DJ and producer. He's been a DJ since 1983 and his first record 'X' was released on Germany's infamous Overdose label in 1995. Many of you may remember 'U' in 1996, which propelled him into international fame.
'Yes', begins Scot,' I think I am different to most other German producers. I like a combination of hard percussive elements mixed with melodic trance melodies coming in the break - the perfect combination of sugar and spice! As a DJ I normally play the sound I use in my productions, but in case the crowd is prepared for a little harder stuff, I will definitely kick some asses.'
And throughout his career spinning records, DJ Scot Project has certainly kicked a lot of ass. There's been ass in Canada, America, Israel, Russia and even ass in Brazil. His first record ever bought was a classic early electro tune called 'In The Bottle' by COD way back in 83.
'When I was thirteen my older brother (who also DJ's) showed me how to become a vinyl junkie.’ he tells us, ‘But when I heard acid house in 1988 I was fascinated and immediately started to focus my repertoire on dance and house. Between 1990 and 1998 I worked as a resident at several clubs in and around Frankfurt. I managed to start buying studio equipment and with the help of some friends I was able to record my first record. Since then, I've been recording all my records myself.'
Scot's production is undoubtedly the key to his world success. Never before has the kick drum been so tight, so clear but yet so dirty. Then there are the violent staccato melodies that create mayhem wherever they're played.
'My favourite piece of equipment has always been my sampler' he continues, ‘it’s great for working on my kick drums and loops. For sounds, my favourite synthesizers are the Virus B, Korg MS2000 and the good old Nordlead 2. Besides easy handling, it is important for me to create sick, massive lead sounds. I think these three machines are perfect.'
' I still use the old MIDI way of working rather than doing everything on the computer - very traditional I think. There are good and bad things on each side so I always try as suck the cream out of each system. Could you imagine a cool techno studio without the atmosphere of old dusty synthesizers? A good studio without hardware is like a living room without furniture. But still there are a few great new options for computer heads.'
And one of those options is the new 'Reason’ software by Propellerheads. A virtual studio, it allows you freedom to connect allsorts of virtual pieces of studio equipment together to make a professional sounding track.
'Nowadays it's really possible to create serious songs since 'Reason' and a few other programs came on the market.’ he enthuses, 'And this 'new' thing will be normal for the rising generation of producers - they maybe grew up with Magic Music Maker and today they use programs such as Reason. The very good thing about those programs is that you can always save and load every little knob change, every effect and all mixdowns - very good if you have a remix to finish in between doing something else. But still, at the moment I try to combine the positive elements of both systems. No matter where the journey is going in the future I would never sell my analogue machines. I just love the warmth of the original sounds - more lively than any plugin in the world.'
For those of you that interested in making your own tracks, Scot gives you some serious recommendations.
'If you wanna explore the world of production with a computer program, I think for very little money Reason is very interesting - but maybe to complicated for newcomers. If you wanna go the traditional way, go with Virus B, Akai or Emu samplers, Logic Audio, G4 Macintosh and 24-track mixer with 2-3 effects. Get things second hand if you can. Don’t try to buy everything at once. Step by step, so you can experiment with every single machine and program. Reading manuals is too complicated and it just takes forever.'
Scot says there’s too much advice for everyone, but once you've got your equipment, take your favourite record and listen to it. Try to reconstruct the sound, effects and arrangements. Take your time and play around - sometimes coincidence is the best producer. Play your tracks to colleagues and friends and keep your eyes open for music magazines - there you will find good advice and top tips.
As for his own production, Scot's remixed on quality German labels such as Pulse, Fog Area, Intercord, Suck Me Plasma, Tracid Traxx, Tetsuo and Kontor and Superstar. It a list that simply goes on and on and on.
'There is a lot of work to do in the studio,' he continues, 'because I'm still by myself and on-tour so much. Last year was the year of the remixes but in 2001 I'm definitely focusing my energy into my own tracks for Arome and DJ Scot Project. I've actually stopped all remix requests. Besides all that I'd really like to reactivate my god old disco 'n' filter project called 'De Zenk'. After remixing Tyree Coopers 'Turn Up The Bass' and Jesse Saunders' 'Excited' I had several disco house releases on Pyjama Party (part of Overdose) with quite a good success. Not many people know that beside good techno stuff, house music is my secret passion. It's like with food - you can’t eat the same thing every day! However DJ Scot Project is still my main focus and I've just released my new single 'O' on my home label Overdose. If I'm lucky I'll have the chance to produce my debut album.'
So no matter how much you may love or hate trance music, Scot Project is here to give it to you harder and more intense than ever. Whilst certain DJ's and producers are finding it fashionable to go down the deeper, more progressive route, there are other people out there with a completely different agenda - to hammer your head with a sledgehammer until your ears bleed. Sounds like fun indeed.
'Every kind of music changes after a certain time. The basic tune is always the same, but the elements around it change every season. Different flavours from different music styles are melting and mixing into each other. "
'And there's always the guarantee that this music wont die too fast - it's just not getting boring!'
DJ SCOT PROJECT 'O' IS OUT NOW ON OVERDOSE.
SCOT PROJECT KIT LIST
Synths etc.
Virus B
Korg MS2000R
Nordlead 2
Roland JD800
Roland Alpha Juno 2
Roland JV800
Yamaha CS15
Hammond XM1
Emu Orbit
Korg Poly Six
Akai VX 600
Korg Wavestation
Korg M1
Korg EX800
MB33
Novation Basstation
Roland MC202
Akai S950
Akai 3000 XL
Emu 6400 Ultra
Roland TR 707
Roland TR 626
Roland 606
Computer/Recording/Effects
Mac G4
Digidesign 001
Unitor 8 MK2
Teac CD Burner
Tascam DA20
Tascam M2600 MK2
Genelec 1031a
Dynaudio BM6
Boss RV1000
Alesis Midiverb4
Boss SE70
Boss SE50
Roland SDE330
Behringer Denoiser
Behringer Composer
Shermann Filterbank
Behringer Eurorack 202
Peak TDM 2.52
Spark XL 1.6 and DIV plugins
SMAC 42
Pioneer CDJ500S
2 Technics 1210 |
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| halo20 |
Great post, thanks. I love Scot Project, always original, and very rarely are you disapointed. His production is soo sick. I also actually found the production talk helpful, I really want to start looking into producing, first and foremost a dj, however it's clear as day that producing will get you everywhere. Hello Mr. Max Graham. I'm sure he pats himself everyday on the back for releasing airtight.
Jonathan
x t o l l o |
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| Phanta C 2001 |
| I love scot project...read the article b4 but nice to look over his equipment...ahhhh |
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| goodnet |
After reading this article, I am fully impressed with this guy. It was interesting to see his thoughts on computer-based music production (using software packages such as Reason), as it's something that applies to me (im attempting to produce with that program myself). I find alot of 'producers' who use mostly use hardware synths can be somewhat ignorant when it comes to computer-based production- which pisses me off greatly. Not Scott, however, as from the article he never slagged the other way of doing things (despite being a hardware junkie himself)- he knew his very well.
He also seems to have an open mind about the different styles of music... and makes the excellent point that you "can't eat the same thing every day". This is pretty much how I think as well! I think it's sad more people don't think this way as well.
Overall, I have a new bigger respect for this producer. I think his productions absolutely kick ASS, so to see his positive opinions & views from this article is awesome for me.
(btw, interesting how he made the "deeper vs harder" point. I find myself veering towards the harder side!) |
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| Paul Griffiths 1 |
| Yep great information. Was this on www.overdose.de ? I didn't see it there before I don't think. I love "O", and I'm awaiting my CD Maxi to get here :) |
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