Exclusive Interview with Chris Wood & Meat
Deeply influenced by the Frankfurt sound of the early 90s, Chris Wood’s interaction with electronic music quickly developed from passion to profession. It is via his work at Delirium Frankfurt Record Store and the “Delirium House Division” that had developed from it, that Chris suddenly became one of the sought-after Frankfurt Locals. Affected by countless Frankfurt-nights since 1990 and finally persuaded in summer 1991 through the mythical love parade Meat became one of the signboards of the city of capital. Getting his merits on playing on unlawful parties in closed motorway service areas, ruins of houses and under bridges he emerged from a backyard-DJ to a real professional. In 2009 Chris Wood and Meat started working together. Since then they released tracks and remixes on different labels and DJ together at clubs around Europe.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Chris Wood and Meat, shortly before their performance at Grease on Friday 8th March.
When did you start to DJ and what made you start? What equipment did you use and how did you get it?
We start to DJ 20 years ago. We always used record players like these days :)
What - artists and music genres - are your biggest influences?
Of course we where influenced by the Frankfurt & German music scene of the 90. But the sound which came from the US, from cities like Chicago or Detroit, also made their way on our turntables.
How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Deep, House and groovy shit 4 ya ass....dude!
Out of all tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
This is difficult to say. During the years we produced together, we developed our skills and sound more and more. So if you want to get into our music, start with Back Down on MurMur Records, one of our first productions and end with our latest release Cock Robin on Souvenir :)
You started working together in 2009. Since then you released tracks and remixes on different labels and DJ together at clubs around Europe. How did you guys meet and what made you team up?
We became friends, before we started to work together. Both of us where into music since long time. Carsten was running Freebase Records and Chris was already producing for a couple of years. After a few gigs we played together, we decided to go to the studio and we realized that this collaboration will work out!
Since 2012 you run “Freebase Records” together. What can you tell us about this joint venture?
Two of Carsten`s partners left Freebase in the end of 2011 and he had to decide if it would be worth to go on with Freebase Records. He asked Chris to join him in a new location and after one year we can say, that it was the right decision!
What are you currently working on?
We just finished a new track for a Souvenir Compilation and another track for a Cecille Compilation. At the moment we join forces with Ali & Basti Tiefschwarz at the Studio.
What essential things do you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss the most when you are on tour?
Carsten: Records, the funny smell sticks from Thailand (love them a lot) and a book (even if i don't find the time to read it).
Chris: Records! iPhone and headache pills :)
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
That is very difficult, cause we had a lot of very good gigs and we also had bad gigs! Let`s hope, that Bangkok will be our best gig so far! :)
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Carsten: Somebody gave me a serious tip after my set :)
Chris: At a gig on Rave On Snow, someone gave me a Christmas tree as a present!
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to? Do you enjoy Thai food?
We LOVE Thai food! And we always try the local dishes if it is not too strange :) Food is our 2nd biggest addiction!
On 8th March you will perform live at Grease here in Bangkok, together with the With Love crew and MikeE from New Zealand. Will it be your Bangkok debut or have you played in Bangkok before?
We have been to Bangkok last year, but it will be our debut in a club in Bangkok. We are really looking forward to this date!
What can Bangkok expect from your performance at Grease on 8th March?
We are going to have a massive night and will rock the floor! :) BAAAAAANGkok!!!!