Nicolas Sarkozy is still in office, the recession hit the country and recently the news that national icon Johnny Hallyday was taken to hospital shocked the nation. If the French could still be proud of something in 2009, then it was the Parisian music label Record Makers. Their 2008 Sebastien Tellier album “Sexuality” kept going on filling the global dancefloors with some great remixes through this year, then Turzi released a new LP and now Acid Washed have entered the scene. The new RM signing deejayed a couple of times over here in Berlin and lately released the fantastic single “General Motors, Detroit, America” with an as fantastic hypnotic video by Anthony Burrill.
“Collaboration is the key to Acid Washed”, tells us their Myspace and so accordingly they’ve already teamed up with the likes of Xaver Naudascher, Gavin Russom, Christian Kreuz and Arnaud Rebotini among others. But apparently Andrew Claristidge and Richard D’Alpert are a very modest duo and gently enough to let their music get all the attention instead of themselves. So you’ll hardly find any live photos of their sets but – luckily – you have just hit upon our Q&A with the band. Enjoy!
What inspired you to start Acid Washed?
ANDREW: Acid Washed started a year and a half ago with a strong desire to make epic and beautiful “techno” music whilst trying to combine our major influences (Steve Reich, Moroder, Detroit music, Pop). Also needed to use all the vintage gear in my stony, old house in the French Cornwall!
RICHARD: Well, I guess, the desire to create music in a peaceful environment, far away from the clubs we’ve been spending a lot of time in over the last few years. We found this in Andrew’s studio, set in the beautiful countryside of Brittany, in France. It’s important to get a different perspective on the world. It’s a tormented landscape sometimes, magical often. It’s the land of the Celts. I’d like to think that in some tracks you can maybe feel the echoes of the Druids.
What is the highest moral concept you follow?
RICHARD: Being true to yourself. Whatever it takes. Whatever it costs.
ANDREW: Honesty and being real!
Your – refreshingly – bring together a bit of DFA and Italo Disco with Detroit Techno and Chicago House with your music. Are you old school gentlemen in real life, too?
RICHARD: Well, today, I’ve been reading the newspapers. I’m currently wearing a Ralph Lauren shirt & some Todd’s. I’m also listening “Scheherazade” from Rimsky-Korsakov. Does that make me an old school gentleman? I also love wearing tee-shirts, colorful scarves. Loads of different candys…strawberry shortcake.
ANDREW: Yes I am. I’m surrounded by vintage furniture, vintage clothing with that old dusty smell. Most gentlemanly.
What’s your favourite sonic gadget?
RICHARD: My new KORG XL. In red!
ANDREW: Arp Odyssey. The ultimate vintage, analog synth!
What’s your favourite sound?
RICHARD: My cat, purring.
ANDREW: Cowbells.
What was the first music you ever listened to?
RICHARD: Probably my mother playing the piano, back in the days when I was still inside her!
ANDREW: Kraftwerk. My dad was listening to that when I was a baby.
What do you see when you look into each other’s eyes?
RICHARD: Someone I know way too well!
ANDREW: Lies or truth!
As experts of the hidden, what’s your favourite Halloween/carnival costume?
RICHARD: Definitely the mask from V like Vendetta!
ANDREW: I never wear costumes, I wear my own clothes. I wear masks to guard my soul. If I was to wear a costume I would dress as a white clown.
Acid washed jeans: do or don’t?
RICHARD: Do it! Definitely! Even though I don’t.
ANDREW: I did! Now: I don’t! Part of the past, but a nice memory!
“Collaboration is the key to Acid Washed.“ Who’s on top of your artist-yet-to-cooperate-with list?
RICHARD: You mean, if a genie appeared, and asked me who to pick as a wish? Then, The London Symphonic Orchestra & the Daft Punk! For the rest, I don’t know, there are so many musicians I love, cherish and respect. Maybe Ingrid Caven.
ANDREW: My biggest wish would be to collaborate with Steve Reich. I am ambitious. But first we have to progress.
Which song of another artists would you wish to have written yourselves?
RICHARD: “Here comes the sun“. From the Beatles. It’s the perfect musical example of “less is more”.
ANDREW: ”Trans Europe Express” by Kraftwerk and “Ashes to Ashes” by David Bowie
After a decade of stylistic coexistence which music will dominate the next ten years?
RICHARD: Norwegian Metal! And it’s about time!
ANDREW: Ultra electro: a new style which doesn’t exist yet!
… and will the French love for electronic music ever to come an end?
RICHARD: Come on’ guys! It was the French who invented electronic music! Like we invented nearly all the good things in this world, including the girls. But that’s another secret!
ANDREW: I think they will love electronic music forever… Electronic music is anyway so linked to French culture especially with institutions like IRCAM, bands like DAFT PUNK, producers like J.P. Massiera. Do you really think this LOVE is gonna stop? “LOVE CAN’T TURN AROUND“!
Acid Washed will deejay at Cookies, Berlin, on January 16.
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