Exclusive Interview with Fake Blood
Since his mysterious explosion onto the scene in 2009, everyone wondered who Fake Blood actually was. Tracks such as 'Mars' & 'I Think I Like It' cemented his reputation as one of the hottest producers on the planet. Theo Keating has since delivered a slew of underground hit singles, always striving for something new & ignoring current trends - combined with absolutely ridiculous turntable skills makes him one of the most unique & forward thinking artists on the planet - and a DJ schedule which sees him performing on a regular basis for some of the most discerning crowds.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Fake Blood, shortly before his performance at Grease on 31st October.
“Fake Blood” first entered the consciousness of the general public in 2008 with the track “Mars”. The actual identity behind “Fake Blood” was a mystery at that time and speculations around it turned out to be unintentionally working in your favor marketing wise - after doing several other projects in the past, “Fake Blood” became so successful that it became your main focus. Are you happy your identity is finally known or do you miss the anonymity sometimes?
The anonymity was fun while it lasted, but I wanted to stop the hype before it became the defining factor in Fake Blood - I didn't want it to be a gimmick, DJing with a mask etc. So I revealed my identity.
In an interview with Mixmag you declared your music as “other stuff” – neither House, nor Trance or Techno, yet it’s electronic dance music. Should we leave it at that or do you have any supplementary notes to describe your own music in a few words? ;)
What I meant was that my music is influenced by all those things in varying degrees - well maybe not trance haha - but also has other influences, due to my odd listening habits and the effect of Hip Hop on my production style early on in my career. Music is quite elastic, and as a DJ you should be constantly searching out new sounds that excite you. Then it's only natural that when you produce you also try and experiment and bring new influences to your sound. The 4/4 drum beat is just a frame you can hang things from - house, techno...and then further off into the unknown! I've never been easy to pin down!
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I first heard house music as a teenager, listening to pirate radio here in London. That was the pipeline to everything that was happening musically in and around clubs etc - the latest tunes from Chicago, Detroit, NY, Europe, and of course right at home in the UK. An incredible source of music, especially for those of us who were too young to actually go to clubs!
Out of all of the tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend as an introduction to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Maybe "Medieval" to represent the more melodic side, and then my Wretch 32 remix as something a little gnarlier. Tough question, as people often single out tracks of mine that don't seem as obvious to me.
At the end of last year you released your long-awaited debut album “Cells”. What can you tell us about the album?
I wanted to try and make an album that had some stranger moments - to try out some other ideas, rather than just collect a bunch of clubby tracks. So while it does have those dancefloor moments, it also has tracks that are more about the atmosphere, energy and textures of the sounds etc. It's quite odd, but then I guess that's a reflection of how I make music!
Also last year, you were the DJ behind the 69th edition of the highly respected FABRICLIVE mix album series. What are you currently working on and what’s on your agenda for the near future?
Right now I am working on a batch of new music - not only Fake Blood material, but also other stuff that sits somewhere else on the spectrum. How that appears I'm not entirely sure yet - just working it out now. But it's pretty exciting. I took a little time off during summer to do exactly that - create new music. Cos it's not always easy to find the time when you are constantly busy - you need to make the time by shutting the door for a while. So my 2014 should be full of new music and ideas.
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
I often travel with a small portable turntable, as I will go and hunt for old vinyl on days off. And I never travel anywhere without a book. The best escape for the mind is in books, and you can never be bored. I miss London when I'm away - the place itself - and also people I know; but never "things" as such.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
I'm terrible with this question! I've always found it impossible to single out one specific gig as being "the best", as there are so many factors involved. Although it's probably more likely to be a mad sweaty basement party than a huge event. That's the acid house in me talking! As for bad gigs, I tend to forget them unless something really terrible happened.
On 31st October you will perform live here in Bangkok at Grease. Have you visited Thailand before? Will it be your Bangkok debut?
This will be my first ever visit to Thailand. It's just a shame that it's so brief - just one night.
What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
Music from 15 minutes in the future…