Exclusive Interview with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is a Drum & Bass DJ & Production duo from the UK, well known for their track “Desperado” - the track was BBC Radio 1's esteemed "#1 Drum & Bass Tune of The Year" in 2006. They have released music on prestigious record labels such as Metalheadz, Full Cycle, Good Looking, CIA, Innerground, Exit and they have remixed artists such as Missy Elliot, Eric Prydz, Kelis, DJ Hype and many others.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Artificial Intelligence, shortly before their performance at Glow on 5th February.
You are a Drum&Bass DJ & Production duo from London. How did each of you get in touch with Drum&Bass in the first place, how did you meet, what made you team up, and how did you get into DJing and music production?
We both got into drum and bass through a strong following of theHardcore and Jungle era in the early to mid 90s. I bought many of the promos at the time as well as recording the radio shows. Zula was out at the early raves at the Paradise Club - we grew up in the same area and meet via school friends through a strong mutual passion for music. Zula was already writing music under Gambit. I cut some of his early tracks to dubplate at Music House then tested them out at my residency night in Leeds with Marcus Intalex. Once I came back to London it didn't take long before we started writing together and AI was born. Marcus signed our first tracks to Soulr.
Your recently released album "Timeline" took the #1 spot on Juno Album sales charts for close to 2 consecutive months. What can you tell us about the album?
The album came together in just under a year and consists of a journey through a variety of dnb styles inspired from the earlier Metalheadz era to the current sounds. We collaborated with a handful of producers and vocalists close to us- Dawn Wall, Scar, DRS, Terri Walker, Steo and Sense.
You founded your own record label Integral Records 10 years ago, in 2006, which was also the year your track "Desperado" was awarded by BBC Radio 1 as "Number 1 Drum & Bass Tune of The Year". Looking back on this eventful decade, what were the most memorable & the most terrible gigs you ever played, what were the funniest things that occurred during any of your performances and what were the most memorable moments in general?
It’s hard to remember some of the bad gigs, as for most memorable, we played a great gig in Sao Paulo with Marky just as he was breaking his sound here in the UK. That was a real incredible atmosphere and vibe. We toured Japan most years over the decade and became really close with the scene and culture there. Other then that New Zealand has always been one of our favorite places to play. Homelands festival back in the day which we headlined with Pendulum was really great. Outlook/Dimensions festivals have been really memorable over the last few years. Funniest - maybe weirdest was when I was rushed off the stage by security guards at an outdoor festival near Arizona as a rattle snake crawled onto the stage.
Besides "Desperado", what other tracks, remixes or mix-sets would you suggest to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
Definitely the Timeline album as it's our most recent and a body of music we are really happy with. Earlier tracks I'd say Switch On, Shinkansen, Bloodlines, Uprising. Won't Give Up.
What is on your agenda for the near future and what are you currently working and focusing on?
We have an EP dropping on Metalheadz this April which we are really excited about. We also have various collaborations with the Dawn Wall guys which should follow soon after. Other then that we are already half way through our next album.
You live in London, the capital and most populous city of the UK. What can you tell us about clubbing and nightlife there? Do you have any nightlife related suggestions for first-time visitors?
London is the home of many great nights over the years. From Speed, Swerve, Movement to Metalheadz.
This day and age is best to find a one off night usually hosted by a label. Soul In Motion at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditich is a decent mid weeker which has been running successfully over the last few years.
You will make your Bangkok debut on 5th February atGLOW, alongside the Phatfunk crew. Have you visited Thailand before? What can the Bangkok crowd expect ofyour upcoming performance?
This is my first ever trip to Thailand. A place I've been really looking forward to visit!
The crowd can expect a real versatile journey of a set covering all the different sounds we like to represent. Including plenty of previews of work from AI and Integral Records.