Sonic alchemist Zephirus Kane and DJ Pogo are Master Blasters, their first album Life Changing Experiences on Nano Records (2011) propelling them into the heavyweight league of psychedelic trance live acts and onto the line-ups of the planet’s top festivals. But while the Blasters are just a few years old (they formed in 2008), individually they’re considered pioneers of the psy scene and for good reason, both having been involved since the early ’90s.
You’ve both been into psy trance since its birth in the early ’90s. Can you remember the moment you first fell in love with psychedelic sounds and what got you on the path to making music and DJing?
Z: I had psychedelic experiences beamed into my consciousness as a child. The path of righteousness has continued since then.
P: My favourite tunes as a child were ‘Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds’ and ‘Space Oddity’. I’ve enjoyed listening to psychedelic sounds ever since. Making music and DJing have evolved out of a continual quest to find sounds that blow my mind!
Who or what would you say have been your greatest influences over the years? And now?
MB: Our favourite comedy duo of Albert Hoffman and Sir Bob Harris.
What brought you together to become Master Blasters in 2008?
MB: The serendipitous cosmic alignment of the Universe.
How has your music changed and evolved since you started making electronic music and how would your describe the Masters Blasters sound?
MB: It’s an infinite learning experience in which we surf the waves of science and creativity. Our sound is a driving funk force of psychedelic sonic vibrations and layered cake.
What do you both get up to when you’re not blasting it in the studio or behind the decks?
Z: I blast enormous sound systems mixing for touring artists around the world.
P: I chill.
What have been the highlights of your musical career so far? And is there anything you haven’t done yet that you still really want to do?
MB: It’s always great to collaborate with other like-minded spirits concocting earth shaking astral space grooves. There are still plenty more sound pilots we’re looking forward to flying with.
What does the ‘psychedelic’ in psychedelic trance mean to you?
MB: Liquid Soul Dancing
You’ve both studied sound engineering and continue to refine and evolve your music. What are your favourite bits of hardware and software in the studio at the moment? (I’m sorry but Jez, Dickster, Tristan, Tron and Avalon don’t count as either … )
MB: Hardware we dig is: Prism Orpheus; Manley Massive Passive; Manley Vari Mu; Eventide H8000; Smart Research C2; Virus TI2; Virus C; Nord Lead 2; Roland JP8000; Sequential Pro One; Korg MS20; Waldorf Q.
Our favourite software is: The Sony Oxford gear; Omnisphere; Waves; Sylenth; Trillian; Stylus RMX; Imposcar.
When you sit down to start a track, do you have a specific idea in your mind of how you want it to sound, or do just go with the flow?
MB: Always go with the flow…
Which do you more enjoy, studio work or getting out to play live gigs? Why?
MB: It’s a fully symbiotic relationship between raw creation and rocking a crowd.
The digital age has completely changed the way we make, play, promote and distribute music: overall, do you reckon it’s been a healthy thing for the evolution of the psy scene? How has it affected what you do and how you do it?
MB: We feel excited to be living in a time when we are able to express ourselves using this incredible technology. We welcome the past the present and the future.
Who do you have playing on your stereo at home at the moment?
MB: Jimi Hendrix.
You’re playing at the Pan Galactic Space Disco presents the Aphid Records Label Party on Friday 26 April alongside Aphid Moon, Zeus, Continuem, Psibindi, Kaptain Kairos and many more. What treats do you have in store for your fans who’re coming out to play?
MB: We’ve been busy crafting some fresh sick sonic beats for your psychedelic delectation.
You’re also playing at the first Pearl Festival at the end of August. After years of playing at festivals around the world, what are the 3 things you don’t leave home without?
MB: A sense of humour, some banging tunes and a freestyling attitude.
As pioneers of the UK psy trance scene, are you excited about Pearl Festival bringing so many artists to the UK in August and putting the UK well and truly back on the map? What are thoughts on the current psy scene in London and Europe?
MB: Pearl Festival promises a positive cornucopia of global psy talent and will be totally rocking. We’re really looking forward to flying our freak flag at that one. Europe is home to many great parties, festivals and dedicated psy aficionados and we’re very happy to be part of the family.
What other exciting plans do you have on the horizon for the rest of 2013? Do you have any new releases lined up?
MB: We’re working on a new album and there wil be various releases and EPs. Look out for fresh Blasters on the horizon…
Finally, what’s your advice to new DJs/producers or those thinking of starting out?
MB: Be dedicated and find your inspiration. Enjoy the creative process and never give up. Take a dip in the cauldron and enjoy the trip…
Thanks so much for your time, looking forward to seeing you both at the Aphid party!
For news and updates about Master Blasters check out their FaceBook page.
Master Blasters are heading Pan Galactic Space Disco presents... Aphid Records label party on Friday 26 April at Crucifix Lane. For more info join the FaceBook event page.
For more information about Pearl Festival check the Pearl website.
You can also catch DJ Pogo at the next Astral Circus on Friday 31 May at Brixton Jamm. Check out the event page for more info.
Images and artwork courtesy of Master Blasters. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Pan Galactic Productions & Roots Productions presents...
APHID RECORDS LABEL PARTY
☆ Early Bird Tickets now on sale for limited time ☆
http://www.pangalacticspacedisco.com/tickets/
For all stall applications please email : info@pangalacticspacedisco.com
❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾❀✾
SEE YOU ALL THERE
Flyer:
-
Region:
London
Music:
Trance. Psy Trance.
DJ's:
☆ ARTISTS & DJ'S ☆
~> MAIN ROOMS ACTS <~
LIVE ACTS
MASTER BLASTERS ---- (Nano) UK
APHID MOON ---- (Aphid Recs) UK
CONTINUEM ---- (Mutagen Records) UK
DJs
DJANE BAHAR ---- (Aphid Recs) DK *FIRST UK APPEARANCE*
Zeus ---- (Pointzero Records/Roots) SA
Psibindi ---- (Aphid Recs) UK
KAPTAIN Kairos ---- (Aphid Recs) UK
JULES HAMER (SPECIAL AMD DJ SET) ---- (Aphid Recs) UK
Ripping through the cosmic fabric once again, Astral Circus has re-emerged from its non-local position in spacetime to implant its universal message in the subconscious mind of sentient beings.
Come and imagine our future! The collective destination of our species is hidden in the depths of our own consciousness.
Astral Circus is a realm of self-expression and mutual insight. We endeavour to cultivate an interactive experience that stimulates beyond the senses, and unlocks the innate creativity possessed by each and every one of us.
Lets animate our vision - together!
Flyer:
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Region:
London
Music:
Psy Trance. Techno. Breaks. Chillout / Leftfield.
DJ's:
★★★★ MAIN ROOM ★★★★
★★ Laughing Buddha (Nano Records) ★ LIVE ★ & DJ sets
★★ New album preview! ★★
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