Monster X

Přes den zvukový inženýr v televizi, v noci electro-breakcorový šílenec s kořeny v trash-metalu a industrialu. Po účinkování v 12-členné metalové kapele stříkající kolem sebe na podiu falešnou krev se časem přeorientoval na sólový elektronický projekt. Posledních pár let strávil designováním vlastních elektronikých nástrojů a efektů vyhovujících jeho extremistickým požadavkům. Jeho hudba je mixem tepajícího elektra a breakbeatu s ulítlým breakcorem přesně se hodícím do krámu labelům jako Peace Off, Jarring Effects nebo Bedroom Research. Z lidí, s kterými hrál a možna i načerpal inspiraci vypíchněme apsoň Scorn, Enduser, Ebola, Duran Duran Duran, Suburbass, Ddamage a jeho kolegy z Peace Off records Rotator, Electric Kettle, Eletromeca.

Label Peace Off www.peaceoff.c8.com

Label Bedroom Research www.bedroomresearch.com

Fotky a videa

Interview od r_AW

link na zdroj

One of the newcomers on day 2 of the r_AW anniversary is Monster X. Who? Well, Monster X!

"I'm Julien Caraz aka Monster X. This name comes from an old school sci-fi movie with Godzilla. Monster X is another nuclear monster fighting Godzilla. I took this name because obviously I was needing a name and I've always loved horror and sci-fi movies."

A quick read-up on Monster X unveils an alternative past. Apparently Julien used to be in a 12-piece metal band. "I was singing. Mmm, not really proper singing, more screaming 'a la' death metal. And playing bass. I was also taking care of the samples which were triggered by a mate during the live gigs using Akai samplers." The band still exists? "It doesn't anymore. It was too hard to manage a band with 12 people who usually never agree. At the end I thought it was more a waste of time and too much politics. That's why I chose not to work with other humans anymore. I really prefer to do my own music at home whenever I want to. I can awake in the middle of the night, do a track and then go to bed again. Which is not possible if you're working with a band." Do you think your metal past reflects in your current sound? "Not sure about that. It probably does in some ways, maybe when it comes down to the arrangement and structure of a tune. I still listen to some metal bands, but it's not my favorite dish anymore as it used to be."

People might link you to breakcore at first, but recently you've also released slower work through EPs at Peace Off.

"I don't really do breakcore, I'm more into 4/4 beats and slower tempo like 130 or 140 BPM. I even did some more funky stuff." Monster X recently released his second EP 'Satan is love' at Peace Off. How did you get in contact with the label boss, Rotator? "The first release, 'Disco zombie assault' was first released as a free digital download on Bedroom Research, a wicked net label owned by Subjex.

Then when Rotator first heard it, he immediately asked me if I was interested in having it released on vinyl on Peace Off. I was really surprised because the usual Peace Off releases are more uptempo and hectic, but I couldn't say no!" Satan is love, is he (or she)? Julien laughs, "I hope it's a girl!"

Your profile mentioned that you make your own Reaktor plugins, do they credit to your current sound?

"I'm using Reaktor since the second version when it was called Generator. I like the way you can create your own FX, beat machines and synth. Whatever you think of. It really helps during the creative process. I still use it everyday." On the 18th of April you're flying in from France. Do you think there's a French element within your music? "I don't think so. I don't really care about other peoples music, I just try to do my own thing. The only French element in my music is probably me."

The Club r_AW booking is your second booking in The Netherlands. How do you describe a Monster X set yourself?

"Indeed it's my second booking in The Netherlands. The first time was at Not your monkey Not your robot. A Monster X set is a kind of half mix / half live-set with my tunes. And more patterns and weird FX in Reaktor. I usually start slowly, and then... Mmm you'll see!"