In the past 3 years you have released over 15 records on different labels like Treibstoff, PokerFlat and so on.., where do you find all this inspiration?
If I could paus & grab all the inspiration I have at one moment, I would be able to make much more records, ‘bout the inspiration, I don’t know where it all comes from, its just there, for every sound there is a song to be made....
You also had an alter ego, Mike Pung, for what kind of music stood Mike and what were the striking differences between Mike & Jeff ?
Well Mike Pung was never really meant to be seen on a record, it was mainly a dj name I used for a period, as I got serious about music producing I wanted a name that was easy to remember, so Jeff bennett was born.
I’ve read in your biography that you recently released a lounge/downbeat album, is it something you want to do more often in the next years?
It’s not actually released yet, it will be in September this year. It was delayed for various reasons. Yes I will be focusing more on this type of music as I have always enjoyed making downtempo tracks a lot.
More and more major events (Awakenings, I Love Techno,..) have programmed mnml djz/producers on their line-up, what is according to you the reason for this suddenly mnml boom?
I think it’s a turn of music styles and hypes, a hype always fades, and it seems like the hard techno is softening up a bit, and the minimal techno/house fits perfect there. Perhaps the listeners are getting older and can’t keep up with the beat anymore?
In Belgium lots of vinyl shops are having financial problems (due 2 the internet and illegal downloading), you also runned a recordshop a few years ago, what are your own experiences in running a vinyl shop?
The scene has gone thru a dramatic change just like the IT business did a couple of years ago, the music was so popular, and now the hype has faded back into reality with a crash. I believe lots of changes are to come before the scene will find his balance again. I don’t think illegal downloading is to blame for this drop only, there are just so many reasons...
Running a record store is now more competitive as there are less customers locally and you have to put more focus on the internet, there is also a lot of competition, only the fittest survive. But at the same time it’s A LOT of work for not so much money.
What do you like the most: playing a dj-set in a fully packed club or working in the middle of the night in your studio? And Why?
Since I don’t have to choose I prefer the combination. In the studio I create what I think will work on a dance floor, in the club I find out If I succeeded. So for me it’s the perfect combination.
What will the future bring from Jeff Bennet? Upcoming releases?
A lot I hope, unfortunately im not able to reveal all my plans yet but there are many goodies coming up. I have a 12” on Dirogen Label/UK coming up, one on the Weekend label/Spain with a Diego (kanzleramt) remix and also a fresh EP on D.press industries /Spain, and the Lounge album ofcourse!
Who are your favourite producers, your favourite label, all-time favourite record?
Producers: Derrick May, Aril Brikha, Vince Watson, Octave One
Label: hmm its so hard, I’m not really a label guy, I just listen….
All time record: Never really given any thought to this, on a deserted island I would like to have Massive attack – 100th Window.
Thank you very much for this short interview Jeff!
And thank you very much!
Some usefull links:
http://www.jeffbennett.info
http://www.pokerflat-recordings.com
http://www.treibstoff.org
http://www.morrisaudio.com
INTERVIEW: Ben Clement, exclusive for www.mnml.nl
