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CG International: Talking Swedish Brandy with DJ Chicken George
In the 4 years since DJ Chicken George showed up on the Austin music scene, he’s proven himself as a party rocker, a tastemaker and an all-around musical innovator. When he’s not shaking up the local scene, DJ Chicken George travels widely, both around the country and overseas. His second vinyl-only release on European label Swedish Brandy is already out on the continent and due in stores stateside later this month. Almost Urban is pleased to offer an exclusive 360SoundCheck preview of the release, “DJ Chicken George presents The Swed.u.s.h Connection 2” a suave, club-oriented platter that slips through variations of jazz abstraction and soulful groove. We caught up with DJ Chicken George to talk about his travels, the new release and, of course, SXSW.
AU: How did you hook up with Swedish Brandy?
CG: I was V-Zilla’s (Houston) DJ and in 2002, we had toured Sweden with the Narcissists from Stockholm. Over the next year or so, we went back to Stockholm a couple more times for more shows. On my third visit, I contacted, one of my favorite jazzy beats record labels from Stockholm, Swedish Brandy. Initially, my purpose was to make an introduction and just let them know that I was a fan of the label. I brought copies of my CDs as I had played many of their tracks on my mixes. By the end of the tour, I was offered a 12-inch record deal from the label. I came back to the States and compiled a 4 track EP featuring “Jazztronica” beats of producers that I favored as a DJ and music lover. My first EP (“The Swed.u.s.h Connection”) features tracks from Take (L.A.), Hydroponic Sound System (Dallas) and Malcom Kipe (Austin) and my scratches.
When will you be back in Europe and what’s the most interesting thing you’ve observed in the Swedish club scene?
I’ve been working on another European tour for quite some time now. I was just waiting until I had completed my latest 12-inch. Then at some point in the near future, I’ll be heading back to Sweden and this time, I’ll go to the UK as well. The most interesting thing I observed about the scene was the music. I’d never been any place where I found such a wide array of different flavors of music under one roof. The DJ’s there really know how to mix the genres up.
This release seems a little clubbier than the first “Swed.u.s.h Connection,” was that a deliberate choice? Is this an indication of how your interests are evolving?
The “Swed.u.s.h Connection 2” is definitely a bit more uptempo than the first. I was working with completely different producers on this project and I didn’t want it to sound anything at all like the first. I just wanted this release to reflect my styles and tastes as I play a combination of music from downbeat to upbeat tracks that also vary in genre as well.
What motivated the decision to make this release vinyl only?
The label started out only releasing only vinyl. Originally, their audience was mainly DJs and record collectors. After my 1st vinyl release (“#6”), I convinced them to release CDs and and have their tracks available for download to help expand their audience, as I knew that the average person does not own a turntable. My second release will be on vinyl and also available for download on various music sites worldwide.
Who is Lady Alma, and how did your collaboration with Philly’s Illvibe Collective come about?
Lady Alma has been deemed “the Heart and Soul of Philly’s soul scene” among tastemaker circles. She’s internationally known and has worked with everyone from Jazzanova (Germany) and 4 Hero (UK) to King Britt (Philly) and Kindred Spirits (Amsterdam). I met the Illvibe Collective when I was invited to play at their monthly party in Philly called “Body Rock.” I also mixed live sets on their Eavesdrop and Illvibe Radio Shows. I had just started working on my 2nd 12-inch at the time and I’d propositioned to them about contributing a track for the new release and they accepted. I knew they were really good friends with Lady Alma and I suggested that I’d like to have her guest on the track. She was touring frequently and it made it quite difficult for her to commit to recording vocals the track. After a few months of trying to get her in the studio, they somehow managed to catch her right before she went out on tour again. That’s when the magic happened! The Illvibe track is the only track with vocals on the EP It’s one of my favorites. Lady Alma is simply an amazing vocalist. I feel very honored to have her contribution on my release.
“Overthrowed!” featuring Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna is a pretty mind-boggling jazz-funk fusion piece. Since all three of you are currently living in Austin can we expect a live rendition at some point?
You can definitely count on a live rendition sometime in the future. I’ve been working with Adrian Quesada for over two years now with his Grupo Fantasma and Brownout! projects. My first collaboration with Martin Perna was on the “Overthrowed!” track. The chemistry was powerful. We collectively decided that we’d all like to continue to work together. Both are phenomenal musicians and I am looking forward to working on more projects.
Your music has such a strong global appeal. Have you had any memorable interactions with foreign fans who know you through the Internet?
Actually, I recently got an e-mail from someone in London telling how much she enjoyed my music. She stumbled across my mixes hosted on ThePlayers.fm music site and really liked them. She said that she had “been listening to (my) mixes on the Players Association Web site all day at work and It makes (her) day a lot more enjoyable!” I think that’s one of the most gratifying compliments that any musician could ever receive. It’s moments like those that give purpose to your music endeavors.
Anything good going on for SXSW?
March 13th will bring a special edition of my Move Somethin’ series at Whisky Bar! I’ve invited JRocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies/Stones Throw Records to play with me on 4 turntables. Sharing the soundtrack for the night will also be DJ Tats of the Table Manners Crew. Look forward to uptempo “Jazztronica” beats with plenty of mixing and scratching. Just be prepared to Move Somethin’!
DJ Chicken George opens for the legendary Wailers on Thursday, Feb. 8 at La Zona Rosa. He also performs with Grupo Fantasma at the Parish on Friday, Feb. 9 and Antone’s on Saturday, Feb. 10.
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