An Interview with The Dead Guys
What c64 composers are your favourites?
Rob Hubbard, David Whittaker, Ben Daglish, Martin Galway and Adam Gilmore
Which Sids are your Favourites?
Glider Rider, Krakout, Deflektor and Great Giana Sisters
What other arrangers do you like?
Carl (from micromusic), DJ Subslash, and Seth
How would you describe your musical style?
Creative and funny
You are the most mentioned as favourites to many arrangers within our interview pages… Why do you think that your music has made such an impact?
We started out quite early when the scene was still very small and we tend not to pick out any Sid and add drums to it and we have our own style (at least we think we do). We put a great effort to make the remixes sound proffesional in terms of soundquality.
What software/equipment do you use?
Cool edit PRO
T-racks
Atari 1040ST running Notator
Technics 1200
2* Ensoniq EPS 16
Yamaha CS-5
Yamaha EMP100 (effect)
Yamaha TX81Z
Yamaha R1000 (effect)
Arp AXXE
Korg MS-20
Korg Mono/poly
Roland SH101
Roland SH1
Roland SH3A
Roland TR606
Roland Juno106
Tama Techstar
Novation Drumstation
Some Behringer effects
Spririt Folio SX mixer
What are your fondest memories of the c64?
I remember when I played street machine and when I first heard speechsynthesis on the c64.
I remember when I finished Commando 6 times in a row and then I had to leave for school.
Why did you start remixing c64 music?
Because we love good melodies and there are a lot of really good ones made on the c64.
We havn’t heard too much from the dead guys in recent times, will we be hearing more remixes from you?
You most probably will but it will take a while because we are both working on other musical projects.
What do you look at within a sid when remixing it?
It must have a funky groove, great melody. It must be remixable as in we think we might have something to add to it. That’s why we’ll never remix Commando😉
What other arrangements do you like?
IK (nokia remix) made by DJ Subslash
Last Ninja remix by Carl
Your music is heavily dance orientated, why dance?
Dancemusic is what we listen to and that’s what comes out.
How did you find the scene?
When we started we didn’t know of any scene but we got feedback and links from other people and that’s what happened.
Who do you think gives the scene the biggest boost and why?
The guys behind Micromusic (www.micromusic.net) and record companies like Rephlex and Breakin’ Records. And of course Chris Abbott.
What non c64 music do you like and does this reflect in your own music?
N-Joi, Prodigy, Cari Lekebusch, Autechre, most of the Ninja Tune artists, Depeche Mode, Altern-8, DMX Krew. There are so many artists and so little little time😉 but it sure reflects in our music.
If there was a tune you wish you could claim as your own, what would it be and why?
Edd The Duck ‘cause it’s bloody brilliant.
What are your likes/dislikes about the scene?
We really like when a remix is inventive and something else than the original. We don’t like remixes made by someone who just samples the original tune and just add drums to it.
What remix of your own are you most pleased with?
We’re most pleased with Arkanoid remixwise (because the original sidtrack is bit boring but has a really nice flow) but our favourite remix is Edd the Duck.
You have played c64 remixes Live in London. Have you played anywhere else?
Nope, but we’ve played live in other constellations.
What did it feel like playing Live, and did you manage to re-create the sound you wanted?
It felt great and the sound were quite good. Not great though.
What was the maximum persons you have played live to?
200-300 maybe
What type of reaction did you get to playing c64 remixes live?
We got some great feedback and the audience seemed happy.
Are you going to do it again?
We sure will. If someone let’s us😉
What would you say is the best part of Playing Live?
Seeing the crowd enjoying the music and having a good time.
Lastly What would you like to say to the scene?
Thank’s for all support that we’ve gotten through all the years (we’re as old as Rolling Stones right?)😉
(our own) What would you say if you we’re standing on top of a building?
LOOK MOM! I’M ON TOP OF THE WORLD!
Hello!?
(our own again) What are your fondest memories of remixing a c64 track?
When remixing Edd the Duck, DrDoom was in a real hurry because his train was leaving and he stood wearing his jacket and backpack finishing the remix.
(our own once again) Why do you call yourself the dead guys?
It was Sate (world leader and founder) who named our little amiga group the dead guys after seing a skateboard from S.M.A with a print that said dead guys and had pictures of dead guys (Elvis, James Dean and so on).
(yes, it’s our own) What’s your favourite hobby?
Sleeping and eating chocolate.
Playing Quake (not quake 2 or 3).
(wow, another one?) What do you think about the questions?
They're quite good but too few. 😉
(Shut up won’t ya) What time is it?
It’s 20:42 (8:42 PM).
What ever you say about The Dead Guys they seem to have a large following of fans, something they wasn't aware of while speaking to them. No other arranger can boast such a following.
- Neil
