PIMB: You have released a steady stream of killer EPs. When are we going to hear a proper full-length?
Shlohmo: Aah, thank you. I’m actually working on the proper LP right now. That’s my main focus for the next few months. I think we’ve been talking about a winter release for this one.
PIMB: What can you tell me about your latest release, Camping, and the creative process that went into making it?
Shlohmo: It’s just a partial showcase of what I’ve been up to in the months since Shlomoshun, as well as remixes from some cool fucking cats. All of my tracks on there are somewhat cohesive it seems like, but then the track “Birthday Beat” was actually made all with this one toy Casio that my friend lent me. Terrible drum sounds and everything. So I guess the creative process was a little all over the place for this one.
PIMB: What’s next for you musically?
Shlohmo: Trying to step in a slightly different direction. I actually don’t even know if it’s a different direction necessarily or just further along in the same direction. I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting, going deeper into the lo-fi I guess. Experimenting with the notion of capturing my surroundings at the time, instead of trying to make it sound like I’m somewhere else. Nothing pristine. Just rawness, being present. I don’t know, it’s all just ideas that have been moving around my head. Hopefully it’ll all get documented into the tracks that will end up on the LP.
PIMB: What goes into playing your music live? I know a lot of instrumentalists like to stick to samplers, laptops, and the like, but do you plan on expanding that setup?
Shlohmo: Right now I’m using a laptop. I have Ableton and an APC40 for a controller. It’s working really well for me now, but I still feel the restrictions of the computer. I’m still looking at a screen and it still locks that tempo and all that shit. I eventually want to be able to improvise more, learn more instruments so I’d be able to get a little more free on stage. I don’t know if I’ll find that in analog gear or what, but I’m still looking for the right thing.
[audio:http://potholesinmyblog.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/My-Neck-My-Back-Khia-Remix.mp3|titles=Shlohmo – My Neck My Back (Khia Remix)] [audio:http://potholesinmyblog.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/02-Birthday-Beat.mp3|titles=Shlohmo – Birthday Beat]
Rrrrrreally wasn’t feeling the music but I do respect it. He’s got a very cohesive and distinct approach, that’s worthy…just because I don’t like doesn’t make that any less impressive…good interview too.
Awesome interview! Shlohmo has been definitely one of the key figures in that LA beats underground. Great music!