Modeselektor - Jetlag Mix - XLR8R Podcast - Aug 2008

Biography of Modeselektor

Not only do they cut the vocals into their music but for themselves too - MDSLKTR. Actually MODESELEKTOR, for those to whom the granulate synthesis and its consequences is still unknown. It could be described this way: in order to construct this music, one takes a sound, files away at it until a thousand bits of “sound dust” are created, compacts and grinds the bits of “sound dust” over and over again and finally slaps the odd shape over the mixture.

The next step to understanding MODESELEKTOR is to imagine creaking, grinding beats - depending on the mood either monotonously pounding away or cut in unbelievably cool breaks -and then gently added, classically arranged facets that sprinkle the heavy beats like freshly fallen snow - if you can imagine all that, then you get an impression of what MODESELEKTOR is about: uniting contrasts that one doesn't even realise are contrasts while listening to the music.

We can be lucky that MODESELEKTOR finally left daddy's turntable and in 1996 got together as the above-mentioned formation to 'let facets flow like honey around the corner and pound them into a pulse, which beats like a giant stomping through the snow'. The “chump change” and the initial money was then put into the purchase of obscure electronic equipment rather than new turntable needles and music was made rather than just listened to. The collected Hip Hop, Gabba, Sonic Youth, Cure, Depeche Mode and thousands of other records weren't played at parties as often as before but were musically taken apart and revived as samples. Refined by smartly set noises and sound recordings, neither locatable nor definable, this music is for people with three ears and at least one eye directed inwardly. Because what MODESELEKTOR creates, meanwhile working with their Apple laptops, is music not only to listen to but to visualise.

The music, played three notches over red on a huge system, blows you away. And, where the bass vibrates the body, you can’t help but jump from one leg to the other enthusiastically. That's what they do to you, the Shah of Persia and Faustan (as they are known in the Berlin night life)! They rock and even reflect before. They try to stick to their live gig’s “fuck off” (let's have fun even if the computer breaks down and everything gets put into the chaos pad!) not only as private guys but as musicians as well - no conventions, no showing consideration to self adoring scenes and don't even think of being a service person!

Be honest, stay honest and show yourself through the music, with all apparent contradictions. Because, in the end there aren't any contradictions. Who can demonstrate that as beautifully and plausibly as MODESELEKTOR is free to cut the vocals for themselves and their music.

http://www.bpitchcontrol.de/artist
http://www.myspace.com/mdslktr