Eminent producer and DJ Chris Coco's new project City Reverb are readying themselves for the long-awaited release of their album 'Lost City Folk' on 2 Feb by playing the CMU Christmas Social on 9 Dec alongside ex-Pipette Rose Elinor Dougall.
Gratuitous plug over, City Reverb are tipped for the top, with an album that meets you as a wall of intoxicating, atmospheric sound which Chris himself describes as "robot-soul". They were booked up throughout 2008 playing festivals including Glastonbury, Bestival and Green Man.
It's possibly going to be the best CMU Social ever, on 9 Dec (more info here). As we weep with joy, have a look at Chris Coco and vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist and shroomist Micky Buccheri's answers to our Same Six.
Q1 How did you start out making music?
Chris Coco: When I was a kid, my dad helped me block a small stream on a sandy beach. I was fascinated by that unstoppable flow. When I grew up, I couldn't stop the music entering my head like that stream entered the sea. I had no particular skill or ability but early drum machines and samplers helped me translate my ideas into real sounds.
Micky Bucherri: I'm a typical art student turned musician. I wanted to create something that could elicit a direct emotional response, something that's very difficult to achieve in art. But music has that - I soon became obsessed with making it.
Q2 What inspired your latest single?
MB: 'City Of Lights' is an escape fantasy. A while ago I suddenly found myself landed with some huge responsibilities whereas previously I had none. This song is me enjoying the idea of walking away from everything and to hell with the consequences. I guess music is just like that, albeit only for the duration of the song. The line "I was alone" isn't sad, it's a celebration of freedom. 'City Of Lights' is out now, the next single 'Central Heating' is out on 26 Jan.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
CC: It's a long process. 'City Of Lights' once had an incarnation as a glam rock tune, for example. Thankfully this phase was short-lived.
MB: I'll share some ideas, lyrics or music, with someone I'm working with or vice versa and that's when things get interesting. Most of the time spent on a song is on the arrangement - that's what makes or breaks a great idea.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
CC: Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp.
MB: I admire artists who are on a personal journey, driven by their own curiosity or passion rather than any passing trends. Artists like Velvet Underground, David Bowie or Beck.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
CC: Simply, enjoy. Or, more complicatedly, give it a few listens because there's a lot of love in there and it takes a little time for you to feel it sometimes.
MB: Listen to the first half of the album on a Saturday night and the other half on Sunday morning.
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest single, and for the future?
CC: The plan is simple, to be able to make another record and carry on doing what we love for a living. You can't ask for more than that.
MB: Obviously I hope the single is well received. But in the longer term, I think the time for making pretty wallpaper is over. Music needs to engage people again. Historically, an economic downturn usually signals a creative resurgence. So, I for one am hopeful for the future.
MORE>> Add yourself to the free CMU Social guestlist: [email protected], Listen to the band on MySpace: www.myspace.com/cityreverb
VIGSY'S CLUB TIP: La Bomba Xmas Party at seOne Club
Underneath the arches of London Bridge lies the SeOne club - a club which used to house the legendary Warp parties in the 90s - and which this weekend plays host to La Bomba, a showcase which specialises in Latin dance. Room one is all about the reggaeton: contemporary Latin music that mashes reggae and dance hall into salsa and all things of Latin origin, sometimes with a bit of hip hop thrown in for good measure. This reggaeton room will be headlined with a special live appearance from DJ Kazzanova from NYC's prime Latin FM station La Kalle, making his UK debut, with London's top urban Latin DJ Squad, Jose Luis, Sami Sanchez (Black Market Records) and DJ Loco in support. In the Salsa Room you get salsa, merengue and bachata sounds run wild with Julian Mr. M, Edwin Salsa and Chino. Be aware dress code is casual but stylish and ID is likely to be requested for those young lookers.
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