As a prolific DJ, producer and remixer, and frontman of Lionrock, Justin Robertson has been a figure on the UK music scene for nearly twenty years. His latest project, Thee Earls, has been picking up high praise for debut single 'Bombs To Fall', so we thought we'd better find out what's going on behind the scenes.
Q1 How did you start out making music?
Really by accident. I've been a music nerd from an early age, but fell into the studio when I worked in a record shop in Manchester. They wanted a remix doing, and I said I would have a go! I hadn't been in a studio before that day, so lots of bluffing was needed. It all seemed to work out fine!
Q2 What inspired your latest single?
It's a kind of stream of consciousness story about a schizophrenic in Stockport town centre.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
Well with Thee Earls, it's a case of Gez forging a dramatic backing track, then me writing some crazy words about everyday life. It's a very organic process, a great pleasure.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
Lyrically I think that the David Byrne/Mark E Smith observational, free flowing style is something I think fits in with the vibe, but I am a very big fan of Stuart Murdoch also. I think you can hear the Talking Heads and The Fall very much in evidence. Musically I guess we touch on Joy Division and that kind of Brain Eno layered production.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Pass the ammunition...
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest single/album, and for the future?
Stadiums, adoration, statues, halls of fame, you know the usual. Really just want the opportunity for people to hear our unique wiggly vibrations, and have some fun, that's most important!
MORE>> www.myspace.com/djjustinrobertson and www.myspace.com/theeearls