USQ: What setup did you use to record the USQMX27 and why you prefer that setup?
It was pair of Technics SL1210’s and Ecler Nuo 4 mixer. That’s what I have at home. I’ve been playing vinyls for over 20 years now, kind of difficult to think it any other way. Ofcourse I also play digital stuff on radio and on gigs, it’s always about the music, not the media. But for this I felt like going 100% vinyl..
USQ: Tell us a little about yourself
Closer to forty than thirty, family man, working at advertising agency as art director. Pretty damn good chef if I may say.
USQ: How long have you been involved in the world of Techno?
I started playing records in the late 80’s and pretty much got hooked to acid house and early techno & electro sounds since the beginning, so twenty something years. As a young kid it was a bit different back then. Everything was new and not so accessible as music is today. I had to work for it; it was truly DIY kind of thing.
USQ: What is your music background? Do you consider influences by your background music when creating and playing your music?
Reason why I started playing records was my dad’s VHS (yeah, the thing before lasers) tape that had Herbie Hancock with the Rockit Band concert on it. There was legendary dj DST scratching an doing a little show case as an intro for the track ‘Rockit’. I was blown away. How the hell could someone do stuff like that on a turntable? That was -86 or –87 and I was 12 years young. Living in a small place you can imagine that there wasn’t many other kids that were into Herbie Hancock around, so I didn’t have anyone to talk or share the music with. So I started discovering music on my own and following every possible channels that was available in the 80’s. That was the start and I kind of feel being on the same path still these days. Learned to do things on my own way. I love music, I listen to it always. I also learn always something from music I hear, so in that sense my background do has an impact on my own writing playing.
USQ: How do you see the evolution in your music since you started until now?
Only constant is that it’s evolving all the time. Ten years ago when I did some deep house tracks with my girlfriend (wife these days) as Sam & Gigi, I had totally different approach to making music. I was trying to make tracks with certain appeal for the floor. Now it’s about self expressionism. I do music because I have to get that out of my head. When I’m in the studio, I try to finish the track within the day. All I do does have an effect on what I’m writing; you know, if I had a shitty day or ate brilliant food or did something special with my son or you name it. So, I try to get that moment in time captured.
USQ: if you have to describe your sound, how you would do it?
Snap shots of time and personal things.
USQ: What about the electronic culture and scene in Finland? Tell us the pros and cons for you?
Lots of really great producers and dj’s come from Finland, although the scene is quite scattered. I live in Helsinki, so I operate here. I actually play more often abroad than in Finland. Stuff that I play has a small audience in Finland, just enough to make our DSH parties worth doing. I don’t go out that much over here. If I have a free weekend I spend it with my family and friends. So, I might have a bit biased view on what’s going on in clubs over here.
USQ: Tell us a little about Deep Space Helsinki, the radio show you have with your friend Juho Kusti. How long have you been with the show and what’s the purpose with the program?
We’ve been doing it together now for 3 years. Also we’ve been doing DSH club nights for the same time. Primary purpose is to play good music and give an option to people who are seeking something new. We’re also trying to bring up new names from the underground. There is some great young producers in Finland at the moment. You’ll hear from them soon. Basso Radio is really great station. Over 100 dj’s, everybody specialized to their own sounds makes it quite unique station. No playlists, no bullshit.
USQ: Wich has been the place you remember the most, among all those places you have been playing? And why?
Really hard to pick up one. My first gig ever in late 80’s? My first time outside Finland? My first time playing in Berghain? So many memorable moments during these years. Of course when doing something for the first time, it feels quite special. And I have to emphasize the meaning of all the people who are involved. So many nice people out there.
USQ: What’s coming from Samuli Kemppi the next months? Releases, Remixes, Giggs, etc?
Split ep with Shifted coming out on Mote-Evolver this month, then an ep on Komisch and ep on Chronicles, sub label of Thema, based in NYC. Lots of remixes on the way. Now doing one for Phonogenic for Jesper Dahlbäck’s ISL Records. Remix for EarToGround is next on the cue. And couple more in the cue. On the gig front quite easy winter, then from april/may some interesting bookings on the calendar. Getting more and more bookings, thanks to Kinetic crew and all those promoters.
USQ: Top 5 of best tracks ever for you?
If I just name top 5 bands for me? Or, can I just say top 5 genres? I’ll give a go, this is always difficult. I recommend reading Hi Fidelity by Nick Hornby; he’s truly making art of top 5 lists.
1. Joy Division – She’s Lost Control
2. Depeche Mode - Big Muff
3. Kano – It’s a war
4. Gino Soccio – There’s a woman
5. Doors – Riders on the storm
