Gatas Y Perros
I recently had the chance to catch up with Catz 'N Dogz (Previously 3 Channels) for a splendid interview via email. This duo is extremely talented and have released under various labels including Trapez, Poker Flat, Crosstown Rebels, and dirtybird. To add fire to the flame, they have just released a full length album titled, Stars of Zoo, under Claude VonStroke's other label imprint, Mothership. A great album from start to end. It is very deeply rooted in house music without forgetting that very important techno factor. On top of all this they run their own label, Channel Recordings. Obviously, these guys are busy and so I am extremely thankful they took the time to give Shot Callin' such a wonderful interview.
1. How did you two first get involved with music?
We met in 2003 on the internet, and then at a party because we from the same city. Wojtek was making parties and starting to DJ. I was also just starting to DJ in a new club in the city, Mezzoforte. Because our music style was similar, we thought it would be nice to start making parties together. We didn't think about making music together back then though. The idea to produce music came about when we heard each other's tracks.
2. You guys have your own label, Channel Recordings, and have also put out stuff under various, very well respected labels, as well as remix other talented artists. What was a big catalyst moment for you that helped you push your music onto a broader audience?
There was two main moments that helped us believe in our music. First it was our release on Trenton records. After that we started to believe that we can produce more and better stuff. Second was the remix of "Who's Afraid of Detroit." After that things went much more faster and everything started to be more simple for us.
3. I enjoy both projects, 3 Channels and Catz 'n Dogz. Just to clarify for the readers, you guys are going into a bit of a different direction with Catz 'n Dogz and the new album correct? Can you elaborate a little on that?
3 Channels was our first project, at the beginning we were making it as a 3 persons. It was a young project we didn't know where we were going without style and we were experimenting. Catz 'n Dogz is a next step in our productions, we are more into the roots of house and techno music. We don't wat to say what direction we will go in next few years cuz we still don't know. I guess it will be more and more into the melodic stuff but still really groove. Our album is something between what our music was in the past and what our music will be in the future. We made cooperations with dOP, Mathias Kaden and Monty Luke, and there are a lot of good artists involved in remix projects. So actually everything turns up really good for us.
4. How did the album's name, "Stars of Zoo" come about? The album art is great, who drew that up?
The beginning was really simple: Gregory bought a cat and I bought a dog in the same time. We wanted to change the name but for the name that its really easy to make variations with album names and song titles. That's why we chose Catz 'n Dogz. The name Stars of Zoo came out from the name "Stars on 45" the old 12" that I have from my mother ;) About the artwork of the album; we are so happy about it!! When we saw the first preview of the artwork we said YES! straight away! It's made by Max Pfisterer, who also does the artwork for dirtybird and Connaisseur Recordings.
5. Stars of Zoo is coming out on Claude VonStroke's label, Mothership. In my opinion, one of the few good American labels (ironically dirtybird is part of the list too). How has it been working with Claude on this release?
Barclay (Claude VonStroke) and Christian Martin are our friends, not only the label managers, and that's very important for us. Great djs and producers, super nice people. Sounds like ass licking talk but that's all true. We're very happy to work with the whole Mothership crew. It all started from making a remix of "Who's Afraid of Detroit" which was really successful and nobody expected that. After that we were more motivated to go in this direction and we send some more stuff to dirtybird, and after the first ep they asked us about making an album. Before that we didn't think about making an album but it was really good idea and right time to do it. So it's really cool that someone believed in us and give us motivation that's really important.
6. I know a magician never reveals his secrets but most musicians usually go Logic Pro or Pro Tools as their DAW of choice. I've also read that with Catz 'n Dogz you're using more instruments and vocals. So spill the beans, do you find yourself using more analog gear for this album? DAW of choice?
We are not using analog stuff at all! Many people can't believe but it's true. Our studio, it's just a computer, controller and really cheap speakers. We really like to work with samples so we are searching for it all the time. We have a lot of samples from live instruments and we are also recording it by ourselves. Of course we like to sample old records, and we have all the time with us protable recorder: that's why on the first track of the album you can hear my mother's voice while she is opening the door for me ;)
7. Because I like to end interviews on obscure numbers. Any other upcoming projects you'd like to talk about? What's in the future for 3 Channels, Catz 'n Dogz and Channel Recordings? Any plans to come to the states?
At the moment we don't have a studio cuz I moved to Berlin and I'm searching for a nice new flat which is really pain in the ass cuz everybody is now moving to Berlin. We are doing right now just some first drafts of new stuff and I guess we will start few more remixes and some more cooperations with live vocals and instruments. We also want to do another EP for Leena next year and of course all the time working for Mothership. As for our label: We will release our friends from Warsaw, there will also be a release of Til von Sein with an Agnes remix. We are coming to the states on December already for few gigs LA, SF and Miami.
The guys agreed to let me upload a track off, Stars of Zoo. Lucky for us they gave us, Yes They Still Play Casio. A song that sticks with most of the albums theme and is rich in drums, gotta love the drums. Sticking to the Catz 'n Dogz name too, you will hear some great cats and dogs samples (literally). But wait there's more, the song features Mathias Kaden, who has already proven to be a very talented producer.
Stars of Zoo is out on Mothership
The rest of the album is great...seriously go out and buy it.
