Binary Finary are back since their break in 2000. After 10 years they have resurfaced with a new team performing live as well as behind the decks and also have some new upcoming releases. Stuart Matheson agreed to speak with us to catch up on what they have been doing for the past 10 years and their upcoming plans for the group.
Stuart offers insight into what their live performances entail, the development of their recent re-release and remix pack for their chart topping hit "1998" as well as other topics.
1. Can you describe what equipment you use while performing live on stage ?
Stuart Matheson: We use 2 MacBook pros, networked up with 2 JazzMutant Lemurs and a keyboard, all plugged into a traditional Dj mixer. Clips are triggered live from the Lemur's as well as the control of filters and effects.
2. Which style of performing do you anticipate doing more frequently, and why ?
Stuart Matheson: Well, currently we are focusing on the Live side of things. I'm more of a producer than a Dj so it suits me better. However that's where Sasha comes in, as he is primarily a Dj, so we have all basses for live covered.
3. What inspired you to re-release "1998" along with several remixes ?
Stuart Matheson: I hear a lot of people saying that this song has been remixed to death, and although part of me/us agrees, this was the first remix package we actually had anything to do with. Record companies have been churning out the remixes without us even knowing, so this is really our first re-release. Some 12 years later. It was also a chance to do our own remix, something we haven't been offered previously, and indeed worked out well as we play this out live.
5. Did you personally select which remixes would be released or was the decision up to Armada ?
Stuart Matheson: Armada were great with this, they spoke to us and got feedback from us about every remix. At the end of the day though we were happy to follow their lead, as they know their business a lot better than we do!
6. What inspired you to get back in the scene and what was your approach for doing so ?
Stuart Matheson: Being honest again, when the option for Sensation come about, I thought, well it's worth a go for a bit of fun. After the reaction we got, I was blown away, so decided it was time to put a bit more focus into making those types of events happen a bit more frequently. It's all for fun and enjoyment, sure we take our music seriously, but this is just for the buzz of throwing some creative's out loud, and watching the feedback!
7. How have your styles changed over the years ?
Stuart Matheson: That's a great question, one I am not sure of. Ha. We really just write music we like, and like to hear played out. It's not pre-determined, so if you start off wanting to make a trance monster, but it ends up as chill out electronica, then so be it.
8. Do you believe that you can bring back some of the old skool magic back to Trance music ?
Stuart Matheson: You know good music, is good music. It doesn't matter when it was written or who wrote it, if people enjoy it, then that's the main thing. If we can inspire anyone in anyway to start writing music, or just to go out and have fun, then we'll sit back quite contented.
9. Since 2000 so many different sub-genres of Trance have emerged. If you had to classify the current sound of Binary Finary, which sub-genre of Trance would you choose ?
Stuart Matheson: I think that's a difficult question, because we aren't writing for a particular style. I'm not sure I totally follow the idea of being put into a specific pigeonhole of style/genre. I know that makes sense for the listeners out there, dependent upon their tastes, but I would just say 'Trance'.
10. Do you have any additional comments for your fans ?
Stuart Matheson: Yes, thank you to all who have come along to our shows and given us great feedback via email and on the web. We wouldn't be doing what we are now if it wasn't for you all. Also would like to thank everyone for supporting the "1998" re-release. It's been great to be a part of this track again. So a big heart felt thanks to everyone who has supported us, and we hope to bring your beautiful ears some great live music and releases shortly.
Interview made by Zaneta M. Soroko Ortiz aka Euphoria (TranceSound.net Co-admin)
Links:
Binary Finary official website
Binary Finary @ MySpace
Euphoria @ MySpace
Electronic Night Life official website
