FC Kahuna interview & mix!
In 2002, FC Kahuna released their album Machine Says Yes to critical acclaim. Compared to contemporaries such as The Chemical Brothers on its release, this record was, and still is, a staple in many electronic music fan’s collection across the world. The album contained timeless tracks that still rock dance floors to this day, and have been used by countless TV shows and on numerous films. The album’s success lead onto some amazing parties, such as ’21st Century Bodyrockers’, DJing alongside some of dance music’s biggest names – Erol Alkan, Soulwax, DJ Hell and Andrew Weatherall. The original duo – Dan and Jon – formed a live act, and went on to tour with Royksopp, and played festivals such as Coachella and Benicassim.
They garnered a reputation as a quality DJ pairing, and released the mix album ‘Another Fine Mess’, sitting tracks from Blur and Polyphonic Spree, alongside Josh Wink and Green Velvet. The kind of mix many DJ’s dream of having half the imagination and ability to create. In addition to their own material, FC Kahuna have re-worked some awesome records and artists, with names like Felix DaHousecast and New Order tripping off the tongue.
More recently, the pair have gone their own ways, and Dan has taken on the task of taking FC Kahuna forward. With new material, remixes and DJing residencies on the table, Brap boys The GSM, felt it a good time to see what’s happening with this quality act.
Dan has done a mix for their show that will be aired Saturday 10th at 8pm right here on Brap FM. Ahead of this, one half of the GSM – Seismic – caught up with Dan to ask him a few questions.
Brap: What has FC Kahuna been up to as of late?
FC Kahuna: I’ve been working with other people, producing some stuff for a new act, right out of Lincoln. His name’s Ben. Dont know what the artist name will be as yet. Great upfront electronic pop. Some remixes…did 2 for Chew Lips, Boxer Rebellion, Florence and Machine, Noah and the Whale…cracking on with album number 2.
Brap: Machine Says Yes was met with huge critical acclaim, has that had an impact on the work you’ve done since?
FC Kahuna: Yup…makes me more precious about having stuff coming out as FC Kahuna original material.
Brap: What has been the best moment in your career to date?
FC Kahuna: Too many to mention. I love the friends made, the places travelled and the music we have played.
Brap: You’ve played some amazing parties, and alongside some great DJ’s. Who for you was the stand-out act you’ve been fortunate enough to share a line-up with?
FC Kahuna: Again, so many, and for different reasons. Right now, I cant help but feel inspired by people like the Disco bloodbath DJs (though i aint ever played with them), Erol Alkan’s Disco 3000 ness, Nathan Gregory Wilkins…It was nice hearing from James Murphy, who i cant respect, music wise, any more than i do, he told me the first time he heard Losing My Edge in a club, I was playing it… but then i sound like a caricature of what that song was about, right?!
Brap: More recently you’ve made some music with The Sunshine Underground, is this an on-going project? Do you see similar collaborations in the future?
FC Kahuna: Yes…album number 2 has some very exciting guests. I love working with other people. I get stuff done quicker. The Sunshine Underground are good fun to hang around and i love them dearly but I think they are going in a different direction. At one point of time, it was all about house, techno, disco, synths and grooves with them, now it’s more about rock.
Brap: What’s your favourite FC Kahuna tune and why?
FC Kahuna: Mindset to Cycle and Nothing Is Wrong. I just think they sound as good as they could.
Brap: You’ve just started a new residency in Aberdeen. How did that come about, and what can we expect to hear you playing?
FC Kahuna: Wanted to have the freedom to play the music i am currently enjoying and not the boshing electro some people seem to think i do play (I want the music policy to be like an ongoing update of the old Another Fine Mess mix compilation we did a few years back). What will you be getting…back of the crate secret weapons and obscurites, house, techno, disco, Italo. And things i shouldn’t play but always will. Testing the water.
Brap: Tell us a bit about the mix. What thoughts went into the track selection? Where did you put it together? What set-up did you use?
FC Kahuna: I only have 1 CDJ at home and 2 decks so i ran the whole thing live using those things and a cycloops sampler. CDs and mainly vinyl. Music chosen to represent the new club.
Brap: Here at Brap.FM, we’re committed to promoting new music and artists, is there anyone you’re tipping to keep an eye out for in the next few months?
FC Kahuna: Labels – Channel 83 is great, History Clock is on a role, Luke Neville and Sege Santiago’s Retro/Grade. Oh, I like that producer Kink also. And some Villa stuff i like. It’s A Fine Line are ace.
Keep your eyes peeled for the new album coming out, exciting times ahead in the land of FC Kahuna! Don’t forget to tune in on Saturday night to hear the mix, having listened to it already, you’re in for a treat.
