If you’re into techno, Slam is a name you should know. If you haven’t heard of them, you’ve got more than two decades of material to catch up on. The Glaswegian duo have come from humble beginnings in Scotland to gracing main stages all around the world.

A fun fact you may or may not know, it was Slam, via their Soma Quality Recordings label, which released Daft Punk’s “Da Funk” back in 1996. This just goes to show that Slam have firmly cemented their place in electronic music history.

The duo are set to head down under in November for earthcore festival to pump the bush doof’s attendee’s with their blend of driving techno; and for this reason, it’s only necessary that we pick their brains about all things techno.

 

Q: Soma Quality Recordings has been a staple in house and techno for over 25 years. What was your original intention when starting the label and what has kept Soma’s presence so strong over the years? Is there one release that you two hold most dear?

A: Soma was started initially with the intention of releasing ours and our friend’s first forays in to the world of self produced dance music. We had very limited equipment and experience. We had approached various people involved in the Scottish music scene – with no interest being shown at all by anyone . All of us had grown up through the Punk DIY ethos of the 80’s – so musical independence was paramount. Soma’s strength and longevity has been mainly based on a non-commercial and non-financial remuneration basis – just a belief in outputting quality future electronica regardless – coupled with a truly democratic A&R policy.

The record that changed everything for us, and the label , has to be “Slam – Positive Education “ – it took us all on to the global Dance stage

Q: Is there something you’ve learnt from running Soma? What are some of the challenges of running a label today?

A: One of the main things we’ve learned from running Soma is to admit that you’re not always right – that strength lies in a truly democratically run inclusive business – when you’re all fighting for the same ethos and values your decisions may not always be successful but they always feel right and honourable.

There are always challenges in running a label – now and in the past . I suppose the biggest one we’ve faced recently was the transition from terrestrial to digital – a truly difficult time for everyone at Soma – a real re-definition of our business model.

 

 

Q: Since the digital age has come about, it’s changed the way the record industry has operated. What would you say is the role of a label in today’s music landscape?

A: We think the role of a record hasn’t changed – well for Soma anyway – we are here to output qualitative forward thinking electronic music regardless of financial remuneration. To support artists with their vision and passion through the treacherous world of the record industry on their journey of expression.

 

Q: What do you think it takes to run a successful label? Any tips for someone starting to think about making their own imprint?

A: Soma has run on pure passion – if you’re thinking of starting a record label , which is definitely easier today – but still a lot of work. Have a belief in the music you want to release – don’t pander to fads and the lure of fleeting successes.

Have attitude and try to break the mould – be musically open-minded  – respect is far more rewarding than success.

 

 

Q: How did techno and house enter onto your own music landscape? Do you two remember the feeling you had when you first heard the sounds? What made you want to pursue electronic music initially as Slam?

A: We grew up on an eclectic mixture of Reggae, Funk, Soul, Disco, Punk, New Wave and early Electronica  – we where both fanatical  ( or sad ) record buyers from an early age. So when we first started to hear and buy the early releases of Chicago’s Trax + Dance Mania  and Detroit’s  Transmat + Metroplex  labels  –  we where instantly hooked.  The first time we heard Rhythm is Rhythm’s – “The Dance” in a club situation it sounded like it had been recorded underwater  – so different from anything else being spun.

We both thought this is our music – we want to make this kind of stuff  – it was a real burn

 

 

Q: Slam Radio has become a go to spot for any techno head to hear quality mixes. What was your original concept behind the podcast/ what drove you to create it?

A: Slam Radio was initially started because as we where travelling to gigs we’d always have someone in the car put on a fantastic mix by some DJ we’d never heard of.

It seemed to us that there were so many talented people not getting a chance or a platform to air their mixes  – most shows either catered for the big names or just friends of a certain host or record label – it was time to change that.

 

 

Q: You two ran your first night in 1988. How has the techno and house landscape in Glasgow changed since then?

A: Of course ’88 was the Summer Of Love and saw our entrance in to the Glasgow club scene with a fresh music policy and a less restrictive door policy. The cities musical landscape had always been fantastic but it has grown from strength to strength over the years – spurning new clubs, events, promoters and record labels. It’s now fair to say that that Glasgow enjoys an international reputation as a energetic and musically qualitative club destination

 

 

Q: You’ve been booked for Earthcore festival in November this year. What are you thoughts leading up to the festival? Have you experienced an Australian “bush doof” before or heard about it?

A: Yes we’ve appeared at the Earthcore festival before many years ago – plus we’ve been on tours like Two Tribes and others out in Australia before.

Just really looking forward to getting out there and performing – also enjoying the fantastic Aussie hospitality + “bush doof “

 

 

Q: With such a busy schedule, how do you manage your time between Soma, family and production, performance? How has it been raising a family whilst being on the road a lot? Are you bring up your young to be fine selectors as well?

A: It’s not always been easy juggling everything – but a good team of mates and friends has been invaluable. The Soma office team have always been super supportive.

As for our families – we met or partners through the clubs so they have always known what our lives have encompassed and I think they quite like getting rid of us every weekend

Music is a “burn” that we feel must come for within – so our kids have been free to develop their own musical tastes – but they seem to be pretty healthy to us – if you don’t have a firm distaste for your parents music, then something is wrong!!  

 

 

Q: In 1996, you released “Da Funk” by Daft Punk. Do you still keep in contact with the duo these days?

A: Yes – we met up with Thomas Bangalter a couple of months ago for a meal in Paris – before a gig at the Rex Club. Guy Manuel was out of town so we missed him. We’re just all so happy to have been part of their history – couldn’t have happened to two nicer and more attitude driven guys. VIVA LA PUNKS

 

 

Q: Your last album Reverse Proceed was a beautiful piece of electronic music, and your recent single have been absolutely…well…slamming. What are the two different creative mind frames that you take on when producing single and an album?

A: The creative process is never ending – but it’s like moods – when you’ve always enjoyed an elective taste in music you find inspiration from everywhere.

We don’t find satisfaction in producing just one genre of music – so we’re forever writing tunes of different types of which only a fraction ever find it on to our release schedule.

We have a new album “ Machine Cut Noise “ due for release on Soma later this year, which is predominately club, cuts with some ambient moments.  

Catch Slam alongside Rødhåd, Ambivalent, Julian Jewell, Vitalic, Ø [Phase] and more at earthcore 2016  in Pyalong, Victoria from 24-28 November. 

Buy tickets from here: https://www.outix.net/tickets/event/earthcore2016