Interview with Mark Brown & Micky Slim

June 29, 2008

Mark Brown & Micky Slim may not spring to mind as your perfect dance music tag team but for the next installment of Cr2’s Live & Direct series they have joined forces to bring you something a little different than the norm. Micky’s sets are all about the party and the bass, ensuring the dancefloor and atmosphere are electric and everyone is having the time of their life! Mark’s mix compliments by taking a deeper route and encompassing all genres of electronica whilst still ensuring that the energy levels do not drop!

We caught up with them to discuss their latest Cr2 compilation…

Hello guys, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. You have your new album out in May, tell us about it?

Micky – It’s wicked, go buy it….NOW

Mark It’s a triple cd… I have mixed CD1 & Micky CD2, CD3 is a bonus unmixed disc for DJS which also includes our single “You Know What’s up” which is exclusive to this compilation.

How did you two get together to do this compilation? Your styles are very different?

Micky - It was Marks idea. I was very happy he chose me to do this with him and I think the contrast in our styles works on the compilation.

Mark - I wanted to do something different to the usual Cr2 compilations and since Micky’s had such a great year, I thought it would be a very interesting concept.

So you have your exclusive single on there? How did that come about? Will it be available as a single?

Mark - We have made an exclusive track for the album called ‘You Know what’s up’. It will be available as a single soon and we have some great remixes lined up too but for now, you will have to buy the CD to get a copy. We will not be sending out any promos just a live release to try and avid the file shares which is killing our industry.

Mark – you have just had a Top 15 hit in the UK charts – how did that feel?

Mark - It’s a great feeling to have a chart success after 10 years of breaking other peoples records.

You caused a bit of a stir with your rework of ‘Jump Around’ and since then have remixed the likes of Dizzee rascal &, Chris Lake. . Who would you like to remix or are you concentrating on your own material now?

Micky - I am concentrating on original material for my label Bomb Squad Records but am still really busy with remixes. I’m always in the studio. I am remixing the next Mighty Dub Katz release, ‘Keep On Truckin’ for Southern Fried and I’ve been lucky enough to be asked to do a remix for a track from Fatboy Slims next album under his Brighton Port Authority guise. Its a collaboration with David Byrne… to be honest i feel like its the best thing to happen to me so far in my career, I’m over the moon.

How did you choose the tracks for the compilation?

Micky - Went through a whole load of my music and picked the best.

Mark - it has taken me 2 months to carefully select and programme a true reflection of what I am playing in clubs

What are your fave tracks on there?

Micky - I really love the Dave Robertson Mix of ‘Screamo’ by Adam Shaw & Clinton Brown and The Stupid Fresh mix of Nick Supplys ‘HizNHiz’, both great tracks.

Mark - Steve Angello “Rollin”

Cr2, the label, has been going from strength to strength – are you doing tours now aswell?

Mark – Yes, we are currently in the middle of a worldwide tour… next stop Australia!

Whats the strangest thing that has happened to you at a gig?

Mark - Lets wait until our tour has finished! I’m sure there will be some outrageous things happening!

Micky - I was sober this one time………….very strange

How do you describe the music that you’re bringing out right now and where do you look for inspiration?

Mark - new school house!

Micky - My music at the moment is changing constantly - Big Beat, Filthy but Groovy… I get inspiration from all different genres of music. I listen to a lot of music. I love Disco, Funk, Soul, Breaks, Hip hop, Garage, Grime, Ragga & Rock - a bit of everything really.

What makes you groove?

Mark - anything by Popof!

Micky - Earth Wind & Fire..

Have you ever had to take a massive risk musically?

Mark - I always like to take risks when I play that’s what makes djing exciting.

Micky – I’m always taking risks with the music i make and play, thats the fun of it, having the balls to follow your ideas and make it work.

Name three of your biggest influences…

Micky - Musically I have always loved Switch, he had a massive influence on my early work. Fatboy Slim is my hero, I think he’s a genius. I have recently signed to my Bomb Squad Artists Roster, Stupid Fresh –they have had a massive influence on what i play, their music is amazing.

Mark - Quincy Jones, Roger Sanchez & Murk

What piece of kit can you not live without?

Mark - CDJ1000

Micky - My 50″ Samsung Plasma.

What was the last book you read?

Mark - Sage accounting 2008!!!

Micky - Tookie Williams Autobiography.

Whats your most treasured possession?

Mark - My girlfriend !

Micky - My Mom.

Tell us something you’ve never told an interviewer before?

Mark – I’m still doing mailouts at cr2!