Matt Schwartz or Deepest Blue or DADA or The Drill
As an electronic music producer, Matt Schwartz (a.k.a. Deepest Blue, Dada, or The Drill) went on to top dance charts globally. Matt's music and songs have been featured on numerous TV programs and films (Including blockbusters such as Day of the Jackal, The Matrix, Sky Sports News, Fashion TV and most of the UK music TV channels). Matt broke the top 10 in several countries (including the UK) and sold several million albums, singles and MP3 downloads including compilations with a string of international hits under many different names such as Dada Ft Sandy Rivera & Trix - Lollipop, The Drill, 4tune500 and Deepest Blue all born under Matt's label Destined Records.
Nocturnal's Katie Tiae gets down with Matt Schwartz to find out who the real Matt Schwartz is and what makes him tick.
Katie Tiae: Seriously where do we start with someone who has so many alias artist names. What are the meanings behind the different names of Matt Schwartz? Matt Schwartz - They all represent a state I was in while trying to name a record, (usually quite a silly scenario) The Drill came from watching Benni Benassi's satisfaction video straight after I finished a club record which drilled in my head because i was experimenting with reverb... it was the Drill, DADA came about when I called my office and started throwing new artist names for this record and the guy on the other line (I think it was Gil Goldberg/Back-Yard) wanted to say something but the only thing that came out was "da, dd, da" and it just dawned on me that the name was there, it's kind of the first things babies say ... and also a cool extinct art movement who represented total disregard to rules and sharing creativity, I like that :) I thought that Deepest Blue was just an easy way to help people remember the song (deepest blue by deepest blue), we got stuck with it although i actually really like it, it could have been lightest green or creepy pink ...
Katie Tiae - I must say that under one of your alias's Deepest Blue - "Give it Away" is one of the most beautiful songs, who wrote the lyrics to this track? Matt Schwartz - I wrote it with my singing partner in Deepest Blue, Joel; he usually writes great verses (great lyrics in general) and I write bridges and hooks, so I wrote the bridge and the hook, and we wrote the chorus together and just repeated the hook (U2 inspired of course) I like simple lyrical hooks that have a complex meaning and complex musical elements that sound simple.
Katie Tiae - If your closest friends got to write about you what would they write? Matt Schwartz - Music is good but a beer and a break won't hurt either :)
Katie Tiae - What is a perfect night for you? Matt Schwartz - Ah, that really depends. It could be a night in or out with the wife, a good night in or out with mates whether in a club or not. Making a monumental record in the studio, or maybe a successful gig ... I like lots of things; nothing tops making a great record !
Katie Tiae - Can you believe the hype over some of your past tracks like 'The Drill' to the complete cheeky 'Lollipop'... Do people realize you're the same artist? Matt Schwartz - I think that in the industry, people know who I am. For the public, it doesn't matter, they just want a good record to dance or sing along to. If a record is a hit, I will usually support it with gigs and interviews although a dance record's life span is too short IMHO. It's really satisfying to know you have a hit and people actually like the music without the need for a face ... a bit like a painting rather than a product.
Katie Tiae - Alot of your work as Deepest Blue was very emotional, were you going through a tough time? Are you the type to wear your heart out on your sleeve? Matt Schwartz - I like to create emotions, if i feel like doing something dramatic, it will be like that and Deepest Blue was quite a highly charged project where Joel and I were pulling in different directions.
Katie Tiae - Where are you at musically in 2009 from where you were in the mid 1990's? How much have you learned? Matt Schwartz - oh wow, in some ways I've had to unlearn some bits ... my knowledge of the industry is far better and my focus has changed. I mix and produce very quick these days; it's nice to have the experience. My studio is amazing. I have the best outboard gear and I love it ! Connecting with people through music is amazing. I had lots of DJ gigs, including a 400,000 capacity gig in PARIS (Techno parade), although I still prefer to stay in the studio, (won't be saying that after a bottle of 40% - 70% high quality alcoholic beverage:).
Katie Tiae - Now you were born in Israel and moved to London do you follow any Israeli traditions? Matt Schwartz - I eat Hummus, lots of it. I love beeping when I'm driving, and also shouting at other drivers:) I love Israel and it really hurts me every time the conflict flares over there.
Katie Tiae - Where can we find you in the coming months? Any new alter ego's you'll be producing under? Matt Schwartz - Ah, that's a good question ... I'm working on some Trevor Horn records and you can find me in Sarm Studios making noises and creating some fresh production and songs while planning the next Destined release. Also, 'Stereo Flo' by DADA Obernik & Harris is doing really well in Russia (top20), France and OZ, should be an exciting summer. There is a French tour on the cards. And I might go to NY as I've signed one of my new records to Robbins, its called Heartbreak under 'Matt Schwartz Feat Nicol", also looks like I'm gonna produce an American group, can't say much more at the moment. I think that I'm ok with the names I have for a little while :)
Katie Tiae - Well Matty thankyou for joining us on the show! Nocturnal listeners don't forget to listen to this weeks guest mix from Schwartz himself! From Katie Tiae and the nocturnal family!
Matt Schwartz - oh wow, in some ways I've had to unlearn some bits ... my knowledge of the industry is far better and my focus has changed. I mix and produce very quick these days; it's nice to have the experience. My studio is amazing. I have the best outboard gear and I love it ! Connecting with people through music is amazing. I had lots of DJ gigs, including a 400,000 capacity gig in PARIS (Techno parade), although I still prefer to stay in the studio, (won't be saying that after a bottle of 40% - 70% high quality alcoholic beverage:).
