Q&A session with Steve Stoll

The Elektrax Music crew have recently caught up with the master of proper, minimal techno – Steve Stoll, who chats about his music, digital downloads and a new remix for Elektrax Recordings.

1. How and when did you first get into producing electronic music in general – and what motivated this commencement?

I was a drummer and still am. I have a beautiful acoustic drum kit in one corner of my studio that I still try to play every day to keep my head straight. I became interested in electronic production in the late 80’s while drumming for the Chicago based Wax Trax! label, I always combined acoustic with electronic and I became intrigued by minimalist techniques at that same time.

2. You’ve been working with music for all of the 1990s, and most of this decade. What keeps you motivated?

It is really never ending. I do hit stagnant points where the motivation is not there. I hate repeating myself or a proven process and always search for the new inspiration. I have always taken chances and will always continue to do so. Art should take risks or not exist in my opinion.

3. What production aliases do you currently work under, and how would you define their separate styles?

I am always steve stoll however my labels do have some variety. I have a new album on dutch imprint databloem with cello player jeff green which I am very proud of, cello and laptop together at last! I also have an experimental sub-label of proper called Locate that I will release my next project on. The next cd is based on circuits/oscillators that I have hand-built myself and the entire project is composed with these very limited sound sources. I guess in short I am always exploring musically but in the end I am always me.

4. How did you get involved with the Elektrax Music and the Sydney label Elektrax Recordings, run by DJ Hi-Shock?

Mutual respect and understanding of each others work. I was asked to remix a killer track and could not refuse.

5. What are your thoughts on the digital download phenomenon (positives and negatives)?
God, I miss vinyl but we do not live in those days any longer. I think we have a lot more music being released now but I do miss the physical aspect of the “product”.

6. How does digital download suit your own needs and directions?
cheap (no over-head), immediate (download on demand)

7. Do you think digital download and digital files will eventually replace vinyl for DJs?
I think it has already happened, no? I don’t even know where to buy vinyl these days, sad but true.

8. Some people hate the idea of digital download, and say it’s not “real” music. We only release vinyl. What would you say to them?
I understand the frustration behind this but the reality is the technology of vinyl is terribly outdated and that is coming from someone who earned a good living pressing vinyl. I do not think that the physical medium of releasing music is done, far from it, but to me wax is over.

9. Which other artists/DJs do you currently enjoy working with, and what’s the attraction of these particular people?
I enjoy working with anyone that has a different take on music. I am a student of all styles of music and I feel that to be a true musician you need an open heart and mind.

10. You also run a record label, how different is it to run a label these days when compared with the last decade (the 90’s)?
180 degrees different from the 90’s. I don’t use pressing plants and distributors anymore, I don’t speak in person or via phone. everything is email. I miss the direct interaction with other humans. I miss the buzz of my fax machine in the A.M., I miss reading reviews that are printed on paper, in actual magazines. I am not sure I like where we are at but I accept that change is necessary.

11. Where would you like to take your music from here?
I want to make people think, not just dance.

12. What can the listener expect from your Robota Remix?
The original style of n.y.c. minimalism, not a fashion statement but a dissection of the original true to the proper form.

Check out Steve ‘s remix of Robota on the Robota – Techno Mixes release.