1. Your new album has received many comparisons to your work with Kool Keith on Dr. Octagon. Would you say that this is merely likely or is this correct? How would You compare the two?
I don’t compare the two because Del and Keith are two entirely different people. Keith is a psychotic gynecologist, and Del is talking about the future. Every rap group has a dj, a rapper and a producer. I guess because each person stands out in their field is one of the reasons people are making the comparison.
2. How did you get in touch with Del for this project? Has this been in the works for some time?
Del was on the Handsome Boy Modeling School record, and it was the first time we worked together. We enjoyed it and decided to do a project together. We worked on it for about eight months.
3. And Kid Koala? Have you been in contact before?
I worked with Koala on Carpal Tunnel album, and have been working with him on stuff ever since.
4. How did logistics fit into place? Did you all convene to record, or were you shipping many files back and forth?
Me and Del worked together in the Bay Area, and when we were done I went to Montreal to record Eric’s parts, came home and mixed it.
5. As far as the genre of album you were concentrating on with Deltron 3030, it seems to be an admixture of technology, urban topics of crew and crib, viruses, the whole overthrow and illuminati thing. Deltron also drops quite a few buzzwords like Neuromancer, Mechs and other sci fi references. Can you comment on this?
It’s basically about the state of the world, and the frightening aspects of the future. Del is the sci-fi guy.
6. Furthermore, where did your names come from? Also, your real aliases Dan the Automator, Del tha Funkee Homosapien and Kid Koala? Anything there?
Del came up with the Deltron Zero character, I named myself and Koala. Our real aliases…can’t touch that one.
7. Also, on quite a few tracks, you feature other performers like Peanut Butter Wolf and Sean Lennon, Beans from Anti-Pop Cons. and Prince Paul. How did recording work out with these artists?
Except for Sean, I recorded all those other guys on the mini-disc I carry around. I wouldn’t want to miss something.
8. Do you ever run into a lot of industry ‘red tape’ when doing these kind of projects? What about past projects (Dr. Octagon, Handsome Boy Modeling School, etc.)?
It’s never what you think. The people that you would think will be difficult never are, and the ones who should be easy sometimes aren’t.
9. What is 75Ark and when was it formed?
It is a label some of us got together and founded. It is not just a vehicle for me, as we have Encore, Anti-Pop, The Coup and some other new stuff. It is nice to have a place to put projects that will do better at an indie than a major.
10. As far as influences, what are some of your greatest?
John Woo & Peter Jackson.
11. Who are some of your favorite artists in today’s music? Favorite Labels?
Sadat X, Radiohead, Blur Labels – XL, Parlophone, 75 Ark.
12. Now, a little in depth question: What is the process like in writing a track? Does this process (if any) change when other artists are brought into play?
I start with a beat, or sometimes a complete song. There isn’t really a formula. It will sometimes depend on the vocalist.
13. What is the most important tool you use…besides a cell phone?
I covet the Assmann 640 that Koala owns. Everything else pales in comparison.
14. What is your take on music?
I know that a lot of people are talking about how bad hip hop music is nowadays. On the other hand, many would contend that this form of music is only getting better with age…more creative and better produced. What is your take? Much worse.
15. What else out there would you compare your music to? Infesticons/Mike Ladd, Vadim, Mr. Dibbs? Any? Have you worked with any of these other artists?
I don’t really compare myself to anyone.
17. As far as remixes, which you are known to do, how do you choose what (and what NOT) to remix?
Basically, I have to feel the track. I do all kinds of stuff you wouldn’t necessarily expect, and I turn down stuff that would surprise you.
18. As a personal question: what is your home life like? Are you a morning person?
I’m not a morning person, unless I’ve stayed up all night working (it happens).
19. Ha, and what do you like to do for fun?
Go out to restaurants.
20. One last question. What books on the Deltron 3030 experience would you recommend?
Sci Fi, Hi Fi, Lo Fi, New Age, etc.? Wouldn’t It Be Nice – Autobiography of Brian Wilson.