Interview with Auxmen

Pinning down the individuals involved in Aux isn't easy, trying to figure out who's who on each project is equally just as difficult. But you have to respect what they've brought to the table, always pushing new ideas and sounds, always on tour and living what they do. The way they take care of and execute there business is an inspiration, LD lands in Aux Quadrant and prepares to question those who care.

Wotcha Aux 88, how the devil are you?
Kool & The Gang.

How was 2003 for you?
Hectic, lot's of touring. And learning how to downsize our live performance and keep it tight
 
Have you guys checked out Ableton or Traktor yet? All you need would be a couple of laptops, controllers and a sampler.
No but have seen other artist use it.

Your recently played in our neck of the woods, how did you find wet and grey Yorkshire?
Good to see people who appreciate the music and  what you do always good to hear...

Did you get time to check the city out tho?
No stayed in our rooms to formulate new plans for 2004.

There's always been loads of confuse about who is in or out of Aux 88, any chance of a full chronological break down of all the line ups?
The original line up for AUX-88 was Keith Tucker, Tommy Hamilton,& Blak-Tony Horton....Tony DID THE 1st. Single on Trans Atlantic compilation ("phantom power" with Tommy) and toured with SCAN-7, Keith & Tommy went on to record BASS MAGNETIC. Later William (POSATRONIX/ B.J.) Smith was added. As we grew older we decided on The Aux-Men (which is now Tony & Keith) And of course, DJ Di'jital was added who is a great friend and great DJ.

I thought that the birth of the Auxmen signalled the return of Tom Tom too?
Tom Tom did a track for the first Aux Men project but isn't part of the touring group. The new Auxmen EP boasts it's the second of three final eps from the former members of Aux88, so when's the final EP out?

Some time before may for the final ep ....special treats planned

Does DJ Di'jital often set fire to his mixer?
Yes, he still is one of the best in Detroit
       
When you guys play live what is your complete set-up and just how live are your shows?
Our shows are programmed arrangements & live playing, we  switch up on the fly to make each show different. Everyone is included in crowd participation for that DETROIT old school party vibe while performing, you have to be there to experience it.

What percentage of it is actually live?
You will have to ask the fans who have saw us play and they can answer that, we seem to get this question a lot as though we don't play. The crowd performs with us as well as hearing mistakes on the fly.

What inspired the decision to close Direct Beat, especially considering the current climate where Electro's influence is rife in much music, both underground and mainstream?
At the time, we didn't know....we were all doing projects for other labels, and we still don't know today, you have to ask DIRECT BEAT that one which is owned by The Burden Brothers.

Did Direct Beat finish because of a dispute with the Burdens? Aux88 were doing all the work and the Burdens getting the cash...
As K-1, I departed in 1995 you will have to ask the Burdens that question. I just  thank them for giving us a chance and sticking with us , and that also includes largely Submerge in the mix helping out.

Just how much input beyond the musical contribution did the Aux 88 crew have towards Direct Beat (bearing in mind the majority their 50-odd release emanated from you guys)?
You just answered your own question.

[shit, yeah!]

Was the aforementioned resurgence in Electro-influenced music instrumental in the (re)formation as The Auxmen? ...How does your mission now differ to back when 'BassMagnetic' dropped way back?
No, we were involved in solo projects & re-approached by KEITH to get together....our mission is still to move asses and minds.

Do you think the Ghetto Bass sound will ever evolve from the ass n tittie records and who are you rating at the moment?
We rate no one, everyone does what they do as do we.

Was your decision to reform as a live act in any way inspired by the M500 live shows that Keith Tucker was involved in during the late 90's?
Of course.

All the boiler suits an' shit... Is it a wink to Front 242/Devo, right?
Yes and No.

Is it mostly about your love for Sci-Fi and doing what not expected then?
Yes and to keep the dark underground tone created by others

What happened to Will Webb? He still knocking around on the scene somewhere?
We guess!

What do you think of the music people are calling 'Electroclash'?
Cool, it takes us back to a time when radio was free.

What is the future of Techno Bass?
YOU'LL SOON SEE....

How soon and give us a clue what we can expect?
NEW K-1 PROJECTS / DJ DIJITAL  / BLACK TONY 
 

When you first started out how would you have reacted if you had been told that your records would be bought cherished and played over and over again to many long suffering friends, by a suburban kid North of England? Would you have cared?
TRIPPED OUT!!!, the music is our transportation device, our communication to the outside world (that's special to some urban kids from DETROIT,MI. ha,ha...) all artist, we feel ,care.

What's the scene in Detroit like right now?
Good Question ? What's The Question Again.

Come on...
Don't know, were currently within the AUX-QUADRANT.

Are you guys pretty much locked on your thing, or do you explore other styles of music?
ALL FORMS OF MUSIC, minimal, ambient,and down tempo at the moment, lot's of surprises, stay tuned to WWW.OPTIC-UNIVERSE.COM

What do you guys think of RnB? How much crossover is there between techno/electro & RnB in Detroit?
Lot's....WE listen to RnB before and after recording, just to chill.

Heard any UK garage/breaks? What do you think of it?
NO.

Count yourself lucky [laughs]

Can you confirm who was on stage at TG97? Magic Feet magazine reported at the time that it was in fact Drexciya on stage with you, or was it in fact other Direct Beat artists?
No Comment.

Come on, you know this stuff drives us trainspotters nut, keeps us awake a night, who was it?
Tom Tom . BJ , DJ Di'jital and Exile. Keith Tucker and Blak Tony were not in attendance

Blak Tony when will your techno project be released??
March 2004

You get a call from Kraftwerk, they want you as the support band on their world tour, what do you do and how do you feel?We definitely would beam in from the Aux Quadrant just to be roadies if needed.

Questions Answered by Blak Tony .....assisted at the helm by K-1 & Dj Di'jital.........Cruising in the AUX QUADRANT..

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