Down for the interview is self-professed purveyor of industrial acid techno since 2001, the one and only Martyn Hare of Emetic! Catch more of him for our Meat Free BYOB knees up at the White Hotel, alongside Kobosil and Tom Long! It’s not too late to grab a ticket for February 3rd:
There’s absolutely no doubt that you’re a legend of the industry most interviews and articles on you open with a reminder of just how long you’ve been on the scene – how have things changed for you (for better or worse) as an artist and DJ over the years? What’s the biggest difference between now and say, 10 years ago?
Firstly, thanks for thinking I’m a legend, that sounds silly, but yes, I’ve been around the block a few times… I think the main thing for me is social media. Back in the day you had to be good at what you do, now it seems you just have to make people think your good via your online presence. I find it tedious at best, but technology can also aid greatly so you have to be onboard with it. Most my gigs come via Facebook messenger requests, so that says it all really.
Your own tracks are unapologetic to say the least, how does it feel when you release your music, something you’ve been burrowed away creating and setting it free into the world?
To be honest, by the time a track comes out, especially on vinyl, I’ve already played it to death for maybe a year or so and I’m onto the next one or three. So I get the buzz from just finishing something then nailing it that weekend to see how it translates out knowing nobody will have access to it for ages. It’s always nice to hear someone else playing your tracks when they come out and them doing damage at a party though, that’s what it’s all about.
What is your writing process like?
I usually get a beat going, then find a sound I like on one of my synths, mangle it and record a live passage, edit it, and then tinker to make it sound ace (my fav bit). Add some frilly bits and Bobs your uncle, techno done.
At what point in your career did you decide you wanted to start the label – was there a particular catalyst?
I was producing a lot of tracks back then, and wanted on outlet for those sounds that other labels couldn’t fulfil. It was something I always wanted to do, to have control, and a few opportunities came up, including one with the Stay Up Forever collective who helped me start Emetic.
The name Emetic is….provocative, what made you choose the name?
I was round my mates house during Uni and I was trying to think of a label name. He had some medicine for some bad guts I think, and it said on the label it was an anti-emetic. I asked what an emetic was and he said to induce vomiting. Perfect 🙂
In recent years you’ve worked with artists like Inigo Kennedy and Joe Farr and most recently Pinion, what qualities does a track or artist need to possess to be uniquely Emetic?
Just dirty.
Who are the artists and DJs inspiring you today?
I can’t say I really get inspiration from any DJ’s. Maybe some heavy metal track I’ve just heard or general vibe of a club, but nothing specific. But if you are after techno names, then Sunil Sharpe (both solo and with Defekt as Tinfoil), Ryuji Takeuchi, Paul Birkin and me. 😉
Finally, what can Manchester expect from your set on 3rd February?
Brutality and moshing.
Photo credit: http://electronicexplorations.org/?show=martyn-hare
