On Thursday March 10th Show are back, this time with a gathering of souls from the ever excellent Moda Black record label, an imprint which has been acting as a veritable nursery of new talent since 2011. Founders Jaymo and Andy George will be stepping up alongside the most primo personage of Ben Pearce and local residential Theo Kotis too. Get it down you. Theo Kottis, Moda Black and Ben Pearce Show’ed up to chat about dreams of being a wrestling commentator and a play about B&Q…
Theo Kottis asks Andy George…
What’s your go to record to get you in the party mood before a gig? Any pre show rituals?
When I was younger my record of choice used to be Boom Boom Boom by The Outhere Brothers, but sadly those days are over. I tend to stick a mix on when en route to a gig, the new one from Palms Traxx is my current favourite. I’m not particularly superstitious, I just try to have a couple of Old Fashioned’s and ensure Jay arrives on time!
Seeing you running about Lost Village owning the place last year was very cool – what was your favourite part of the whole experience? Anything you learnt that you’ve taken forward to this year?
The whole weekend was incredible, if a little surreal. I couldn’t pick out one particular moment, but the joy (and relief) of seeing the whole thing come together was very special! As a team we learnt so much from the whole process that we’re taking into year 2. Personally, I’m just going to try and take as much in of it as possible over the weekend, whilst running around like a madman!
I’m a film buff like you – although you one up’d me visiting Sundance Film Festival, any must see films?
The whole festival was amazing! I’d recommend ‘Gasland’, a film by Josh Fox about our disastrous journey towards Global Warming, and Spike Lee’s new documentary about Off The Wall.
Jaymo asks Theo Kottis
We’ve heard that in the light of Steve Aoki’s cake throwing endeavours, and as a nod to your Greek heritage, you’ve started lobbing plates around mid set. Isn’t that a bit much?
I’m not sure what the crowd would make of plates smashing over their heads but I wouldn’t mind olives, feta and grapes on my rider, washed down with a bottle of ouzo!
You used to be a graphic designer before converting to music full time. There’s obviously lots of parallels between the two techniques – which do you think have helped you most and why?
I think designers are very similar to musicians, we are all creating something. I know I’m not the only one that made this transition, other DJs like Seth Troxler and Tycho were graphic designers at first too. I love having an outlet for expression – at first this was through design and now that’s music. It’s very cool that art and tech are so interlinked and there are always new innovations to explore and understand – I love geeking out and getting my head around new programmes, particularly with music!
What 3 songs do you remember most resonating with you whilst being carted around in the back of your parents car as a kid?
Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule
Madonna – Into The Groove
Culture Beat – Mr. Vain
Ben Pearce asks Jaymo
We’re going to be standing close to each other all night. I know your a fashion conscious man. If Moda Black launched a fragrance, what would it smell like?
Hardware stores, definitely. There’s something deeply nostalgic about the smell of B&Q. It would be called Soil Amour or Woodsman. Either works.
Aside from booth space, what other personal things would you not have a problem with sharing with several of your mates?
Body fluids, chewing gum and exerts from my forthcoming stage play about B&Q.
Will you ever reignite your glorious wrestling career?
I’ve had counselling and I now feel like I’m past that stage of my life. When I was in Primary school I was adamant that my future career would entail being a wrestling commentator, so maybe I should pick up on that at some point. One of the key characters at Lost Village is based on Papa Shango, so in some ways I’ve clearly not let go.
Andy George asks Ben Pearce
We know that you, like me, LOVE food… What are your top 3 favourite London food hang-outs and WHY?
Food is ACE isn’t it! Erm, well probably my favourite restaurant I’ve been to numerous times is Adam Handling at the Caxton. Saw him on Masterchef Professionals and we went after that, next level ability to create dishes! Just been to a new place near where I live (Stoke Newington) called Fox and Pie… who doesn’t like a pie? I am Northern after all… had a steak and kidney suet and damn. And third, well, my house? I love cooking as you might know… you’ve still not come round for dinner? Why?
(IMAGE: CAXTON GRILL)
Rumour has it the reason your new Moda Black track is called Pomelo is because you were once apprehended for stealing a pack from Waitrose?
I’m not sure I should be saying this publicly, the security chased me but luckily I hid behind some organic yams and then doused myself in bolivian nutmeg to make my escape past the dog on the exit. It was a hairy couple of days laying low, I don’t think I can go back in there now.
I should probably as one serious question… Favourite festival to play in the UK right now?
Fishing are we Andy? ;) No seriously, I’ve said this since last May that Lost Village was the best UK festival I was at last year. I have every faith it will be again. SO bloody excited!
Advance tickets now on sale from RA, then on the door from 11pm.