EXCLUSIVE: Pacha Beyond Interview With Two Armadillos (King Roc)

This article is about Lost Souls presents... Deetron [Music Man] @ Pacha in London (UK), Fri 12 Sep 2008

They might have one of the weirdest DJ monikers in the business but don't let that put you off the Two Armadillos - otherwise known as Giles Smith and King Roc. Probably one of the finest pairings in dance music. Whilst Giles Smith is secretly dazing away in the sun(!), King Roc takes some time out to talk to us about his impending debut at Pacha with Kitchen Party, hosting the Global Room.....

What is Kitchen Party?

Kitchen Party is an online (website) house party to the world. The main hosts are husband and wife duo Brian Monaco and Simone Fougère (aka Sweet & Vicious DJs). Kitchen Party is a place to see and hear great underground dance music being played by DJs from THEIR kitchen - for free and on demand!

Sounds interesting, tell me more.....

They've created a cyber venue that shows the true essence of a house party - all from a secretly-located house in the heart of London. They've got strong eco-values, too. It's their intention to party hard, listen to some great music and create a community - all the while supporting environmental awareness and conscious capitalism. These goals and beliefs are reflected in their choices for sponsors, without whom Kitchen Party wouldn't exist. Some of them are small independent companies that they want to give a boost to, others may be large but showing promise.

Who came up with the name 'Two Armadillos'? And what's it supposed to mean?

Mr Smith came up with that little number. We wanted something personal and hopefully a bit unusual and unique. Plus I just think it’s a bit weird which I love.

How did you two meet?

We first met through Giles’ SecretSundaze parties years ago but then saw each other a lot more when I was working at Phonica Records in Soho.

How did you get into house music? And what inspired you to produce/remix your first record?

I had been producing for a few years as King Roc and had mentioned to Giles a while ago about doing a track together but we just never found the right moment. Then, during the time I was working at Phonica the idea came up again. This time, it came together and we had such a laugh in the studio - it has become one of the best music partnerships I've had.

What's been the proudest moment in your professional life so far?

Giving up the extra day jobs to write music and DJ full-time.

Aside, of music what else has been your proudest moment to date?

Crap - I've been so focused on music, I kind of missed loads of other stuff. Hmm... I AM proud I haven't damaged myself badly while snowboarding yet (touch wood!!!)

What productions/releases have you got coming up?

As Two Armadillos, we are working on a remix for the forthcoming Dessous 10 Year Anniversary compilation, plus hopefully a remix of Model 500 for the rejuvenated R&S Records. As King Roc, I am finishing off the last two Chapters from my album project. I have also reworked most of the first three Chapters in the album and should have the whole album finished in the next few weeks for release on my Mutual Society label in early 2009.

What did you do for your last birthday and when was your birthday?

I'm having my 30th birthday on the 30th of September and will be celebrating it with my good friends who run Kitchen Party with special guest Will Saul. I then have two days to recover before I move to Berlin, then three days to unpack before I go to Brazil for ten weeks. Roll on the next decade!!

What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened to you in a club?

I once played in a strip club in Brazil. They decided to let some of the girls carry on working. It's very hard to DJ when you are surrounded by naked women!!!

What's the worst DJing gig you ever had?

Beyond some quiet gigs now and again, I have been quite lucky. I DID have to do a trip to Romania where I spent four hours in the club, two hours sleeping and the other eighteen hours going to and from the airport and in the actual airport, plus nearly missing my flight because all the roads were blocked in preparation for the arrival of the President of the USA.

What happened the last time you embarrassed yourself?

After some heavy drinking in Minsk, I suffered from severe memory blackouts - but apparently I was a happy drunk, so not TOO embarrassing.

What can't you live without?

My iPod. I left the charger lead at my parents' house recently and suddenly realised just how much I use it.

What was the last record you bought?

I just bought Bloc Party’s last two singles, the Foals album, the new Editors album and U2’s Joshua Tree.

Who or what are your musical influences?

Music with emotion to listen to by myself - and music to dance to with other people.

Thanks for that, Mr... erm... Roc(!) Kitchen Party sounds like an event worth supporting and with you guys on board, it's going to be amazing....

See: www.kitchenparty.tv - for more details....

Article by Muzz-Khan, viewed 245 times

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EXCLUSIVE: Pacha Beyond Interview With Two Armadillos!! Muzz-Khan
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