THE LAST SKEPTIK
The Last Skeptik’s a producer, composer and DJ with past collaborations reading like awards: djing for Guru from Gangstarr before he passed away, and sharing a stage with Flea playing bass and Damon Albarn playing piano.
So it’s something of a surprise that his new EP, at least in its title, is inspired instead by the dicks who surround him. While on reflection, you could say he is unfortunate enough to be like flypaper for freaks, the sounds he’s produced in his latest offering and second solo work, “I Don’t Even Like You” seems to have much more love put in.
Full of technically advanced beats, to me it sounds “acidy” – or at least the track Show me took me back to the highs of the Hacienda circa 1994. Music comes scientifically proven to aid relaxation by stimulating certain parts of the brain and Cheerio and Eye Gouge are some of those late night tracks that are cooler than smoking dope. They deliver a mix of electronic chillout room and a Flying Lotus cinematic scape.
Fused caught up with the bearded man this Christmas to delve a little deeper into his sack of inspiration and goody bags…
Can you tell us a bit about your new album – why the title?
I Don’t Even Like You is my new E.P – and the title is inspired by all the dickheads we have to work with on a daily basis. There’s no shame in just admitting that sometimes as humans, we just don’t like each other. I know there’s a ton of people I really, really dislike.
Will you still be wearing your beard this Christmas? Does it feel festive?
My beard is all season-strong. I think I’ve gotten rid of it once in the past 5 years, and I looked like a fat 10 year old. My friends stopped talking to me, and I lost all of my mojo. I didn’t even know how to make music. I might put a sprig of holly in my beard and make it especially festive this year.
What’s been your soundtrack of 2014?
BadBadNotGood’s III album. It is sublime. It doesn’t even make sense how an album can be this good.
Why do you like Due South so much?
Because it’s the greatest TV show ever made.
Your last album was a visual album, before Beyonce did one– can you talk about that and about a few films that inspire you? Who would play you in a film and who’d do the soundtrack?
I was very lucky to have been able to work with some really talented directors and actors, and everyone that helped make videos for Thanks For Trying [the aforementioned visual EP]. I did 15 videos that honestly were boundary pushing and ahead of their time. To do it on the budget we did, and all within a year, is a feat in itself. Films that inspire me: Life Aquatic, Mean Streets, L’Hommes Du Train, Cape Fear, The Thing, I mean – too many to mention and they change daily. I’d like to think Jason Statham would put on a few pounds and play me in a film but it’d probably be more someone like Barry from Eastenders. I’d do the soundtrack though, of course.
You’ve been touring a lot – any time for hobbies and if so what are they?
Eating. I’m really good at that. And cooking. Then eating more.
We have been sent a lot of teeth whitening kits this year – do PRs send you stuff? What’s the worst/best/weirdest?
I’m lucky enough to get sent a lot of clothes to wear. This is particularly helpful as I spill food all down my clothes most of the time so a steady set of replacement shirts that don’t have mustard on them. I got sent a dope Cornish ware mug with Skeptik printed on it. Tyrell’s sent me a ton of popcorn once too. I’d like to be sent more booze and snacks, any PRs out there that want to do that – holla!
What’s next for you?
My new album. Late 2015. And my full live band performing songs from this E.P and Thanks For Trying, biggup the 8 talented musicians who perform with me – they are next level brilliant.
Revenge Is The Best Success’ EP is out now.
Erica Crompton
