Madam Breaks Interview March 2004
Interviewed by Somsay.
Madam Breaks Profile
Age: 25
Height: 5’9
Weight: that’s personal!
Average heart beat per minute: depending on activity – absolutely no idea!
Fingernail length: perfect for keyboard / vynal
Bed time: bed – what’s that – I have a studio floor!?
Colour of hair: Naturally brown – currently golden brown/blonde
Favourite Pop Song: Beyonce – Crazy in Love
All-time Favourite Breakbeat Choon: Hybrid – True to Form
Favourite Band: really don’t know
Favourite Models: Model car – Austen Seven, Model Decks – Technics, Model male – Vernon Kay, Model Female – not sure (anyone without a waif figure)
Favourite Brew: white wine
The Interview
Hello Madam Breaks how is everything with you at the moment, is your day job and djing career keeping you busy? Hopefully no stress...
The day job is still very new for me - I’ve finally made it into my dream career ‘ad agency’ press and publicity. Started ‘bout 4 weeks ago and am feeling the heat quite literally.
Getting back on track with the music finally after taking some time out. I’ve just finished building a very small cupboard like studio in my new flat, which is slowly taking shape along with my visa card!
How did you first get involved in producing breakbeats?
The lovely Mr Future Funk Squad kindly introduced me to the world of BB when I was fresh out of Uni. Having a crap job no money and living hundreds of miles from home it was great to be shown something so fresh and the nights around London were fantastic. My first being the late superclub ‘Home’ where I heard Tayo and Stanton Warriors for the first time.
What do other girls think of your productions?
Not sure really it’s not something I make a note of. To be honest I don’t get much feedback at all. I’m in the process of sorting out my website (finally) and hopefully that’ll encourage people to let me know what they think.
Are you a member of the future funk squad?
FFS is just Glen on his own but he also has a team of producers, a rapper, singers and Dj’s that are featured on his album and productions. So no, I’m not part of that.
You produce with Glen of the Future funk squad right?
Sometimes we get together ‘cause it really works well. And we’re both lovers of curries and late nights which help the mind grow!
What are your roles when you work together?
He eats and I make the music! No, I wish. We try to balance it as I’m still learning my production and I’d say Glen is a million miles ahead of me.
Can you please explain your style of breakbeat when you produce?
It’s been pointed out to me many times that you can hear my House/Trance roots in the likes of Breakspinner / Survillance. And because of this I must admit that I do like the upbeat drive of a good breakdown, power chords and those element of the dance scene that make the hairs stand up when you hear a track. I guess that’s my ingredience.
What style of breaks do you play when djing?
My style is very mixed and if I think I’d dance to it I’ll play it and not in any particular order. Although I enjoy listening to a journey of a set I also really like a mix and match. I’m kinda all over the place if you like from tuff ‘n’ dark to party and proggy to pansy!
What style of breaks do you think will have a long life?
If I’m gonna be honest I really think it’ll be the type that at least tries to penetrate the commercial market, encompassing the ingredience of a catchy, credible and ultimately good quality production whilst staying in touch its roots (if that’s possible)
What style of breaks do you think will help push breakbeat to the masses?
Exactly the above
How long does it take you to complete a track?
This is a bit of a grey area for me. If I like what I’m coming up with it can take a few weeks or so. If it’s really not working and I want someone else’s input it can take months.
Do you ever want to quit your job and give it up for breaks?
At the moment I’m happy with the balance but I am a girl that needs some structure in my life and would probably spend my days shopping instead of in the studio if I didn’t need to go to work. At least now I have so little time to myself I cant piss about when I eventually get in the studio.
How did you first get into djing?
Uni mate of mine lent me his decks and it went from there – instant attraction. I then began putting on student nights at my Uni and gave myself the chance to start playing out of the bedroom!
Who is your favourite producer and why?
Gotta be FFS – have heard his new artist album and it’s amazing. The type of album I’d definitely buy to listen to pre club, early morning and even with a hangover – it really is amazing and showcases the use of such diverse production skills (bloody obvious answer – sorry!)
Who is your favourite dj and why?
I don’t really have one. I spose I like those that smile when they’re playing – it’s such a privilege position to be in especially as there are so many people out there who would love to be a Dj – I see so many Dj’s standing there with almost no emotions in them at all it kinda gets to me.
Where is your favourite place to dj and why?
The most enjoyable place has to be Switzerland at Smash FX’s night at UG Club. Not only was the venue and sounds system fabulous but the mint tea is to die for!
How did you get invited to spin in Spain?
I think the record sales were the main reason and plus it’s such a huge scene over there the novelty factor is kinda huge.
Are the Spanish all a bunch of young-candy-ravers, who wear fluffy fur?
Definitely mostly young – very sure bout the candy (!) – have notice the fur thing on many an occasion! But to give credit they know there breaks and are always receptive to new material.
Can you tell us how breaks got so big in Spain?
I really wouldn’t want to pass my thoughts on this – I know they’re really into their tech stuff and hard house but I’m cant quite make the link. Maybe they all saw the light at a very early age?
How many breakbeat records you have now in you personal collection?
Too many to count and defiantly to store in my own flat. I’ve got some storage now so there’s about a few thousand there as well. Thing is I’ve got two years worth of house/proggy etc so that’s also a problem.
Where do you think breaks are going?
Anywhere’s possible really it depends on how many bandwagon jumpers take it on board and if it keeps its roots.
Did you ever attend a music school?
Nope, but fancied myself as a Vanessa Mai/May (?) after 9 years of playing the violin - University kinda got in the way – actually it was the beer and socialising.
What other forms of music inspire you?
Pretty much everything other than garage which actually makes me wana plug my ears up. I really enjoy easy listening, which is a welcome change for me when I’ve been drumming my earls all weekend. Love Soul, some Jazz and definitely a bit of chart.
What clubs have you played at in the UK?
Not many really, The End, Medicine Bar (Trigger), Bar Latino (Kingpin), Concord 2 (Positive Sounds), Pu Na Na. I spose now I can see It in writing I need to start working on that one.
Did you ever spin at Hyper's night?
I wish!
Is everyone in the UK friends with everyone?
What like in the Breaks scene – yeah they seem to be. I’m not a fan of gossip probably why I’m rarely on the forums so am not really up to date with anything like that.
Who in breaks are you down with?
Hmmmmm well…………..that could be a very leading question! AND I’m not likely to start blowin my own……lets just say I’m not enemy’s with anyone.
Were you ever a raver yourself?
Yeah, unfortunately I was that girl at the front of the stage givin it all that at 17! Very embarrassing indeed.
Do you like glowsticks?
NO – only good for finding the toilets on camping!
What club nights do you go out to during the week?
Not many unless it a mates thing – I have a demanding job and don’t tend to get out the office till late leaving me shattered and needing quality time in my studio.
Do guys smile at you when you spin?
Not that I’ve noticed – if someone likes the track they tend to show it by dancin’
Do you tease them?
Never….me?!
No I’m not into that kinda stuff – if I was you’d see me live up to my name and dress in some kinda plastic cat suit cracking a wip while I spin! Now that would be interesting!
Your words of wisdom to breakbeat fans in North America who want breaks to take over:
Keep pluggin, keep buying and don’t give up. It’s all ‘bout the support.
Madam Breaks Shout outs:
Predictably ‘hello’ to everyone!
