Swedish born Liquid Stranger first came to my attention with his 2007 release on Interchill “The Invisible Conquest”. Here I discovered a unique blend of ambience, big band jazz, dub-step and psychedelica drizzled over electronic dub reggae grooves. His 2nd album “Intergalatic Slapstick” is out this month and delves deeper into the low bass crunching dub-step and introduces guest vocalists Brother Culture, Deeyah & Warrior Queen.
However, there’s still room for the traditional dub-plate elements, asian fusion, ambience, gyspy-dub and a pinch of the spaghetti western to add a global feel to the release. I’d definitely nominate “Intergalatic Slapstick” as a contender for album of the year.
The inclusion of vocals on the album will probably be of more mass appeal. Are there any plans for a Liquid Stranger live tour including these artists?
I have been working with some really talented vocalists for the Intergalactic Slapstick, and they would definitely do a great job on a tour. Unfortunately they are all very busy people, so chances are slim of this ever happening.
I have had thoughts about bringing MCs with me on tour for quite some time, but they have to be good enough to stand on their own. I mean, I do not want any MC Obnoxious shouting 'Bombaclaad, Bombaclaad!' non-stop over the tunes. It has to enhance the material.
What tips or software plug-in s would you recommend to anyone wanting to work with heavy bass?
Bass is bass, you know, there is nothing mystical about it really. Heavy bass has more to do with mixing than any specific piece of gear. For genres such as Dubstep, the main bassline is often supplemented with a sub bass (a pure sine wave boosted below 90 Hz).
Which artists influenced you most with the progression of your sound since the last album?
It's kinda weird, but I do not listen to music all that much, except when I am on a gig. Obviously I like Dub/Dubstep, and sometimes I hear a DJ-set I really enjoy. However, I seldom find out exactly which tunes are in the mix. I think to myself 'Wow, this is amazing, I should ask the DJ what record is playing ...but I guess I like to dance too much, because I always seem to get stuck on the dance floor :)
I watch a lot of movies, and at times I get inspired by the soundtracks...and, as I have told you before, in a larger context, I draw most of my inspiration from life in general. For example when driving around in the desert, or when practicing martial arts. I also hear a lot of music during dream time, but the major challenge is to remember it long enough to get it reproduced.
If you could leave only one of your tracks in a time capsule which one would you choose?
I would let someone else choose...
 What was the first synthesizer you owned and how does it compare to what you re using currently?
My first proper synthesizer was a Juno 106. I used to collect vintage gear, and, at one point in time I had a massive studio. It was such a hassle back then with all the MIDI-splitters, patches, pedals, drum machines, samplers, and the chaotic jungle of entangled cables. Then again, I sometimes miss that era...I mean, software is convenient and sounds decent, but something in the creative process easily gets lost there is something magical that happens with an electric current running via 20 pieces of outboard. The old analogue synthesizers were also very unpredictable and had their own distinct personality quirks.
Nowadays, I have a stripped down, and fully mobile studio setup. I have an analogue modular system, a good microphone, and the rest is basically built around software.
I am not very interested in production techniques, and I am very impatient when it comes to mixing and arranging a tune...and honestly, I like it better rough and raw. Tracks that are tweaked and corrected to perfection tend to lose its vibe and power. You end up with something impersonal and lifeless. Like a tailored business suit slick and socially correct, but oh so boring.
It is the same with all forms of art. What catches my attention are the things that are out of the ordinary. I want to get shocked, stunned, and emotionally wrenched - because that what makes me feel alive.
Are there any other projects you re currently involved with?
Yes. I am just finishing up The Private Riot , an album for Rottun Recordings. Rottun specializes in hard hitting, gritty, dance floor bangers.
I have also slowly started working on some new stuff that might come out next year or so. I guess I'll be going back to a more melodic, lush approach to music again...for a while.
Outside of music what are your other passions?
I am not spending nearly as much time making music as I used to. Don't get me wrong, I love music, but I am in a phase of my life where I need to express myself through my physical body. I spend most of my time training/teaching Martial Arts, and studying Native American Medicine.
I have always been a seeker, I want to grow, evolve, and figure out how to access my full potential.
The worst mistake a person can do, in my opinion, is to fall prey for the enemy of clarity (thinking that he/she knows it all). Then that person will stop growing, and will stagnate and die.
Everything I am passionate about in life (art/philosophy/spirituality) have one thing in common: No matter how deep you go, there is always more to explore and learn. It is like a bottomless well.
...and the more you learn...the more questions arises.
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