 01/05/2005 BORN: NORTHERN IRELAND
AGE: 28
MUSICAL STYLE: TECHNO AND BREAKS WITH EMOTION
Hold on to your headphones... Shine resident Phil Kieran is back! After a two-year hiatus from producing, Phil returns with his 'Alloy Mental' project, a big-room stomper that is currently being championed by the likes of Radio 1's ubercool Zane Lowe. For those who don't know his sound, imagine a twisted hybrid of Carl Cox and Dave Clarke and you'll get an idea. Phil's artist album is due to drop later this year…
What is your biggest achievement?
Staying alive, buying a house, keeping my girlfriend, having good friends and releasing records on some great labels that I grew up loving.
Who are your musical heroes?
Anything or anyone that's good! Primal Scream, Joy Division, Andrew Weatheral, David Holmes, My Bloody Valentine, The Pixies, Dave Clarke, The Smiths, Autechre, Black Dog, Basic Channel, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Speedy J, Brian Eno, New Order, The Cure, Aphex Twin, Warp Records, Shine, Motorhead, Pole, Steve Albini, Jesus And Mary Chain, Richie Hawtin, Depeche Mode, Vince Clarke, Funk D Void... I could keep going on and on and on, but I have run out of breath! There are just too many to mention.
Tell us about your new projects…
My main project at the moment is 'Alloy Mental', which I have spent the last two years working on. I am only starting to release the first pieces of music, but an album is also due out on Skint Records later this year. If you don't know about it now you will soon! 'Alloy Mental' is the sound of true blood, sweat and tears; it's hard work at its fullest. Think Iggy Pop meets Green Velvet! I have a record coming out with Medicine 8 and also have an ongoing project with Funk D'Void. We have one 12" finished for Soma and another on the way.
Why did you take such a long break from making music?
I needed a new challenge, I think; up to that point I had already released 50 records and I did not want to become another one of those twats who just keeps churning out shit records so they can keep up their public profile. For them it's just a job, like working in an office. So, after a heavy summer in Ibiza, I had a long, hard think and decided it was time to stop releasing tunes and try to come back with something very special. And here I am two years later. The project is called 'Alloy Mental' and I feel fucking good about! For me, music is a passion that needs new challenges, and most of all taking risks. I want to make music that will change lives.
Are there any artists you would like to work with?
I like the idea of working with creative bands or producing one of their albums. I would love to work with Primal Scream, Depeche Mode, Radiohead or Steve Albini, who produced 'Nevermind' by Nirvana and can get the biggest sound I have ever heard on drums and guitars!
Describe yourself in five words...
Big, ginger, passionate, unsettled man.
What makes you happy? And what makes you angry?
Curry, my girlfriend, my friends, my family, my dog, my house, music and booze all make me happy! And curry, my girlfriend, my friends, my family, my dog, my house, music and booze all make me angry!
What was the last CD you bought?
The new M83 album, it's very good!
If not a music maker then what?
A property developer or else work for the BBC, making coffee for a bunch of twats with reel to reel tape.
What song do you wish you had written?
Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'.
What would we be surprised to learn about you?
Even though I am an ugly bastard I have a really fit girlfriend. And yes, she started going out with me BEFORE I was DJing.
'Alloy Mental' will be released on Skint Records on April 29th. |
