Formed during the mid 80’s with strong influences from Hip-Hop and the UK’s club scene, Stereo MCs started as an underground duo with vocalist Rob Birch and producer/ DJ Nick ‘The Head’ Hallam. Their success during the 90s saw the act release their debut album ’33-45-78′ which was considered a musical landmark in the UK, whilst their ‘Connected’ album went platinum in 18 countries, earned the trio a place as an opening act for U2 on their Zooropa tour, and gained major awards for ‘Best Group’ and ‘Best Album’ at the 1994 BRIT Awards.
WWD: Your career started in the late 80s in the midst of the UK’s acid house boom, how does it feel to be part of such an iconic era in music, and what are your most memorable highlights from back then?
In truth our career started in the mid eighties, when Nick and I started playing about with music together , with tape loops ,a belt driven turntable, a Teac 4 trak and the cheapest casio synth you could imagine. The thing I remember most is the atmosphere in the clubs. It was electrified and full of unknown possibilities. The feeling of freedom was intense and something that can’t be captured. Musical genres were being formed quicker than names could be invented for them. The fashion was freeform and self made as was a lot of the sounds.
In one club we dj’ed in you could hear acid, house, hip hop, rare groove and reggae all from the same dj booth and anything could happen on the dance floor , anything. The crowds were also a unique mix ….street,posh,race,gay,straight and age. My memories are those of a youngster , maybe its the same for kids today but the vibes back then seemed so fresh in every department — trumpet players and percussionists jamming at acid raves, mc’s at house parties, lovers on the dance floor …. I was tripping without dropping a pill. There were still some squat raves going on and these were un-policed and under the radar like the acid raves so you could really get up to anything you wanted to have fun, and I saw no trouble just people getting and letting loose.
WWD: You were very much a crossover pop act with inspirations from hip-hop as well as electronic music, topping chart and remixing the likes of U2 and Queen Latifah. Can you tell us a little about your journey from pop act, to bastions of house and techno?
I guess pop act isn’t a tag that ever sat too well with us. We grew up feeding on many of the same inspirations as most of our counterparts , and through experimentation found a path. Our roots are undoubtably in early electro, dub , disco and funk and we discovered jazz , latin and afrobeat in our sampling searches . These sounds paved the way for dance music and when the influences are mixed together there are infinite mutations. We had no intention to make pop music but our records became popular and helped us to achieve a degree of longevity as a live band and as artists and remixers.
Having been in the machine of making albums, promoting and touring and dj’ing for many years , we felt that thirst for freedom and something new, which in fact turned out to be a return to our roots in underground dance music. After collaborating with Adam Port from Keinemusik and remixing for Terranova we started our label with Fetisch (Terranova) for a year and then took it over ourselves with a different mindset on direction. It seems quite natural to be operating here somewhere between afrohouse,techno and indie, as we started as an independent label back in 1987 (Gee st. records) in the broad gender of dance music . Being underground says to me …. feel it , you don’t have to think too hard or force it, free yourself of mainstream constraints and grow. We are learning all the time in every area of being a label / artist from the young producers and musicians we release and possibly bring some old school ways with us.
Stereo MC’s at the Berlin Wall in West Berlin in 1989
WWD: You’re both involved in the ever-impressive connected record label, with the imprint’s moniker obviously taken from your own massive 90s hit. Can you enlighten us a little about the initial intentions behind setting up the label, what your individual roles are and how you go about seeking out new talent and music?
As I said before, we wanted to return to our roots which was why we started “connected”, to experiment, re-invent ourselves and become actively involved in the music that was exciting us. Nick runs the label , I help with looking for new artists and release promotion. We have a fluid way of working together, kind of unspoken…. we both look to our individual natural strengths and do the work that suits …who the cap fits let them wear it sort of vibe. The same applies to our productions, writing , mixing etc.
Sometimes we may seek out an artist that interests us and start a conversation to see if there is some common ground and quite often we are approached by people who would love to be part of the label’s story which gives us great confidence. No one artist is the same, we all have our periods of growth, rest , uncertainty and inspiration. We can see there are roads still to travel and the surge of new music over lockdown almost overcame us. It was wonderfull.
WWD: As established artists, can you give us some of the key factors you believe are essential to becoming a successful DJ, producer and label boss? What have been the greatest challenges for you personally, within the industry?
The first part of the question is hard to answer because it is different situations for many people and I don’t believe in formula’s.
If anything I would say work with people who are honest and you trust and avoid any ego battles. Cool music will shine if you don’t try too hard to be its owner. Welcome hard work into your home and be easy with it. Say no when you have to even though its hard. Be positive and strong , same as when others have been for you….there are hard times but anything is possible, just staying afloat is success. Also , I think you can learn a lot by checking what other people do and how they survive and grow. I’ve felt a lot of motivation from the vibes of other labels like Stil Vor Talent, Innervisions, Crosstown Rebels , Keinemusik and Exploited.
Personal challenges ,although scary and difficult , speak to me of the need to change and grow. There have been times of creative desert. These are my hardest times. When I free my mind (although it sounds corny) doors open and ten minutes of creative inspiration is more productive than a year of work without feeling.
Other challenges are improving the quality of our production , these days technology is putting me in junior school. Social media is also tricky….. I grew up without all of this and I’m an old dog with new tricks but I try to prove the old sayings wrong 🙂 Performing in the dj booth certainly has a learning curve , on the decks and the mike , but when the vibes are deep it is very beautiful to be so close to people. After all these years I’m still a student. Connected has some exciting releases dropping from Medusa Odyssey, Literatura, Bahramji and more. What can you tell us about the upcoming music and the artists you are currently working with? We have a good looking year coming but I will not say too much about it. Some more established acts and some still coming through. Before this year ends Kintar and Aikon & Daniel Rateuke will also test the waters. I’m excited for next years offerings but I prefer to give you surprises which we have pretty much booked up to end of July.
WWD: How has it been adjusting to life this year? Did your time during lockdown have any silver linings?
It has been an experience and I guess I’m adjusting to the unknown. The last gigs we did back in late February were some of the most enjoyable and fulfilling and at the time I had little idea of what is round the corner. However, music has given me a focus through out my life and she has done so in lockdown also and to make a new studio in my house. I’ve heard a lot of people say its given them time for reflection and for me also , time to address my personal goals and find the path that feels good, so that is a good thing I think. To be more present in myself is a long journey but its benefits are manifest and music has become even more in harmony with me. I also learned to eat better with the help of my children who reduced my use of salt and oil, and they motivate me to become a little more plant based although I still enjoy a varied diet. I also discovered a few hours of tv to relax can be nicely addictive. Long walks are also good and talking to people without stressing about time.
WWD: Do you each have a ‘fun fact’ about the Stereo MC’s you can tell us which nobody else knows?
I don’t know if this is unique but in our passage so far as a live band we have experienced the full spectrum of audience appreciation. We have played to very hostile crowds and crowds who are crazy for what we do. In the course of this , objects have been thrown or placed in our direction or on the stage. These objects include beer glasses, ball bearings , ham sandwiches, a bra , some other items of clothing, hats, shakers, jewellery and beads and letters asking for a tune or to meet in some place .They all touched me in some way and became part of our experience and evolution . I hang some of them on my studio wall as momento’s of my education.
WWD: What can we expect from you both in the year ahead?
We will continue to nurture our label as a home for genuine music. I think its also needed to work together so there will be a future for creative people ,so we would like to be a part of anything that promotes this issue.
The studio is our home and sanctuary so new music from us , as collaboration , remix and Stereo Mc’s own release is possible.
Peace Rob