WILL QUANTIC TALKS…
June 27th, 2006 by rui
Linda Spence catches up with Will Quantic, asks him interesting questions and then passes on some insightful, probing, and frankly strange questions from the Big Chill forum…
What’s the best gig you’ve ever done?
I think the QSO gig at Lulworth Castle a couple of years ago comes close to best gig we’ve done as a band, great atmosphere and amazing crowd response. As far as djing goes some of my most enjoyable gigs have been in New York, mainly at ‘Turntables on The Hudson’ with Nickodemus.
You’ve released eight albums, that’s quite an achievement, what’s next?
More music probably, I’m trying to better myself with each album I do, looking for new ways of being creative and trying new ideas.
So, what and where would be your favourite night out?
Probably wouldn’t involve music, I quite enjoy going to the cinema. I guess the best night out for me would be a night in as most of my evenings are spent in clubs and pubs!
What are you doing at The Big Chill this year?
I’m DJing, should be good fun, right before Scruff.
How do you approach making tunes? What are you working on right now?
I approach writing in many different ways, sometimes I plan everything first, write lyrics etc… or sometimes it just happens as I go along. It’s really a mystery, sometimes you can write so clearly and other times it’s an uphill struggle. Right now we’re just preparing to release ‘An Announcement to Answer’. the new Quantic record and working on a Spanky Wilson album.
What do you think of the ‘Guilty Pleasures’ phenomenon?
I have no idea what you’re talking about.
What are your favourite sounds at the moment?
Jose Gonzales, Sufjan Stevens, Felix Del Rosario, Lito Barrientos, Water Color, Mulatu.
Any good/funny work anecdotes to relate?
The maddest story was when I was recording ‘Primate Boogaloo’ with The Aspects. We were in the studio and in the same week Bubber Louis’s (one of the MCs) father was riding his motorbike across the Welsh Black Mountains. He had broken down and walked his motorbike to the nearest house to call the RAC. That nearest house happened to be my father’s! After some conversation, they both found that their respective sons were involved in music and worked out that we had been working together on something that week, very bizarre.
What are your biggest fears?
Snakes, crocodiles, spiders, Chupa-Cabras.
Who are the best musicians you’ve worked with?
Todd Simon of Brekestra, Antilbalas, Macy Gray, Malcolm Catto of The Soul Destroyers, Heliocentrics Etc and Spanky Wilson.
What’s do you think of the state of the music industry?
Interesting, I think there is a power shift going on and things are uncertain, but as long as you remain flexible and creative as a company I think it is a promising time.
And now the Big Chillers would like to ask you a few questions, and they’re in a playful mood!
Are you going to do another Limp Twins album? (Remote)
Yes, if me and Russ pull our collectively limp finger out, it will happen again when the time is right. Although it may take a new kind of biscuit to help us along the way, the hobnob played a large part on the last LP.
When are QSO doing another album and what’s happened to Russ since he’s left? (Brian Can’t)
QSO will be doing another album over the next year, Russ took leave to pursue a career in Antique Sales & Stand up comedy, I hope he will make a welcome return at some point.
What time is Chico time? (guest)
23:23
What are you really crap at? (I’m searching for a crumb of consolation for us mere mortals here 
(orb)
I’m actually not that good at making music, people just seem to like the way I do it. That aside, I’m pretty bad at any sport involving points or a ball.
Have you ever though about getting a singer called Mary? (mixmaster morris)
Only if I get deeper into Christian rock.
Worst place you’ve ever been to? (coop)
The street on the perimeter of Addis Ababa’s main 5-star hotel, very upsetting, a lot of women and children begging and close to starvation.
Quantic plays a DJ set in the Club Tent on Saturday evening at Eastnor.
Photo: Adam Van Bunnens
