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Day: 24 November 2014

Interview: Move D

David Moufang aka Move D is a veteran selector and vinyl purist. Opting to shy away from the limelight, he has steadily built a devoted fan base across his long career. We spoke to the German prior to his appearance in Manchester at Sankeys on New Year’s Eve.

Move D has produced in a range of genres varying from deep house to experimental spoken word; his 1995 album Kunststoff is hailed as a seminal techno classic. I questioned if this variation in his production process is planned or naturally occurs: “The latter. Usually I start off with a musical idea that could be done as anything: loungey or house or whatever. Then it will naturally shape and evolve in a certain way because of what the music is like or my mood at the given time.”

Move D is an active collaborator, having worked with numerous other producers on tracks. He next explained how these initiate: “One of the first collaborations was the one with Jonah Sharp – Reaganz. I became aware of him through records he put out on his own or with Pete Namlook, and through Pete I got his phone number. I was going to go to California anyway but thought I should try and ring this guy. I was actually just eager to meet him in the first place, but then he said ‘oh yeah, let’s jam’ so that’s how this came together. Since then obviously I’ve been really into collaborations. It’s not that I actively look for people, it happens naturally. I think the reason I really like collaborations is relevant to the first question in a way, producing is open to even more surprises when you work with other people. You get different kinds of input and I think it’s kind of refreshing to deal with different input instead of being locked into your own mind frame.”

Is there anyone new he’d particularly like to collaborate with? “Well, Larry Heard for instance would be really awesome. I met a lot of guys in Detroit at the Movement this year, or I knew them before, like Keith Worthy and Big Strick. They’re all great guys; I would definitely be up for jamming with them. In December we have Jus-Ed coming back to Heidelberg; it’s not my party but we’re using this as an opportunity to work together again. We did some stuff before it just never really got properly released – it’s only a video on YouTube.”

“Yeah, so pretty much anyone” he continues, before drily adding “I mean, not anyone… but it could be a lot of people. Essentially though I’m not really looking for more people to collaborate with because I’ve already got so many. Primarily of course Juju & Jordash in Magic Mountain High.”

On the mention of Heidelberg, talk turns to the trend for DJs and producers to move to large European cities. I ask if there’s any particular reason Move D has rejected this trend and remained in his aforementioned hometown: “Well, I did kind of fancy London in the 90s but it’s so fucking expensive and all my friends – heroes of mine – like Baby Ford were going to get the dole to pay for their living you know? I thought no, I can’t put up with this so I stayed at home. I’m not saying Heidelberg is cheap but it’s not as ridiculously expensive as London.” Berlin seems to be the current number one destination. “I like Berlin, but it’s becoming more and more like a hipster centre and also getting more expensive. It was more exciting to me when the wall came down about twenty years ago, it was a lot more open. But even back then I was never that much of a real Berlin fan, I mean it’s great to be there for a while but it’s always great to come home. I think even Manchester is more homey and beautiful in the centre, it’s amazing.”

Move D has been a frequent visitor to our fine city over the years, playing several times for club night meandyou. as well as for Sankeys and Warehouse Project. Elaborating on his experiences he shares: “I think I came to Manchester the first time in 2006 and since then it’s gotten a lot cleaner and you can tell how neighbourhoods are rising, it’s really fun to go there. I would consider living in Manchester anytime over Berlin. It’s great; I love it.”

“I love the north of England and Scotland and Ireland in general, there’s always good parties there. It could be Leeds or Glasgow as well, or Edinburgh or Newcastle. But Manchester is special because of the meandyou. guys and the friends I’ve made there. It’s also a lot bigger than these other places I’ve named so in the north it’s kind of the metropole in a way.”

His next visit is on New Year’s Eve, to play at Sankeys alongside Kerri Chandler. “I’ve played for them once – well, a couple of times for the Sankeys in Ibiza – but played once for the Manchester Sankeys before in the upstairs room. I really hope that’s where I play again, it’s beautiful. I really love the upstairs in Sankeys.”

“Honestly I’m really into small intimate parties like meandyou. kind of stuff, but if it has to be a bigger scale I guess New Year’s Eve is a good excuse. Although actually even the Warehouse Project, which was a massive event, is a night I really enjoyed myself at I must say” he reveals, before continuing in an amused drawl, “proper Mancunian party attitude, loving it.”

A career DJ gets to visit many different countries: “There are places I go to that I would never end up being even if I had loads of money, like I played in Central Siberia in Omsk which is really far away from everything. These places have been really special because they show you spots and parts of the earth that you wouldn’t know about and the people are extremely nice there. They have hardly any English and a very basic kind of way of living: no fancy iPhones or BMWs – forget all this. They seemed a lot more happy and content in a way than other people. I think it is a really big blessing that I can visit these places. Taiwan as well, not only playing in Taipei but also seeing Kaohsiung. It’s the other major city on the island and it’s out in the jungle somewhere; it’s amazing.”

“Last year in 2013 my two favourite parties were in Chicago and Taipei, but this doesn’t guarantee that the next time around it will be the same and it could be another place. It’s really hard to generalise. But if we have to generalise I really think Europe is super cool and England better stay in!”

“I feel the scene is still kind of growing and evolving or turning to new generations, it’s a lot of fun.”

Move D does hold reservations on one European country’s scene however – his home nation: “I think maybe Germany is the only scene that isn’t evolving. I mean I’m not saying it’s bad here but there’s this prevalent attitude of still relating and referring to stuff that’s been around forever like Sven Väth. I’m not dissing Sven, he’s great, but I think we lack the openness for something new really. You always have the new trends breaking in the UK and kind of crossing over with stuff that’s been around or influencing stuff that’s happening. In Germany we’re a lot more conservative when it comes to music and parties which I think is a shame.”

I note how I’ve never seen Move D draw for one of his own releases in a DJ set, and ask if this is something he doesn’t tend to do: “Sometimes I do, but because I play vinyl I’m very limited on the records I can bring and I always have to leave stuff behind that I would ideally like to play. I’ve heard my own stuff the most so that’s probably why it often leaves the bag pretty soon and I only play it once or twice. It’s not like I’m militant in not playing my stuff, it’s just that I want to play music that excites me as well, so chances are higher that I prefer other people’s music.”

Move D has been playing improvised live sets with Magic Mountain High. I question if this ability to do sets of his own music that he’s not become bored by was the inspiration. “That’s a whole different game. Essentially if you’re DJing you’re serving the people to make them have a good time and you can’t really do it with too much of a dogma. You really have to feel the moment and the place. I would go to all sorts of places if I had the records with me and I feel that it’s appropriate to: I’d play some techno or bass or whatever. I’m really flexible like this. Because live sets of your own music only last an hour or something, I don’t think you should try to please the crowd too much. Instead you should be true to yourself and your music.”

“Improvising is what you do with collaborations, that’s all improvisation it’s just happening in the studio. I thought that it was perfect to find the guys in Juju & Jordash who were ready to take this onstage and make it a lot more risky but also more entertaining and I guess interesting for people to watch. Even if there’s moments where we struggle at least they can witness that, and it’s not like we’re firing off our best hits from the studio which I think would be kind of lame.”

Move D has spoken at length of his great love for the festival Freerotation at which he is a resident. A heart wrenching clash took place this summer with perhaps the only event that could be better taking place on the final night: Germany winning the World Cup final. “I saw that coming! I just wasn’t sure they would be in the final and then they were and I knew I was going to miss some essential hours of the festival: I missed out on doing a great set in the ambient tent. But I mean it’s been like 24 years or something and next time will come around.”

Move D keeps his Facebook feed regularly updated, speaking about whether maintaining a human connection with fans is important he reveals: “Well, that’s the way I do it. I know others who don’t have Facebook or only have their agency doing it for them. For me it’s kind of essential. I’ve been around for a long time, but I also had a few years dip in my career around the year 2000 shortly after my son was born. I was staying at home not playing out and not making much in the studio either so I kind of dropped off the radar. Just when I was starting to think about job opportunities someone told me that I should join myspace which was happening at that time. I did it and it had an amazing dynamic to it.”

“People I hadn’t talked to in years from all over the world, Birmingham to San Francisco, would all of a sudden pop up saying ‘You’re still around! Would you like to come and play for us? We can only pay your flight and accommodation and a little symbolic fee but it would be lovely’. That’s how I got back into the scene without an agency, I was doing it myself via social media so I couldn’t diss it at all.”

“I think it’s fair, these people make my living and at least I should be humble enough to be accessible and talk to them.” Possibly an opinion that gets revised every time he’s flooded with guest list requests. “I must be doing something right because I think I get the nicest crowds in my parties and the nicest people so they never bother me, usually they are really nice. Sometimes, especially at Freerotation where everybody wants to have a word with you, it does get a little much. Especially if you’re kind of trying to buy some time off and get a little drunk or high or whatever, and then it can be too much physically or time wise. But I always feel bad about it and I’m sorry about the individual ones because they all deserve to be talked to; they’re interesting and I’m interested in who they are and what they’re doing.”

So, what’s coming up in the future? “I have a brand new release out, the KM20 Tapes Volume 2 on Off Minor. This is stuff that I did almost twenty years ago, but it is just coming out for the first time now and I’m really happy about this. Then there’s the Reagenz triple LP The Periodic Table that also just came out. There’s more Magic Mountain High coming out too, that’s just pending. Future plans I can’t really talk about but I’m always working on something, of course.”

Move D’s skill set expands beyond music. He only ever drinks red wine in the club, and I think he’s a bit of a connoisseur. My final question, which is his favourite? “That changes when I discover new ones. Lately I’ve been really into Primitivo.”

Move D plays Sankeys on New Year’s Eve alongside Kerri Chandler and more, tickets are on sale now.

Review: Turtle Bay

As the days grow darker and colder, my heart grows increasingly heavy. I don’t yet feel ready to accept all that winter brings foodwise. So when my friend suggested a visit to Turtle Bay, Manchester’s new Rum ‘n’ Jerk shack, it seemed like a bright horizon on a dimming landscape.

The restaurant, which opened this summer, seems an exciting addition to Oxford Road. The space is massive, with a mezzanine filled with tables piled on top of the main bar and dining area. The atmosphere was buzzing; for seven on a Tuesday night, it was impressively full of customers. Everything is wooden or metal and boasts a look of reclaimed cool. Fairy lights twinkle alongside a neon sign spelling ‘jerk’. We couldn’t help but notice booths utilising commandeered Magic Bus benches as seating; either a relaxed nod to the restaurant’s inevitable student client base or a complete lack of foresight. Manchester’s student population was outraged when the bus company’s fares soared to over a pound; I am unsure how many would happily park their bums on the same shabby frames whilst paying a hell of a lot more.

Issues of public transport having ruffled our feathers, we looked to the cocktail menu for comfort. I went for the ‘Beachcombers Zombie’, knowing from experience that its traditional counterpart packs a punch. Comprising four rums, absinthe, bitters and tropical juice, I expected a more complex flavour than what I got, which was just an overwhelming fruity sweetness. My companion did better, choosing the ‘Reggae Rum Punch’, which was served shorter and had more of a kick. It is worth noting that all cocktails are two for one excepting a three-hour window between 7 – 10pm. We shelled out just short of seven pounds each. Although the price doesn’t much differ from most bars in central Manchester, knowing that they are clearly worth a lot less stung a little.

Unable to shake off our feeling of having been shortchanged, we skipped straight to the mains. My ‘Rastafari Run Down’ was a mix of butterbeans, root vegetables and pieces of corn on the cob in a coconutty sauce: a new and refreshing combination of flavours for me. Alongside came rice and peas, which were fairly standard, but the real attraction came in the form of fried dumplings, the doughy sponginess of which soaked up the sauce expertly. The array of condiments provided were a good shout; I’m always one for a sauce and enjoyed dolloping different and unfamiliar flavours on top of my meal. On the other side of the table, the mounting redness of my companion’s face either indicated some heavy-handed spicing or a man who cannot take the heat. Aside from this, he found his ‘Trinidad Curry Chicken’ well enough cooked and ate it all up. The food was pleasant, but at just under a tenner per dish, I would expect something a little less nonchalant.

Too poor to continue, we decided to settle up. We went Dutch and I put it all on card while my companion gave me cash. The waiter automatically passed the card machine over to my companion. Commenting properly on this error in judgement would necessitate an entire article (or book, or tome); all I will say is that it was a disappointing note on which to leave a restaurant I really wanted to like. Turtle Bay has a lot of potential as an individual and reliable establishment, but issues of price, quality and service hinder its success. I may give it another go in the hope of being corrected, but next time, I’ll arrive before seven.

Turtle Bay,
33–35 Oxford Street,
Manchester,
M1 4BH

Visit www.turtlebay.co.uk for more information.

Live: Darius Rucker

20th November

HMV Ritz

8/10

Being a young middle class Englishman who’s never driven a pickup truck, country music isn’t something I had ever felt the need to involve myself with; until now my knowledge of the genre started with Taylor Swift and ended with that five minute period when Bon Jovi decided they wanted to go full Keith Urban.

(Side note: you never go full Keith Urban.)

But when I heard Darius Rucker, the man behind the ridiculously successful 90s band Hootie & the Blowfish, was touring his solo country project, I decided to go along – partly to try and see what all the fuss is about, and partly in the hopes I’d get to hear some of the big Hootie hits. And on both accounts, it was a success.

Opening with the summery single ‘Radio’, Rucker – backed by his hugely talented six piece band The Carolina Grey Boys – treated the packed out crowd to a typically laid back 90 minutes of his solo tracks, Hootie & the Blowfish classics and an eclectic mix of cover songs. His iconic voice – a rich baritone drawl – is still his music’s defining feature, and has lost none of its power in the decades since he shot to fame. What I found most surprising, though, is how seamlessly his old band’s output sits alongside his new Nashville-influenced work; banjo or no banjo, his music is still based around jangly, feel-good pop songs about the lives of regular people, whether it’s family man ballads like ‘This’ or wistful fan favourites such as ‘Let Her Cry’.

‘Time’ and ‘Only Wanna Be With You’, both from Hootie’s debut Cracked Rear View, proved to be highlights, with the latter being given a country-tinged makeover whilst staying respectful of its original folky arrangement, whilst more recent offerings such as ‘Southern State of Mind’ and ‘Don’t Think Don’t Think About It’ were performed with the type of emotive delivery fans have come to love from Rucker and his band, all of whom were given generous soloing time to show off their skills. The encore featured an elongated version of his new signature hit ‘Wagon Wheel’ and concluded with a rendition of Oasis’s ‘Champagne Supernova’, which, though admittedly a bizarre choice, was rapturously received – this is Manchester after all – and ended a rousing, uplifting show with yet another sing-along moment.

GMP launch new domestic abuse web app

Greater Manchester Police are launching a new web app: Your call: Domestic Abuse. The app is aimed at increasing awareness amongst people about this important issue, too often under reported.

Your call: Domestic Abuse gives members of the public an opportunity to walk in the shoes of police staff and officers who respond to reports of domestic abuse from members of the public as well as understanding it from a victim’s point of view.

A promotional event for this campaign was hosted by GMP at the Trafford Centre on Wednesday 19th November.  Explaining what the new key features of this app are, Detective Chief Superintendent Vanessa Jardine said: “The app is a scenario based experience. It is not based on real life, but from what we see regularly.

“It takes you through an incident and it makes you take some decision about what you may do. It gives you some suggestions: would you call the police now? Do you want the police to turn up? If you press the button and make a decision, the consequences of those decisions come as well. It encourages people to understand the issue and help them to make real choices.”

The web app has been launched ahead of the festive period, because statistics show that usually during Christmas holiday there is a significant increase in this kind of crime.

For example, figures show that between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day last year there were 2096 reports made to police about domestic abuse. This compares to 1444 the previous year. The shocking statistics, showing a 45 per cent increase, highlight that the fight against domestic abuse is not over and that more work needs to be done.

D/C/Supt Vanessa Jardine observed: “This is a sad statistic which highlights the scale of the problem across Greater Manchester particularly during the festive period, when finances become tighter and tensions get higher.”

This is why everybody should be actively involved in reporting what happens around them. Not only the victims can call the police, but family, friends and neighbours should also be aware of the support services which are available.

Nowadays, there are several ways to obtain help if you are being subjected to domestic abuse in any of it forms — physical, sexual or psychological. This web app is one of the methods that GMP started to use to reach a wider range of people, thanks to a new kind of technology.

Anyone who feels that they are being abused by a partner, ex-partner or a family member can approach their GP or nurse for help. The Domestic Abuse Helpline is also available to offer support for victims on 0808 2000 247.

To access Victim Support’s services you can call, text, email, self-refer. To find out more about the range of services we can provide go to www.victimsupport.org.uk or call our Victim Care Unit in Manchester on 0845 456 8800.

For more information or to report abuse, you should contact the police on 101 or the Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 6367525. You can also visit the GMP website for more information www.gmp.police.uk/domesticabuse.

Blind Date: Chantei and Scott

Chantei, 1st Year Politics and International Relations

First Impressions?

I was surprised because he looked a little older than I expected him to initially be, but he was very friendly and confident and made a very good impression.

What did you have to eat?

Butternut squash coconut curry.

Best Features and why?

He was really confident and funny. I like when guys are easy to talk to and keep the conversation going, especially when they aren’t too serious.

Is he your usual type?

Generally he wouldn’t be the guy I would be initially attracted to, but after talking to him he is definitely the kind of a guy I could find myself liking.

Did you have much in common?

We both like red wine and finished the bottle, which was really all that mattered.

Most interesting thing he told you?

He was studying law after finishing a history undergraduate degree, which was cool.

Weirdest thing he told you?

There was nothing that was particularly weird. I found it funny the amount of times he brought up hangover restaurants in the area, but otherwise there was nothing strange.

Any awkward moments?

I’d never met anyone who kissed both cheeks to say hello, so there was a bit of an awkward pause there when he went to say hi, but otherwise no.

What happened after you finished the meal?

We drank some wine for a bit and then left the restaurant and said goodbye.

How did you say goodbye?

We walked down the street and he kissed my cheeks goodbye and we walked our separate ways.

So you kissed?

He kissed my checks to say hello and goodbye.

Will you be meeting again?

I wouldn’t mind seeing him again, but no plans were made.

Marks out of ten?

7

 

Scott, Postgraduate Law student

First Impressions?

A great girl who seemed very easy to be around.

What did you have to eat?

Fish and chips. I’m from the North East so am somewhat of a fish and chips connoisseur but was still thoroughly impressed.

 Her best features and why?

Gloriously big hair = fan!

Is she your usual type?

I don’t really have a usual type.

Did you have much in common?

A sickening love of wine and alcohol in general.

Most interesting thing she told you?

That she has lived in Canada, Singapore, and Nigeria.

Weirdest thing she told you?

Once did jelly shots with OAPs at an 80th birthday party.

Any awkward moments?

A beaten and drunken local tapped on the window to attract her attention, Amsterdam-esque.

What happened after you finished the meal?

Went our separate ways.

How did you say goodbye?

A kiss on the cheek, but nothing Shakespearean.

Will you be meeting again?

Unlikely, but she is a very interesting person who’s very fun to be around. A fantastic catch for somebody out there!

Marks out of ten?

7.5

Many thanks to Fallow Café, 2A Landcross Road, Fallowfield. As well as serving tasty meals, it also holds free gigs, regular film screenings and club nights.
www.fallowcafe.com

Fancy a free meal and a date?
Email: [email protected] with your name, year and course.

Everybody Loves Louis

Listen to every podcast, every roundtable, every whisper in the wind: Louis CK is loved by all. Despite being one of the highest grossing comedians in the world, he is, undoubtedly, a man of the people. It’s a mystery how he’s managed to win the hearts of comedians, critics and civilians alike, but here we are. It’s 2014, and we have a man that can do no wrong, surely a dangerous position for anyone. Louis balances fatherhood and crippling cynicism in everything he does, and its absolute magic.

I know what you’re thinking, and yes, loving Louis CK is in no way a truth you can’t handle. (See above: everyone knows he’s great.) I’m saying, in the most hyperbolic way possible, he’s the best thing to happen to entertainment since Steve Martin went grey. The whole TV watching world should count their Lucky Louie stars that this man bestows upon us his creative output. I’m a mind reader; I know you’re wondering how significant one man can be, he’s just a comedian. Correct again! As much as other comedians can pontificate about the importance of comedy in today’s crazy messed up world, they all are, essentially, telling dick jokes. Louis CK the stand-up comedian is good — no argument. But Louis CK the story teller is on a whole other level.

I have nothing other than gushing admiration for the TV show Louie. It’s funny, not ha ha funny, more cosmically funny. A humour that makes you cry, not laugh. A humour that makes you examine every facet of your psyche. What does a 20 year-old English girl have in common with a 47 year-old divorced man with two children? Nothing, but — more importantly — everything. Are the rambunctious adventures of Lena Dunham and her rag-tag team of ‘friends’ supposed to resonate with me? Because I feel I have a lot more in common with a pasty, past-his-prime semi-sociopath than I do with them. Let’s take Louie the character out of the equation. The show itself is constructed with such subtlety and finesse; it’s enough to grip you. The casting, the infrequency, the digression; everything about this show screams pretension, but it’s so beautifully sincere you can’t help but be entranced. This element is what’s missing in a lot of shows right now, and is why it’s difficult to make comparisons between Louie and anything else. Louis, the man, is a poet unlike any other.

Live: Jamie T

7th November

Manchester Academy

7/10

Demand was so high for Jamie T’s sold out Manchester show; he’s going to be coming back on the 17th November for round two. This may come as a surprise to some, seeing as four years ago Jamie T vanished off the face of the earth after touring second album Kings & Queens, and his silence during this absence was so intense it prompted many fans to speculate whether he was even still alive. His comeback album, Carry on the Grudge, dropped at the end of September, and subsequent anticipation for his return to the live circuit has been running high ever since.

Thankfully Jamie T’s return did not disappoint, and consisted of a lengthy 22 song career spanning set. The set was spattered with highlights from his first two albums, such as ‘Salvador’, ‘Sheila’ and ‘The Man’s Machine’. The crowd sang these songs word for word back at him, and welcomed him back like he’d never been away. Surprisingly nearly half of the set was made up of songs from his new album. These new songs sounded noticeably more mature than his earlier output, and it’s clear the long absence has seen Jamie T develop as a songwriter. His strong encore consisting of a stripped back solo version of ‘Calm Down Dearest’, recent single ‘Zombie’, and the ever rowdy ‘Sticks ’n’ Stones’, is clear evidence that both his old and new material can sit alongside each other.

You can’t help but feel pleased for Jamie T. The crowd rapturously received the whole set, and it was refreshing to see the singer challenging himself, not just resting on the laurels of his previous two albums. Let’s just hope that the forward looking nature of his set means that he won’t disappear again for another four years.