Brent Tactic from Kansas City Interviews The Egyptian Lover
Brent Tactic: There are definitely dance music fans in the area that know who you are and are excited about this show, but give me a little introduction of yourself for those that might be unfamiliar with you.
The Egyptian Lover: I started out as a DJ in Los Angeles back in 1980 and have been DJing ever since. I joined up with a dance promotion team called Uncle Jamm's Army that gave dances for or 10,000 party people in the L.A. Sports Arena. I became L.A.'s best DJ and that's how I began. I soon started bringing my 808 Drum Machine to the parties and rock it even more. Then came making records and that was that. "Egypt, Egypt" was an instant success. I have been doing concerts ever since and over 25 years later I am still rockin' it.
How was your experience at the Lawrence show opening for M.I.A. back in May and is this your first real trip to the Kansas City area?
I opened up for M.I.A. as requested by her. She is a big fan of old school and my music. I loved her show and did many gigs with her. I did a show every day and it was hard to remember where I was all the time. What I do remember was many young music lovers enjoying my set and loving that old school beat. The 808 was the best, it's timeless! So Kansas City, here I come. This time doing my full show with Jamie Jupiter and we are gonna rock it!
You're one of the biggest and most accomplished names in the history of electro (electro hop, etc)...what got you into making music back in the day and who are some of your influences?
Being a well-known DJ I had to make a record to please my fans. It was a natural next step for me. I had many fellow DJs following my footsteps: Dr. Dre, Arabian Prince, Snake Puppy from L.A. Dream Team, Unknown DJ, The Glove and many others.
There seems to be a bit of a resurgence in electro music, with a number of producers and DJs incorporating elements into their music. What are your thoughts on the current state of "electro" and where do see your style(s) of music going in the future?
I have noticed the old school/electro comeback. Many producers love that style of music and electro is pure dance music. Everyone loves to dance, so this is why electro and old school is still so very popular. Many producers love that Egyptian Lover style music and when they get a chance to do something, they do it. I'm loving it because it gives me another chance to capture a new generation of party people with my sexy style and turntable talent. I will always make this style of music because it is what I love, and I will always be true to myself.
Speaking of the future, I saw you did a collaboration with Jimmy Edgar a couple years back. Who's making noise right now that you respect and who could you see yourself working with?
M.I.A. is on top of my list, Jimmy Edgar and many undiscovered artists. I listen to these new cats all the time on Myspace and many have a great future ahead of them.
You're a performer who encompasses all aspects of a DJ/performer show: DJing, beatmaking, rapping, call & response, dance moves, etc. What does Kansas City have to look forward to on the 23rd?
Just as my song says, "What is a D.J. if he can't scratch?/ What is a M.C. if he can't rap?/ What is a beat without a live clap?/ Well I can do it all baby, just like that!"
What should we look at for from Egyptian Lover in the immediate and distant future?
In 2009 it will be Egyptian Empire Records' 25th Anniversary and I will be releasing a new 12" single every month. I will be doing some re-mix work for some labels and some collabs as well. 2009 will be the busiest year ever for Egyptian Lover. Get ready to dance.