Zeke Graves, who produces minimal dance music under the name Kinoeye, talks about “Mean Old World,” his side of a split 12″ with $tinkworx.
INDEPENDENT WEEKLY: What was the most challenging aspect of finishing this track?
ZEKE GRAVES: Well, it’s only one track on one side of a 12″, but the challenge of any minimal music (reference points being classic minimalism of Terry Riley, Steve Reich, etc, and Jamaican dub e.g. King Tubby, Detroit’s Robert Hood, and the first wave of Basic Channel records) is creating a sense of depth, mood and movement out of only a few sonic/ structural elements. And then with dance music, making it funky on top of that.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of finishing this track, be it musical or through opportunities it’s afforded your band?
I like imagining how DJs might mix it with other records or that someone at a club or party somewhere is hearing it, not even knowing what it is or where it came from, but digging it and dancing to it.
If you could change one thing about the record, what would it be?
Nothingthis track came together really quickly and almost magically compared to how things usually happen. It’s raw and murky sounding, but that’s how I like it.
And what’s something about the record you find interesting that no one’s pointed out?
Polyrhythms.
Try to limit yourself to one answer: What’s your favorite local album of 2009, other than the one you made?
The live format is my preferred way of experiencing music locally.
