2ManyDJs / Soulwax

by Joanna Orland

I’m not actually sure who this interview was with. Was it Soulwax? Was it 2ManyDJs? I’m still not past the confusion. Oh the drama.

I had arranged to meet with 2ManyDJs, which is made up of members of the Kraftwerkian band Soulwax. But not all members. So in my humble opinion, this interview was with one member of 2ManyDJs and two members of Soulwax. Now, I’ve had some challenges in my journalistic career, but interviewing two bands at the same time was a new one for me. I was prepared for 2ManyDJs, so I must apologize to Stefaan from Soulwax who spent most of the interview sitting quietly, listening to his colleague rant on about his other band. And about being tired and hating festivals, Bestival excluded (“This one seems really cool”).

Fair enough, they have played almost every European festival this summer. And since they’re both Soulwax AND 2ManyDJs (well, Dave is anyways), that’s double duty. Often both bands would play within 15 minutes of each other. And both sets are quite energetic. And they ain’t gettin’ any younger.

In addition to their double duty, festival crawls and outright fab taste in music, these guys have added a club night to their already overflowing plates. Look out for Nite Versions, hosted by Soulwax and featuring themselves and anyone they’re friends with or fans of.

I’d like to revisit my favourite quotes of the day from Dave and Stefann of 2ManyDJs / Soulwax (please read Dave’s lines with a cynical tone in mind):

ON FESTIVALS – BESTIVAL IN PARTICULAR
DAVE: No. I don’t want to start my usual rant. Fine. Today I like them. Today I don’t mind them too much. Actually, because this is a good line up and uh and uh and uh it’s not like any other stupid horrible festival.

ON SOULWAX AND 2MANYDJS PLAYING THE SAME FESTIVALS
Loose Lips: How do you juggle both Soulwax and 2ManyDJs playing at the same festival?
DAVE: I count the money?

ON THEIR MUSIC
DAVE: It’s moronic, stupid music. And I love the fact that it’s moronic and stupid, but with Soulwax I guess we’re trying to have some content to the music.

WHEN ASKED OF ONE WORD TO SUM THEM UP
DAVE: Just now?
STEFAAN: Hungry.
DAVE: Umm. Yeah. You know what? It’s really really rare that I’m not tired. You know hungry goes up and down. I’m not hungry all the time but I’m really always tired. So I would say tired.

WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THEIR GIG AT THE MACWORLD UK AWARDS
Loose Lips:  We know you played the Macworld Magazine awards last year. Do you do many of these types of gigs?
Dave: Yeah. That’s a memorable gig. Thanks for reminding me. Like that? Believe me, that was an exception. Yeah. Believe me. Those are quite memorable! (he actually laughed)

ON POSING FOR THE PICTURE
Loose Lips:  Aw, you’re holding hands – that’s really sweet!
STEFAAN: Yeah, or gay.