My inspiration lately has just come from a change in BPM. I've been having so much fun writing faster, more upbeat (but still weird, of course) techno. I think it's indicative of where I'm going for the time being. I would like to be as flexible as possible in the kinds of shows and set times I can play, as well as the kind of audiences I can interact with.
Do you remember the first electronic live set that you ever experienced? Does this memory come with any emotional residue?
Absolutely. Going to Mutek has had such a huge impact on me. In 2014, I got to see Robert Henke and Holly Herndon. They both kept me absolutely riveted and fascinated. I was surprised that these were the performances that stayed with me in the long-term. Something in the way that I viewed music was irrevocably changed, for the better.
Have you ever had a major gear malfunction during a show (as older gear has a tendency to do)? How did you manage it?
I've been performing solo for a little under a year now, and luckily so far haven't had any problems! I keep my setup simple, which definitely helps.
That's not to say that it's never happened to me -- back in my band days, playing as often as we did, it did happen on occasion. The only thing you can do is try to prepare for it in advance like it's an inevitability, and/or hope your improvisation skills hold up if it happens.
What different equipment that you have used over the years sticks out in your memory? Do you have a piece of equipment that you miss most? Do you have any pieces that you don't miss at all?
I can't say that there's really a piece of equipment that I have been either wholly attached to, or disliked, with the exception of my computer, I suppose. I'm of the mind that too much sentimentality can kill creativity, at least for myself. Sometimes I do miss my vocoder, which i used in a previous project.
Any advice for a producer who is looking to start prepping/creating a live set?Any advice for the actual act of performing?
If you're new to producing and especially performing, don't be afraid to ask other producers or the internet for advice. But first and foremost, keep it simple. If you overburden your set with unnecessary equipment that you'll barely use, you'll most likely end up wooden and awkward on stage. Practice and practice and practice your live set, even if it's different every time or you're getting sick of your own music, because when it comes down to it, you'll have way more fun on stage if you're fully in command of the material.