New Herve EXCLUSIVE TRACK from 2x Disc Compilation "Ghetto Bass"

You know we love Machines Don't Care and everything else Hervé (ne Joshua Harvey) does...

He's about to release a double disc compilation called Ghetto Bass which is composed of remixes, original tracks, stuff from Cheap Thrills, Count & Sinden etc... Not unlike Steve Aoki's near perfect "Pillowface and His Aeroplane Chronicles" this CD will no doubt rule the whole entire year! And you get a glimpse of it right here, right now...

I believe this is the last track on the comp:
The Count Of Monte Cristal & Hervé- "Jungle Steppers" zShare
The Count Of Monte Cristal & Hervé- "Jungle Steppers" YSI

And here is Monsieur Joshua "Hervé" Harvey talking about the project...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XMzEVSv9PA

Here's the man in action... or Action Man rather :)

Here's some press...

‘Jungle Steppers’ - The Count Of Monte Cristal & Hervé
from the album HERVÉ ‘GHETTO BASS’
Released: 16th February 2009

Useful links: www.myspace.com/hervespace http://hmv.com/hmvweb/simpleSearch.do?simpleSearchString=Va%3A+Herve

* ‘Ghetto Bass’ is Hervé’s inaugural mix compilation, featuring his remixes, original tracks under The Count & Sinden name as well as Hervé’s other alter egos of Action Man, Young Lovers, Dead Soul Brothers and Voodoo Chilli

* Hervé has remixed Bloc Party, the Chemical Brothers, Mark Ronson and Lily Allen amongst many others

* He also runs the Cheap Thrills label which brought the world Fake Blood’s Mars – forthcoming releases include Jack Beats, Detboi, Rico Tubbs and Zomby

* Hervé has a busy 2009 ahead – with The Count & Sinden album being released through Domino and a second Machines Don’t Care album in the pipeline

You can order it from HMV... don't be a bum... actually get a copy of this as opposed to hopping around Hype Machine all day trying to find all the tracks. If you think about how much you get paid per hour, and then figure out how long it will take you to find all the songs that way, it's very obvious you're saving money by buying the comp as opposed to labour intensive piracy. It's just not a financially sound idea!

Be back soon with more... as always, comments are appreciated! Also check out his Myspace.

Interview with Herve (of The Count & Sinden/Machines Don't Care)!

You may know the man called Joshua Harvey by many different names... such as... HERVÉ, VOODOO CHILLI, ACTION MAN, COUNT OF MONTE CRISTAL, SPEAKER JUNK, DEAD SOUL BROTHERS, OR THE YOUNG LOVERS...

Along with, well mainly a bunch of other people he's worked with, he's made an almost creatively flatlined electronic music scene exciting again. Whether it was The Count & Sinden's "Beeper" with Kid Sister, or the Machines Don't Care project (which is like dance music's version of the Superfriends with Hervé, Sinden, Trevor Loveys, Affie Yusef, Toddla T, Fake Blood, Detboi & Drop The Lime), or his own brain melting originals or remixes, Hervé's contribution to music in the last few years has been immeasurable. Which is why I'm elated to bring you this interview... for those of you who are just looking for the tracks a) they're at the bottom, b) they're preapproved mini mixes from a while ago and c) you should be ashamed of yourself...

Hervé Interview

ISoA: What specific album or single made you want to get into music?

Herve: i dont know i just knew from a really early age i wanted to make music i took drum lessons at about 8 years old and i used to make compilation tapes for family trips, it must be in my blood or something!


ISoA: You've declared that you're sick of the term 'fidget house', a term that seemed to arrise the same way as when Klaxons jokingly started using the term 'new rave'... do you think that genre descriptions are helpful or a hindrance to artists and the public?

Herve: im not sick of it, none of us, myself trevor loveys and switch were EVER happy with it, it was a private joke between trev and switch (its weird saying that cos trev started switch with dave taylor , so at that time he was switch aswell!!). people send us all these crap fidgit records that are basically copies of records that we all did 3-4 years ago. what we did was try something new, thats our philosophy, try your best to keep it fresh, not completely copying people 100%.
basically there is a few people out there making a living off of photocopying what we did/do, they do not have the same philosophy we do and it shows.


ISoA: Speaking of genres, what musical movement (or trend) in the recent past could you have dealt without? Or what trend perhaps run it's course and should call it a day?

Herve: im not a fan of "breaks" i think its bizarre that something so sterile and funkless could come from "breakbeats", essentially very funky drum loops. its fucking massive tho.
i do get breaks guys sending me stuff, i dont know why they think id like it, i like breakbeats not "breaks".
also deephouse was one of the most pretentious forms of dance music ever. all these idiots thinking they where smarter than you cos they put a fucking rhodes over a painfully boring 4/4 drum loop, hilarious.
masters at work at their best where great and funky and there was in my opinion a few great tracks, but most deep house was a waste of wax for me...eerruugghh the pretentiousness of it all makes me cringe


ISoA: You work under multiple monikers and are extremely prolific. How much time do you spend during an average day working on tracks?

Herve: i really dont know, i work quite fast and work alot out in my head just sitting around before i go into the studio.
ive mentioned it before but when i hear a track to remix i basically remix it in my head, pin point all the bits i want
and then jus do it
ive never had the problem of finishing a track...my main problem is finishing too many!!. the many names are cos i like all kindsa music.


ISoA: Also making note of you being prolific, you've worked with loads of great artists who seem to be good friends of yours. What's your secret to making a partership run smoothly?

Herve: well im a nice guy!!
i dont know dance music is full of utter cunts but it also full of some amazing brilliant lovely people, and i work with the lovely people and dont work with the cunts.


ISoA: Has there ever been a remix you've turned down because of the artist or song?

Herve: yes, some tracks are so rubbish that you would just be making them a new track, so i dont bother.
but sometimes a rubbish track will have great bits to play with so you do it cos it will still be fun and a challenge


ISoA: Usually when you approach a track how do you start?

Herve: see above.


ISoA: What sort of hardware and software do you use to create your tracks?

Herve: it doesnt matter, its your knowledge, imagination and your ears that make tunes. i would definately recomend getting pro DAW as soon as you can cubase or logic. there are people who dont use them who are big but they are few and far between (and debatable whether they are any good!!!!)


ISoA: Obviously with the availibility in software a lot more people are producing nowadays. What are you suggestions for getting noticed in this new industry?

Herve: dont release tunes too early if you stick at it you will get better, theres enough shit out there all ready and eventually you will make good stuff.


ISoA: Speaking of a new music industry, what are you feelings on file sharing?

Herve: should i work for free? fuck that.
alot of bloggers seem to be glory seekers, you give them upfront stuff but they want top quality full files, so they can say look at me i got the 320 mp3 !!!!
do you call that supporting the scene and music you love?? giving away other peoples hard work for free?
i think bloggers could really help the scene if they understood how much damage they can do sometimes by giving hi quality tracks away, it can kill a release, it could be such a positive force (obviously there are loads of responsible bloggers that understand the situation and support the music they love in a way that doesnt fuck up small labels and artists and everyone connected, respect to you guys!)


ISoA: What's been your favourite club (or event) to play at?

Herve: theres been loads, too many, im just looking forward to getting over my fear of flying so i can move to the US!!!!!

And there you have it folks! Enjoy these mixes... and be on the lookout for The Count & Sinden album dropping world wide in May!
Voodoo Chilli- "Titans EP Promo"

Machines Don't Care- "Beat Bang (Trevor Loveys Remix)"

Machines Don't Care Mini Mix

Machines Don't Care- "Beat Bang (Trevor Loveys Remix)"

Oh good old Machines Don't Care... it would have been nice if I would have finished the damn Hervé or Toddla T interviews to post with this song but, alas, I have not :( I'll get it done soon enough, cool your jets. I've been busy! Work is really hard right now and it's hard to research (to write questions) and call at the same time. Being in marketing has its ups and downs (yeah that's my real job) and sometimes that means you can write and call... sometimes you've got to scramble to get the work done! I try my best to get this stuff written for you guys but I have to work, and I have to spend time with my wife... I'm sure you understand :)

Anyway, the Machines Don't Care boys are Arcadian Family (Herve is friends with a couple of my friends, as is Sinden *whose new 'Get Familiar' mix is amazing*, Toddla is down with Arcadia, and we've posted tons of their stuff). I'm very pleased to be giving you a glimpse of their new single!

Here's some press...
"Beat Bang (Trevor Loveys Dub Remix) - Machines Don’t Care
Released: 1st December 2008
Useful links:
myspace.com/machinesdontcaremusic
machinesdontcare.com

Machines Don’t Care is Hervé’s collaboration project and is an outlet for him to release unashamedly fresh club music. The first Machines long playing set was released earlier this year and has already had to be re-pressed three times, it is flying out in Japan and is about to get a full release in the US via Dim Mak.

‘Beat Bang’ proved a club favourite so is the obvious choice for first single. There’s also remixes on the package by another Hervé alter-ego Action Man, and new Machine Mujava, which Hervé has also done an edit on

The second Machines Don’t Care album will be recorded in one month next year and released a month later, with Hervé compiling a fresh and exciting list of collaborators alongside the familiar names.

320kpbs full length version of Trevor Loveys’ mix is available from the Machines website by signing up to the mailing list"

And here's the track!
Machines Don't Care- "Beat Bang (Trevor Loveys Remix)" zShare

Machines Don't Care- "Beat Bang (Trevor Loveys Remix)" YSI

You can get a higher quality copy of this joint if you join the mailing list... c'mon... you know you want that 320 kbps one DJ boy/girl! It's some good shizz... you know you want it in all it's floor shaking glory!

On another note, my friend Megan wrote a brilliant article for The Onion which you should read here. You should also peep her in the video for Onion News Network's video about Obama obsessives. She's at exactly 2:12 trying to put a ripped in half Obama sign back together like a zombie lol...

TODDLA T DOES FABRIC BIRTHDAY MIX!

Toddla T is rapidly approaching 'Arcadian Family' status... I've been trying to get a moment with him but suddenly he went from 'promising upstart' when I first started talking to him to 'one of the biggest names in the game'... I understand he's been a little busy lol... because of this I haven't posted much since his initial debut on this page (unless you count like 3 posts about Machines Don't Care, which I suppose we ought to) but now I'm getting a chance because of this awesome event/mix...

Toddla T is one of the big names that should be pulling you out of your dwelling to go to Fabric's Birthday Weekend. I've seen a fair share of the people on the bill, but to see them all in one place (much less Fabric), has got to be a dream come true. Too bad I'm a whole country away lol... go be my eyes and send me pictures yeah?

Toddla T did have a little something to say preceding this event and his mix...

'' sendin out a happy birfday wishes too youuu .... big up fabric we lookin foward to the weekend ''

A happy birthday indeed...
TODDLA T FABRIC BIRTHDAY MIX

17 OCTOBER

**FABRIC BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!**

**NB. £15/12 Students/fabricfirst Members) before 3am, £8 for all after.**

ROOM ONE:

WhoMadeWho (LIVE), Plump DJs, Filthy Dukes, Krafty Kuts, Ali B

ROOM TWO:

DJ Hype, Andy C, Fabio, Dillinja, Instra:Mental, Macpherson

MCs GQ, Rage & 2 Shy

ROOM THREE:

Tayo, Toddla T, Martelo, Joe Ransom, Squeak E Clean (N.A.S.A.), Patchwork Pirates



18 OCTOBER

**FABRIC BIRTHDAY WEEKEND!**

****NB. !! OPENING HOURS: 11pm-MIDDAY !!****

ROOM ONE:

Craig Richards, Terry Francis, Luciano, Shinedoe, Martin Buttrich (LIVE), Ralph Lawson

ROOM TWO:

Robert Hood, Baby Ford, Mark Broom, Soul Designer (LIVE)

ROOM THREE:

Omar S, Patrice Scott, Keith Worthy

Serious how are you going to miss out on this one? If you do you're nuts... Ok, make sure to keep checking for more awesomeness like this :)

Trevor Lovey's remixes "City of Lights"

They call it many things. Fidgethouse and stuff like that. Whatever, who cares.

All I know it that it sounds fucking awesome and all those dudes who are part of Machines Don't Care have been ruling my iPod for about a year (I gotta ask though, were Switch and Diplo too busy working together to get in on that MDC album? Because then it really would have been like Superfriends). Trevor Loveys (of Speakerjunk and MDC fame) has done a wicked wicked remix for you folks for a band called City Reverb...

City Reverb- "City of Lights (Trevor Loveys Vocal Mix)"

It's getting a proper release on the 8th of September. Might want to check out some more at www.myspace.com/cityreverb (which by the way includes a free download of a Prins Thomas remix). Of course also check out Mr Loveys Myspace over at www.myspace.com/trevorloveys.

This song is so good you're going to be hearing it still a year from now. Seriously. Here's more info on who you're listening to.


City Reverb are Chris Coco, Micky Bucherri, Nick Cornu, Adam Barry and Lew West

‘City of Lights’ will be released on CD and 12”. Other remixers of the track include Reverso 68, Prins Thomas, Dr Strangelove and Larry Fives

The track is the second single from the album ‘Lost City Folk’, which is released on 15th September. Chris describes it the album’s genre as “Robot Soul”

This summer the band have already played at Glastonbury Festival and will be also gracing the stages of Bestival, Green Man Festival and Camp Bestival

Upcoming live dates:
19th July: Camp Bestival, Dorset
1st August: Late At Tate Modern, London
2-3rd August: Stella Polaris, Denmark
15th August: Green Man Festival, Wales
5th September: Bestival, Isle of Wight

I gotta run to work... offset that small bit of "peace of mind" I got two weeks ago. Be back soon. Stay tuned.

South Central and MACHINES DON'T CARE... sounds like the best Tuesday of your life...

Funny thing about blogging is eventually the line between promoting someone else's music for fun... and posting about the music of people you like turns into the same thing.

Example: South Central.

South Central are my fucking boys. They produce banger after banger (in a non-Ed Banger way; I'm starting to get a little worn on that whole thing... not to say it isn't good guys; you know I love you) and are cool fucking dudes in the process. Doing a widely publicized remix for an up and coming band like Late Of The Pier, doing a fucking insanely sick mix for Kiss FM, and touring for Club NME would have most young duos/bands getting huge fucking egos and losing all their hard work to too much charlie and groupie head. These guys however just keep plugging along, making new tunes, and checking their ego at the door. Great tunes+great attitude=Eventualbigtimesuccess in my humble opinion.

So I present to you a wicked new remix that shows serious growth towards that goal... this tune is really different from their previous remixes but I reallllllllly like it...

Sneaky Sound System- "Pictures (South Central Remix)"

On a different note.... The world also gets smaller when you blog a lot... eventually people you post about, if you spend enough time working to the heart of this music biz monster, are friends of friends (if they aren't your friends already).

Example: Herve

6 degrees of separation turns into 3 degrees. Herve has done two high profile projects with two of my friends... hopefully someday we will meet... who knows? I think it's fucking awesome though... makes me feel like the world is really small which is nice in an age where there is no community anywhere. Now his Machines Don't Care project is getting closer to having an album released so I'm giving you a track off it.

Machines Don't Care- "On A Roll Man"


APPARENTLY Machines Don't Care isn't just a couple of names you'd expect to see next to Herve's. It's like a BUNCH of names... MACHINES DON’T CARE are Hervé, Sinden, Trevor Loveys, Affie Yusef, Toddla T, Fake Blood, Detboi & Drop The Lime?!?!? WTF? That boy Toddla T is making it happen I tell ya... I'm trying to get him back on the line but looks like he's hella busy lol...

This track was passed on from their website Machinesdontcare.com... go check it out...

I love this fucking track. It's like straight up acid, with an MC with a heavy accent, with strange vocal drops that I can't tell if they're watermarking or part of the track. It reminds me of current stuff, with a pinch of Josh Wink, and then the first half of Simon Reynold's book "Energy Flash" all put into one song. It's ravey and it's bonkers and I love it...

Speaking of ravey and bonkers... the video for my boy Larry Tee's song "Licky" (which appears to be the original song superimposed on top of Herve's remix) is finally out. It's weird to me the life of some songs. Like... "We Are Your Friends"? That song could still blow up a room right now. Doesn't matter how many times it's been played (other songs from the same time period as the original release I doubt we can even remember). Same with this track. I got it March of last year, it's been officially released, put on loads of comps, Santogold put a verse over it for Steve Aoki, and this fucking thing just keeps on ticking! It's a testament to how fucking truly genius the man is. Shit even I've posted about it in some form like 5 times. Check it out... Princess Superstar is awesome...



Let me say something real quick though before I end this post. Don't get me wrong for two seconds. This doesn't make me special. I wear a blue shirt and khakis, lift heavy shit all day long, am despised by my coworkers, and making barely over minimum wage in the process. I can barely ever pay for anything other than flowers for my girl and discounted "Ice Cream" trainers. I'm treading water like there's no tomorrow. But at least there is something exciting in the middle of that shit storm and it's knowing that almost every day some artist I like or someone I know has a new tune out... and I'm proud to help represent that. So it doesn't make me special... Simian Mobile Disco calling and waking me up last Friday was cool, but it didn't make me special. When I have an album done and people recognize that (if that ever even happens) then that's a whole 'nother something. But it in meantime I'm here to spread the gospel of other people's amazing work and enjoy doing it :)

See you on the next post!