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LET’S GET
PHYSIC(S)AL…
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Swedish pair Mikael Surdi and Tobjörn Olsson better known as Physics made waves with their First Flight debut album back in 2002, fusing soulful, jazzy vibes with bumpin’ house grooves to create an experience that straddled the ambient and danceable faces of the house sound. With their next full-length due for release later this year on Seamless Recordings, they are celebrating by teaming up with Bargrooves to release a series of singles from the album remixed by scene heavyweights such as, Matthias Heilbronn, Audiowhores, Soularis and Andreas Thiessen, all adding their own unique twist to the sultry Physics sound. With so many new Physics tracks to get our teeth into, we get together with the men behind it all, Mikael and Toby, to get the low down on the new tunes…
Words by Gavin Leversuch
You have a brand new album due out on Seamless Recordings later this year. How does it sound?
Mikael: It’s much more personal and close to our hearts. We decided early on to throw away the rules for how a ‘house album’ should sound. We have a huge music library between us so it became rather natural to explore the sounds that we've carried with us since the beginning of the 80's up until now.
Toby: Our influences are wide and diverse so the album came out the same. For us, it's the best set of songs we've done up until now.
How does the new album differ from its predecessor? How is it similar?
Toby: Working on First Flight was much, much easier. We didn't plan the tracks before making the album. When a track sounded good and done - that was it. What happened to it after that was anybody's guess.
Mikael: On our new album we really wanted to dig deep into every track; to produce something that was varied and accessible but still fit with our own unique sound. As a result, although the styles on every track differ, you are able to hear that they all fit under the same umbrella; diverse, yet definitely ‘Physics’.
However, the recording of the new album, that is the technical side, was very similar to the making of First Flight. Generally, the foundation of each track - the harmonies, beats, bassline, verse and chorus - was created on either mine or Toby's computer first. After that we tried not to interfere too much with whatever happened, it’s important to give one another ample room to change things around.
Sometimes the end result is in line with the original thought whereas other times it may take a radical turn. This type of collaboration isn't easy but once you've stripped down the ego walls around you, you'll see that it always keeps you interested and the music fresh in your ears.
What was your favourite track on the album to write and produce, and what track do you feel turned out the best?Mikael: I still get chills when I put on ‘Burn Down’, ‘Estrelas’ and ‘I'm Here’. I think that we had the best time when we made ‘Burn Down’ though. Each take was followed by a big smile from both of us.
Toby: I think it's difficult to pick one out - it's like being asked to choose your favourite child. I must say though that I'm really pleased with our own remixes.
The second disc of the album is packed full of remixes by the likes of Matthias Heilbronn, G-Club and many others. Who are you the most excited about remixing your work?
Toby: It's impossible for us to pick out one favourite amongst these great names. We love them all. We didn't decide on who was to remix what on the album. It came as a pleasant surprise to find out who Seamless had come up with, but I'd be a total liar if I denied that I got chills when the name ‘Audiowhores’ was mentioned. Talk about Seamless thinking outside the box on that one. Love it!
From where did you draw your inspiration for the new album?
Mikael: From the vibe around us; current events in the world and in our lives. It felt natural to create something more soulful.
Toby: We didn't hesitate to take the tempo down on a track. We were more into giving the track its own life, you know, than forcing it into a 125 bpm house track. Our inspiration for the album came from our massive music collection, such as Erykah Badu, St Germain, Blaze, The Hives, Planet Funk, LCD Soundsystem, Depeche Mode, U2 - the list goes on forever.
You have worked with several vocalists over the years, how easy is it to coax the ‘right’ performance from them?
Mikael: It isn't hard at all actually. Give them freedom and let them blossom in the studio. After that you'll find that they are into it. All of the vocalists we've worked with have been real professionals when it comes to working in the studio.
Toby: They always show up well prepared, good spirited and ready to rock. We always make sure that they have everything they need; like fruit, water and what-have-you. The thing that always amazes us is how much richer the tracks become when they lay down their vocals in the studio. Sometimes they actually change our entire vision of the hook to a track - very inspiring.
Do you give them any creative control over their performances?
Toby: I'd have to say that we always give them creative control when they’re doing their thing. We benefit from it in every way. They are happier, and the music becomes more interesting. The only catch for them would be that we always make sure that they realise that we have final say in the matter - we decide what stays on a track.
What has been your career highlight so far?
Mikael: Playing live and meeting all sorts of new and interesting people. It's such a perk to be able to take the Physics thing on the road. A lot of work, but always fun. Have to mention though that from a scenic point of view our gig at the opening of Puro Beach in Mallorca definitely stands out. Beautifulissimo!!
Aside from your own projects, what other tunes have been getting you going this Summer?
Mikael: Sound of Silver – LCD Soundsystem, Digitalism and rediscovering Hopes And Fears by Keane.
Toby: Blue Six's Tropicalia - The Way You Love Me (Dimitri From Paris remake)
What’s next on the cards for Physics? Start working on another album, go touring, or something else?
Toby: We are looking forward to doing our thing live. That, in itself, always inspires us to do new things. We re-examine our sound and perhaps go different ways with it; grab a current sound and make it our own.
PHYSICS - ‘Let It Out’ / ‘It’s All Good To Me’ (Bargrooves)
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