CalcuLon Interview

Words by Tom "Medicine Man" Strayhorn

EverydayJunglist:Describe how you first became interested in working with Drum and Bass music and what you draw inspiration from in regards to your production.
Calculon: When I first started making Drum and Bass it was so I could have something new to mix into my sets. I had been DJing and putting on events for several years, and it had come to the point where I need something more creative and challenging to focus my energy into. I could not have started producing without a good friend of mine, FSTZ, as he got me a laptop, got me Cubase, and showed me the ropes. I am forever grateful to him for his guidance and help. After I made a few tunes with him I really learned the most and was inspired by Kubiks and Lomax. Not only did I aim to make tunes similar to theirs as they were inspirational, but they told me which sample CD to get, and I went to England and got samples from them and made a tune with Kubiks that was released on his album on Rubik, the tune "Android on Steroids."

EverydayJunglist:How would you describe the Drum and Bass scene in San Diego from a local's perspective?
Calculon: The scene used to be very very healthy in San Diego, and we some times had several UK headliners the same week. Looking back we were totally spoiled!!! Nowadays things have slowed down considerably but there are still great events from time to time. We have a few reliable weeklies, and the one offs with out of town talent are usually something to get excited about. Although we are the little sister compared to LA, if you stayed in San Diego you would see at least one great show a month.

EverydayJunglist:If you don't mind, please share how you became known as "Calculon"?
Calculon: That one always makes me laugh! I was watching the show "Futurama" when my roommate and fellow promoter/producer asked me what name I was going to put on the flyer for our first club night. As I was watching TV the name came to me. Ha ha.

EverydayJunglist:What would you say is your favorite moment of your DnB career so far?..Can you think of a favorite gig or event that you will never forget that you don't mind sharing with us?
Calculon: Certain things are unforgettable, like when I played to about a thousand people in LA when I opened for Logistics and Nu:Tone. When I showed up to the venue they told me I was playing for 2 and a half hours, then Nu:Tone and Logistics were going back to back. What a night that was!! Nowadays the greatest moments tend to come from meeting amazing people and travelling places I would never go to unless I was touring. This year I have gone to New York, Miami, Hawaii, and Seattle all for the first time and I am very grateful to be able to travel around the states to dj.

Another gig that really stands out to me is about a year ago I went to Bristol, UK, and was the closing dj at Intrigue. That night Calibre, Random Movement, and the Insiders were on the bill!! There isn't much better I think than to dj in England to an amazing line up like that as an American DJ.

EverydayJunglist: What "classics" do you find yourself throwing in your record bag for parties?
Calculon: There are a few that always feel great to play and to listen to! LK by Marky and XRS is one I always want to drop. I finally picked up Deadline by Digital on 12". I tend to play newer tunes when I dj out, but there are also tunes like Danny Byrd's Shockout and Calibre's Mister Maverick that always fit nicely into a set.

EverydayJunglist: Who are some other artists that you have always wanted to work with and why?
Calculon: That could be a long list! There are many many people I respect and would be honored to work with or learn from them. Calyx is a good friend but we've never came close to making music together, and that would be amazing. I'd love to make tunes with Survival, Lomax, S.P.Y., Break, Henree, I could really go on. There are so many talented producers but I tend to feel isolated being in Southern California, as most of the scene is in Europe.

EverydayJunglist: Do you like to think of yourself more as a producer, or a DJ?..and why?
Calculon: I think in Drum n Bass you have to be both to be successful, so I try to balance the two. I find myself spending way more energy nowadays making tunes and sitting in front of my computer, but there is nothing better than DJing to a crowd that is up for it, so it's important to focus on both. I have a weekly radio show on www.bassdrive.com Thursdays and that keeps me active as a DJ when I am not gigging, but I lean more towards being a producer every day. If you think about it, at least for me, what I love most about Drum n Bass is the tunes, and the producers make the tunes. I have a lot of respect for skilled DJs that don't produce as they have the ear for quality tunes, but personally I strive to be a great producer more than anything.

EverydayJunglist: What kind of hardware; programs; and plug-ins do you like for producing your tracks?..also, how long "on average" do you spend working on a track before considering it complete?
Calculon: I have used Cubase to make tunes since I have started. It's amazing how technology has enabled people to make music solely on a computer, without the need for any external gear whatsoever. One of these days I should really get a mouse and plug in my midi keyboard! Recently I got a pair of monitors, and that has made a big difference in my approach to tune-making and my appreciation of sound design.

As far as making a tune, the best ones come together quickly! I've done bootlegs and tunes in 3 to 4 hours when they just work, and more hours when things don't click. Some tunes I start and then they sit on the computer for months before I try to finish them. It's different for each tune really, the amount of time spent on them.

EverydayJunglist:Is there any one specific song you would like to one day make a Calculon Remix of?
Calculon: Yes. "Nautilus" by Kubiks and Lomax or "Ransom Rhodes" by CLS & Wax. The Rubik stuff from a few years back was hugely inspirational, and it would be fun to have my own versions of the tunes I love so much.

EverydayJunglist: What advice would you offer to a talented and driven artist trying to establish themselves in this business?
Calculon: If you love what you do and do what you love you will be OK. Just remember why you started! It's important to love what you do and have an appreciation for the music. People can get lost in their own egos, and try to remember we are all in this together because we love the music.

We have a small scene so don't do anything you don't want everyone to know about. The nicest people get the farthest in DnB, not the cunts. If you are talented and driven, be humble, improve your art, and be friendly. With those things going for you you will be just fine. Also remember nothing happens overnight.

EverydayJunglist: Do you have any plans of touring anywhere in or near Texas anytime in the foreseeable future?
Calculon: I've only been to Texas once briefly and it wasn't for long enough! I would love to come out to Texas soon, and since I'm in California i'm not too far away. Interested promoters please get in touch with me at djcalculon@yahoo.com.

EverydayJunglist: What are some personal goals you have set for yourself to accomplish in the year 2011?
Calculon: There are several 12"s that I plan to release on Rubik Records, so to see those come to fruition would make me happy. I also have not yet signed a solo production to a 12" so that would be gratifying. Also I want to continue to push Rubik Records to be a quality label in Drum n Bass, and I want to continue to grow as a DJ and a person. I would like to go to new places where I have not DJed before, return to places I have DJed before, and DJ outside of America and the UK. It might be just a dream but I look forward to being able to DJ everywhere from Asia to Eastern Europe to South America.