Labyrinth // Laserpoint // Whiteout - Interview 1/6 - Way Out West
01. You will be playing live at the upcoming Labyrinth// Laserpoint event - which advantages does a live set give you in comparison to regular DJ-set?
Nick:
"The live show is a chance for us to play all our own material from the present day to stuff to our classics from years gone by and the dynamics of a live show are really different to a DJ set - you never know what might happen!"
Jody:
"Well, I think a live set can sound more interesting and exciting because of the human element . When you DJ, you are basically playing finished tracks, but when performing live there are so many different parts that can be used and it never sounds the same twice. However, on the flip side there is also a slight edge of danger , which keeps you on your toes."
02. Way Out West has released already four albums and you could be described as one of the pioneers of progressive house/trance. In your opinion, how has progressive sound changed after you released your debut in 1994?
Nick:
"It has changed tremendously, what you might call progressive today is not as complex and arguably not as forward thinking as it has been in the past. I never think of the labels anyway, i just play the music I like"
Jody:
"I actually believe that the concept behind this style of music is exactly the same ( forward thinking, melodic, emotional, energetic etc etc.. ),but unfortunately the word progressive became associated with boring,generic sounding cheesy trance. The media always needs something new to thrive on, and prog became a dirty word. However, the cross pollination of styles right now is resulting in some amazing music."
03. Is there any Way Out West production of which you're not particularly proud of?
Nick:
"There are some remixes in our past which I'm not too keen on..."
Jody:
"I think our remix of Paul Van Dyk's 'For An Angel' could have been better."
04. Talking about your past productions, you've just released new remixes of "Gift". Are there other re-releases in the pipeline and/or which of your early works would you like to see re-remixed?
Nick:
"None at the moment but maybe Deconstruction will want to do the same for Ajare or Domination in the future. We were really pleased with all the remixes of the Gift"
Jody:
"For the live show we have remixed Ajare, Domination , Mindcircus, and The Fall. Some of which we may release. Two more tracks that I would love to bring up to date are Shoot and Montana ( lakota mix )"
05. You're both doing strong solo careers, too. What kind of effect have your solo careers had on Way Out West sound?
Nick:
"I think it brings a freshness and new directions to our sound"
Jody:
"Thanks ! I think they both feed off each-other to be honest. The stuff I do on my own and the current WOW sound are not 100 miles apart, obviously Nick's influence is what makes the WOW stuff different, but the general vibe is the same as this is where my head is at right now."
06. You're both active visitors in Finland - what's your favorite memory of our country?
Nick:
"I spend a lot of time in Finland, having a Finnish girlfriend means I am always travelling back and forth. My favourite time in Finland is in June, the long warm days always seem to bring everyone out in the evenings and there is an amazingly positive energy to the country".
Jody:
"Enthusiastic party people, lots of snow and intense pear-cider hangovers :)"
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