2 de Agosto 2006
Entrevista Bong-Ra
Bong-Ra's trademark 'jungle rock' style has been moulded over the past 7 to 8 years to become a recognizable and addictive sound. Although his compostions and tracks may vary there's always an adrenaline rush of some sort buzzing around. Mostly recognized for his part in the 'Yardcore' or 'Raggacore' sub genre, his tracks differ significantly and crossover ranges of styles which have played a part in his musical development, leaving an open mind when it come to sound and structure. Most important is the energy and mood of each track produced, and the vibe surrounding it.
Since the Bong-Ra birth in 1997 there's been list of releases on various different labels such as; Djax (NL), Death$ucker (UK), Cock rock Disco (USA/D), Russian Roulette (D), Supertracks (NL), Hydrophonic (IT), Soothsayer (USA), Ad Noiseam (D), Vynalogica (NL), Planet Mu (UK), Sublight (CAN), Very Friendly (UK) and Mirex (D). Releasing four full length CD's in 1998 (New Millennium Dreadz), 2003 (Bikini Bandits, Kill! Kill! Kill!), 2005 (I am the God of Hellfire!) and 2006 (Soldaat van Oranje).
.-Is something musically speaking before Bong-Ra? where'd the name Bong-Ra come from?
I played in several Grind, Doom and Death metal bands, from 1989 till 1996.
Released several albums with these bands. Played support act for great bands like Carcass, Extreme Noise Terror, My Dying Bride, Electric Wizard, etc..
.- How did you get into making music? tell as your main musical influences.
Black Sabbath, The Prodigy, John Coltrane and DJ Ruffneck.
.-What inspires you to write music? Do you have a set way of working or is it something impulsive?
No I just play around until I get an idea, and then just follow my instinct...sometimes a melody, sometimes drum pattern or sometimes work from a sample loop...
.-In 2002 DJ John Peel receives a demo with new material and invites Bong-Ra for one of his renowned sessions. This session is broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on February 21, tell us about the experience.
It was amazing. He was such a great character, and very humble, taking the time to listen about your music. Since the Peel Session a lot changed for he good.
.-Alongside producing and performing as Bong-Ra, both Clash Records and Kriss Records are run and owned by Bong-Ra. Clash was formed in 2001, and focusses on mainly hardcore ragga-orientated jungle. Kriss Records has a more political and/or metal edge to its sound. which are your next projects and explains the philosophy of these labels?
Well with Clash there asnt a lot of heavy jungle label at that time...now there are too many. I wanted to release hardcore jungle and there wasn't any label so i started my own.
Same goes for Kriss...I did my Grindkrusher (metal ep) for Ad Noiseam, and before that I realized no-one was making metal with breaks any more.
Jahbas Warpigz track made me realise what a great combination they are, so I started a metalbreaks label Kriss...I will be releasing more electro-grind stuff.
Maruosa and Scotch Egg will be releasing 10" on Kriss after the summer.
.-What about the Junglist' hardcore jungle nights in Rotterdam are the current regular monthly nights hosted by Clash Records, tell more about it.
I dont host anymore, its too time consuming.
.-who did "Bikini Bandits, Kill! Kill! Kill!" video? ¿and the casting?
Steve Grasse of Gyromart, they are the ones behind the Bandits.
.-How arose 4 Adaptations of Rossz csillag alatt született? How you value the musical trajectory of venetian snares? How you value the collaboration with other artists?
I think Snares is amazing. He is very inspiring to hear, and I feel priviliged to be associated with him as an artist and as a genre.
.-Your last realase "The Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Ensemble" breaks yet what you had done previously, how you have felt producing it?
the TKDE project has been around since 2000. Only we never got around to really working on it. I want to continue with the TKDE band. I enjoy it a lot.
.-When can we expect your next release?
I'm taking a smal rest with bong-ra for the time being. maybe a Grindkrusher 2, I'm not sure...I will be focussing on TKDE this year.
A next Bong-Ra album will be out on Sublight end 2007 at the earliest.
.-Whats the differance between you setup for live shows and the setup you use for studio work? programs that you use, machines...
Live I use Ableton or Traktor with midi controllers.
In the sudio I use Logic and sometimes Ableton.
.-Some next collaboration with the boys of Drumcorps, who you think of its work?
Aaron Spectre is great. Hes a real refreshing guy to have joined our genre.
I love Drumcorps! Also his live shows are stunning, makes me wanna headbang and stagedive my ass off!!
.-You know the new Blaerg project The Disease Model? what you think?, metal and electónica are a good mixture?
No, I have heard of his name, but never any tracks, I will check it out.
.-Tell us the experience from your visit to Spain (Zaragoza and Madrid) with Shitmat, is truth that you have family here?
My father and brother live in the south. I love Spain, I am a big Hercules Alicante football fan. Zaragoza was crazy!!!
.-What do you listen to at the moment? What is the latest album you bought?
South San Gabriel, Chrome Hoof and (old) Napalm Death.
Bong-Ra official web
Bong-Ra Discogs