Richardine Bartee
EDM-popular before EDM popularity
Taken from the pages of GrungeCake Magazine’s second issue, we take you back to a time when print was dying and we didn’t care. Join us (again) for our Q&A with Italian music producer Railster. He talks about the danger of unicycling, his views on bipolar women and what inspires him.
Where does the name Railster come from? Were you named?
You know, the name, for a rapper is always trouble! “Rail” means complain or protest persistently.
I have read this word for the first time when I have bought the first two Roni Size’s CDs, the first song is named “railing”. It’s like a tribute to this first UK sounds. But also I like this sequence of letters, it has a good look. Railster is fine. Now, I think that it’s a particular sound, or simply I don’t care.
Share 3 historical facts about Udine, Italy?
Just next to Udine, Napoleon signed the “Campo-formido Treaty” of peace.
This space for rent.
This space for rent.
Your views on Patrick Swayze.
Well, I’ve been watching Dirty Dancing forever. I’m sadden he’s not fine now.
Who inspires you?
One of the main music that inspire me is from Detroit. From the first releases of Juan Atkins / Model 500, to the last cd of James Dewitt Yancey aka J Dilla, they are two plan masters. But I can’t forget the first love, the UK sound like Roots Manuva, that is one of my favourite artists of all time. Seldomly, I listen to Flying Lotus (Warp Records), and his friends, they do amazing things.
Are you fond of Chuck Close?
I’m more the Rothko kind of guy.
If you had the chance to create a soundtrack for a specific movie, would it be? Why?
Probably, a futuristic sci-fi film. When I compose, I like to impose myself in the future as Marty McFly. Seriously, sometimes, when I listen to my music it sounds like a perfect soundtrack for a futuristic spaceship.
Could you see yourself collaborating with MC Hammer?
Just if he’d wear the speedo he had in “pumps and a bump”.
Describe your work ethic. Does it coincide with your plan on longevity?
It actually coincides with my plan to conquer the galaxy.
Is that a problem?
Are unicyclist dangerous?
Half of the double-cyclist, or double, it depends.
Skydiving or bungee jumping?
Skydiving. If I have to bump my nose on the ground after falling from a height, let’s make it big and get the real thing.
Ever made lasagna? Can we have some?
It’s in the oven now. It takes like two or three years to cook. It’s called the “Lasagna senza” (“without lasagna”).
Twiggy (now) or Brigitte Neilsen (now)?
Twiggy. Style has no age.
Is it safe to say, all producers have written a rhyme is their lives?
Unfortunately, it is.
Your views on Bipolar women.
I love them. I hate them. I love them. I hate them. I love them. I hate them. I love them. I hate them. (Ad lib)
What is your earliest memory of music? Do you remember what were the first records and or cassettes you purchased with your own $?
I’ve got a sister and she’s ten years older than me. When I was younger, we stayed together in the bedroom. She was listening a lot of music, like pop, rock or something’ like Duran Duran. When I was really young, like sixteen, I remember that I did some mix-tapes for the schoolbus. I did it with my first tape recorder. I was recording the music taken from the radio stations. Nothing [out] of “conscious”. I was recording music like Hip-House songs. 20 fingers in Europe, they have reached the top of the charts in the middle 90’s. Later, I have tried to listen all type of music i.e.: like punk or alternative. Like Rage Against The Machine, Refused, Beastie Boys, or Joy Division, Pearl Jam and so on. The first CD that I bought is “OK Computer” by Radiohead.
Do you think men should wear charm bracelets?
(Trying to be unseen, removes it) No.
I am in a respectable music store and i pick up a Railster album and / or a compilation album, what should I expect? How categorize your art (music)?
I started to make Hip-Hop music because I love it, but I’ve never listened to just Hip-Hop. I try to make music as it was in the old-school, Hip-Hop as a melting pot of different sounds. If masters like Afrika Bambaataa was Hip-Hop, I am too, but twenty years later.
Can you flap your ears like Alfalfa?
(Sighs) It is impolite to point out that I can’t. I wish I could.
Red velvet or chocolate cake?
Chocolate on my velvet, so sexy.
What would be your word of advice to the aspiring music producers?
Ears are make for listening.
What next for Railster?
Now, I’m working for my crazy friend Vigalante in NYC. I still collaborate with the Baddys. In these days, I’m gonna do a remix for NPa productions from New Jersey. I’m gonna remix the track with the dacav5 crew and an internet release for ReddArmy Recs.
For more Railster, just click here.
