Slam Interview - Dark Channel Release

·1 hr·5 clips

DJ Wah interviews Scotland's techno royalty Slam about their dark new album Dark Channel and 30-plus years in the scene.

The episode opens with DJ Wah introducing the show and the interview feature with Slam, a techno duo from Scotland consisting of Stuart McMillan and Ord Meikle. He notes their legendary status with over 30 years in the scene and mentions their latest album Dark Channel. The interview is structured in two parts: part one focuses on legacy tracks and general topics, while part two delves into the new album. Slam defines their sound as relentless, dark, deep, and twisted techno that has evolved to become more focused over time. They recall the vibrant Glasgow scene in the 1980s, specifically the acid house explosion in 1988 centered around Lucifer's, which later became the Sub Club. Regarding production, Slam explains that Dark Channel came together quickly over three weeks from live jams, which they consider a lucky and satisfying process. They discuss using modular synths and Ableton Push, emphasizing experimentation and happy accidents over technical expertise. The conversation shifts to their label Soma, celebrating its 34th anniversary, with Slam describing a democratic A&R process involving weekly meetings to maintain quality and relevance. In the DJing section, Slam talks about their telepathic connection as a duo, performing without rehearsals and using three decks to live remix tracks on the fly. They highlight their sets by playing unique edits and bootlegs that others don't. Reflecting on achievements, Slam mentions running a dance tent at the T in the Park festival in Scotland for 19 years, booking acts like Daft Punk and Jeff Mills, and discovering Daft Punk's early works through Soma. Looking forward, they express a desire to continue organically without rigid plans, noting that Dark Channel is their first full dance floor album. The episode concludes with promotions for the album and resources for listeners, followed by closing remarks and a track from the past.

As heard by us

A two-part Slam interview links Dark Channel with the duo's long-running DJ partnership.

Slam's Dark Channel interview works from a clear split. DJ Wah first leads Stuart McMillan and Ord Meikle through legacy tracks he has chosen, then shifts toward the new album, the 80s, production, and the craft of DJing as a duo.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for Slam on Dark Channel, legacy cuts chosen by DJ Wah, and the near-telepathy behind a two-person DJ set.

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