For the past two decades, Shit Robot has very patiently been reviving the propulsive spirit of rave music, but with a focused sound palate built from 20 years of expert selecting. His debut record, Cradle to the Rave, saw collaborations from many DFA mainstays including James Murphy and Nancy Whang, Alexis Taylor, and Juan Maclean. Recently, Marcus was kind enough to share his thoughts on modern club systems, playing vinyl in a digital age, and the next class of DFA newcomers. Take a look below.
O S A K A: Is there a specific story behind the name and image?
The name and the robot came from a party that myself and James Murphy used to throw at Plant Bar in NYC a long time ago. It all started from James making fun of the fact that I used to be a raver.
How has the moniker affected your career over the years, if at all?
It has a little, but then i guess it has also opened a few doors too. Sometimes places like itunes won’t promote your record because it has the word “shit” in it, but then again it has helped me with some collaborations because people just love the name and are interested.
Key components of a live Shit Robot performance.
Robot helmet and a big screen with shitty visuals.
How did you first discover dance music? What were your influences growing up, and at what point did it change to reflect your current taste?
I think i first discovered dance music through breakdancing. That’s how i fell in love with Kraftwerk. Before that i was mostly into punk, but i was obsessed with Killing Joke and i think that’s where my love of synths started.
Five essential records off the top of your head.
Kraftwerk, Computer World. Slam, Positive Education. 69 (Carl Craig), Desire. Marshall Jefferson, Move Your Body. Pepe Bradock, Deep Burnt.
You have been DJing for some time now and have no doubtably seen the rise and fall of several dance cultures. What in your opinion was the golden age of dance music or have we yet to experience it?
Haha! I don’t think we have yet to experience it, i think it has long passed. But i would think that being 42 years old. It’s always different, ask someone older than me from NY and they’ll say it was The Loft or Paradise Garage. For me it was the early acid house years, 1991/ 1992. Ask some 25 year old today and you’ll get a different answer. i think the golden years are the years that YOU first discover dance music and have your first good club experiences.
Favorite place to DJ?
Japan.
How have the DJ venues changed since you started performing?
DJ Booths. There are no Dj Booths anymore, just picnic tables on a stage. this is no good.
How well do you feel newer club systems react to vinyl? Is there a loss of warmth or presence? Are today’s audiences missing out on the true depth of the music they are listening to?
They don’t. Most clubs are set up for digital only, they are definitely missing out. Todays systems are an assault on the ears, it should be a massage. A good club room invites you in, it draws you in to the centre and wraps you in a warm blanket of sound. see: Despacio.
Alternatively, do you feel we as an audience suffer from the constant barrage of under composed and underproduced music that tends to flood the media?
I think the biggest problem today is that it’s too easy to put a record out. There are huge benefits from the digital age and it’s great that new producers can get their music out easily, but there’s no filter. When it cost a lot of money to put out a 12″, not everything got released, it had to be better.
Friendship and collaboration seem to have forged themselves into the DNA of what DFA represents. From sharing records with James Murphy, to collectively building the DFA studio, all the way through the many guest vocalists and musicians you’ve worked with throughout the years. Do you feel the next generation of DFA artists share in that same collaborative mentality?
Yeah, for sure. I met a lot of DFA artists that i hadn’t met before at our anniversary party in NY and it was really great. Everybody was super nice and it seemed like they had all been part of the family forever.
Are there any DFA artists you’ve yet to work with that you would like to?
Yeah, i love Factory Floor, they rule hard. I’d also love to do something with Dan Bodan, his voice is amazing!!
What do we have to look forward to from Shit Robot? Another LP I hope.
yes, coming soon. early next year.
Any final thoughts or stories you would like to share in regards to the culture of dance music, past or present?
hmmm.. i think i’ve said enough. i don’t want to sound like a curmudgeon.
Thank you very kindly for your time. Very much looking forward to the show coming up at Check Yo Ponytail in Los Angeles.
me too, see you there.
Shit Robot will be making his Check Yo Ponytail debut this Monday with a very special DJ set. Joining him will be Brooklyn Fashion warriors AVAN LAVA, DFA mainstay Larry Gus, and A Club Called Rhonda resident, Goddollars. The vibe will most certainly be alive, so get ready for one hell of a school night.
Tickets are available HERE.
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