Beginning in 2008, the small time basement project of Drop Out Orchestra has grown from one-man party to a three-man studio team, consisting of a music teacher, studio engineer and music tech writer. Little is known regarding the identity of the mysterious ‘dropouts’, they let their music take the focus rather than their identities. The Dropouts have had some major releases, including ‘International Track’ which samples Daft Punk being featured as BBC 1’s Essential tune of the week on Pete Tongs radio show as well as topping Juno charts and receiving massive praise from DJs worldwide. The troupe has also completed remixes for acts such as Paul Weller, Flight Facilities, Mario Bassnov and Arthur’s landing. In addition to the above, the Dropouts have reworked some of pop music’s most iconic figures, Rick Astley, Robyn, Craig David, The Ramones and Diana Ross to name a few. With strong support from the likes of Erol Alkan, Aeroplane, Greg Wilson, Jaymo & Andy George (BBC Radio 1), The Magician, Fatboy Slim, Tronik Youth, Mylo, Chris Coco, Annie Mac (BBC Radio 1), Classixx, Laidback Luke and Disjokke they are one of the most hyped names in the disco scene. Drop Out Orchestra have performed across Europe, blending a live bass player with an intense mix of unique edits, loops and acapella that is sure to see them please crowds on their first Australian tour in 2012!
I caught up with Gary to quiz him on the upcoming tour, Skrillex and hidden identities.
What was ‘life’ before turning to music? Tell us about yourselves!
There was no such thing. I bought my first 7″ when I was five or six years old, my first synth when I was seven and released my first record when I was 15.
How do you feel about the commercialisation of dance music?
We don’t care about it we are not part of it. Personally I don’t listen to much contemporary dance music. If I go to a restaurant and they play dumb dance hits I sometimes unplug the speakers. Like Kraftwerk (Laughs) “Sound pollution.”
I love your remix of praise you, that must of been fun to make did it take long, what triggered the idea?
Thanks. We really like the original song, but the arrangement and production wasn’t so great, so we tried getting it to sound different, that’s all.
Shackles (Praise You) Drop Out Orchestra Rework by Drop Out Orchestra
Australia! This is big for you guys yeah? Are you excited? Will you be here long enough to venture away from clubs? If so what would you like to do?
It is unbelievably exciting! We didn’t expect the music to take us this far, really. I’m so looking forward to meeting people there, seeing the clubs and all the rest. I don’t think we’ll have too much time outside the gigs, but of course we’re hoping to get to the beach. Sweden’s freezing.
Thoughts on Skrillex winning Grammys?
Not really. I haven’t heard much of his music, to me it’s no better or worse than, say Swedish House Mafia.
Bros – When Will I Be Famous (Drop Out Orchestra Rework) EDIT by Drop Out Orchestra
Do girls really whip out their knockers when you’re killing it at a festival?
(Laughs) I wish. Maybe this summer they will?
Why the hidden identity?
It’s not only because we’re ugly and old, we’re also trying to put the music forward, trying to shift focus from the DJ booth and back to the dance floor. The party, that’s what it’s all about, the music, the people, the drink or whatever you poison is… oh and the music. It shouldn’t be about the two guys mixing or playing it.
Are we looking at a full length LP anytime soon?
No I don’t think so. We locked ourselves away in the studio in the beginning of the year but the tracks we came up with sounded like singles so we’re in the process of commissioning remixes instead. Singles are more fun anyway.
The O’Jays – Back Stabbers (Drop Out Orchestra Edit) by Drop Out Orchestra
Here is something for our readers. We are giving away a free double pass to Drop Out Orchestra at the Bowler Bar in Brisbane, and to win all you have to do is fan us on Facebook (here) and write on our wall telling us you want the tickets. Pretty damn simple huh?
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