Antonio Lugo interview

[The Overfiend]

Thanks fellas.
I was quite nervous about this.
I wanted to be honest and answer as intelligently as possible.
Hope it's interesting.

[Si the Sigh]

Can someone copy and paste the interview up here please?

Works blocking the website it's hosted on and I don't have internet access at home.

[koma]

why its my site blocked for you? :hmm:



Who is Antonio Lugo?

Even I'm not sure about that most of the time. In a generalization I would say a reflection of a dichotomy. A Brolic Scholar, something like that.

Your musical background: when did you get more serious into music, who played an important role in creation of your taste today?

My musical background goes all the way back to my childhood.
My mother was heavily involved in the Politics of her job and would be involved in some high profile fundraisers.

What did she do?

My Mother was a New York City Correction Officer at such places as the Bronx House and Rikers Island. She was also involved with the benevolence association.

During these events I would accompany her and see salsa acts like Tito Puente, El Gran Combo, Fania All Stars on numerous occasions, back then I don't think I appreciated what I was seeing as much as I do now. Meanwhile my sister was involved with one of the New York City Breakers who used to practice B-boying (breakdancing) right across the street. So living in the Bronx at such a pivotal time in Hip Hop I think added the urge for attitude in my music. Funny as that is the same time Heavy Metal was popular and I was always interested in the speed and the grit behind it. I used to study music theory in school and was learning guitar as well. All of that went out the window. As far as getting serious into music I always had the desire to produce but never the tools to be able to do so. So when I finally got the opportunity to work I put my energy full speed ahead on production. My taste is based on my desire to blend highly percussive tracks with essentially good song composition and musical elements, without loosing the integrity of its toughness.

Tell us something about your involvement in Limelight club.

My peoples Cm Mob (Ayak!) were part of the promotional team that threw parties there called Main Ingredient. So we used to be in there all the time, acting up, drinking with stars, acting a fool on and off the dance floor. We practically owned that place. It was also the same place I got my first taste of techno around 94- 95. I miss what that place used to be, full of decadence.

Drinking with stars you say. Stars like..?

Hanging with those cats you're bound to run into a lot of people, plenty of actors, too many rappers to name. One time Lennox Lewis was table next to mine on my birthday. It was to the point where you're not even remotely star struck anymore. I did throw up on a porn star on one of those instances, but I'd rather not elaborate, that's between me and that Vivid girl.



And who you can thank for that first taste of techno, what djs played there at the time?

Part of my first taste of techno I can thank Dj Kevtech from New Jersey for showing me Touche records, among others, but he introduced me to the techno sound, I think inadvertently cause at the time I was still into djing house music and very much into the Paul Johnson, Relief sound. I was still in my teens, he was one of the illest dj's I've ever met, still is. I have not spoken or seen him in almost 10 years, but I hope he is still Djing, he was very good.

Further more, what's going on in NYC clubbing-wise?

As far as what's going on in New York now club wise, I really could not tell you. I moved almost a year ago to Arizona to be with my Fiancee. When I left the Tronic parties had come to an end. I really appreciated Christian and Victor for bringing some memorable techno nights to New York. Sonic Groove closed which did hurt the feelings a bit. There was a lot of backstabbing going on amongst promoters. Which is shameful in this climate of Techno, you would think people want to work together. Instead people wanted to be responsible for being the ones who bought the names over. Without having any name for themselves. Yet there were a few who paid dues and made names for themselves while throwing some really good events. The Gotham Groove crew, Matame, and especially Function, they paid some dues, in music, and out of their pockets. David Sumner damn sure made some of the best nights in New York happen.

Backstabbing? Sounds familiar. Looks like it’s a global thing.

Unfortunately it seems to be the nature of the beast. No matter where you go someone wants to be the top dog. Yet it is this approach that is undermining techno as a scene, and as a genre. People are stealing tracks. Genres are putting each other down, it's a total divide and conquer situation. The dark elitists dare not make anything with an open hi hat because it might change the genre structure of the track all together. Get bent. Either we all figure out a way to play nice in the courtyard, or tomorrow there might not be one to play at.

How come you decided to produce music?

Because I felt I can give a more visceral understanding to certain aspects of tribal based music, I really do not try to be tribal 24/7 but I can't stand to see certain techno acts attempt a tribal sound and have no understanding of the spiritual origins of the loops they use or the words behind their hooks. Just because they're using spanish samples doesn't make it good.

I know what you mean. Such producers usually say «if it works on the dancefloor and record sells, the its OK & allowed». I'm not sure how good is that for the music in general. You?

I don't think it's good at all on a cultural standpoint, if **** your mother in Swahili sounds good is it going to be the next club hit? How does that feel to a respectable Swahili man. Now imagine all the Afro Cuban music people sample. I believe music creates a mood, and this is relevant especially in tribal percussion based music. This creates a trance, you think synths create trippy effects? Try being in a room with 15 percussionists, while being baptized. I find it to be a shame when those vocals are used and the true meaning is lost somewhere behind a producers desire to make something groovy or tribal. When I make songs of the tribal nature I try to use the deepest beautiful spiritual essence behind what is being said. Rhythm dictates life. Sorry to sound so existential but in all respects, I do feel people should know a background of what they use, especially if its backgrounds could be someone’s belief systems.

Is there any story behind the name WetWorks?

Wetworks are covert operations done in secret. Yeah, things done in secret, I want to be that wildcard that came out of no where and surprised everybody. Funny but based on the way I look people are surprised I even produce or enjoy techno.

What do they think, that you're into hip hop?

Yeah most people associate my demeanor and appearance for a hip hop enthusiast, which I am. Don't get me wrong I may carry a B-boy aesthetic, I do graffiti, and I do listen to the likes of Mf Doom (Ayak), Cage, Cory Guns, Papoose and more, but I'm be the same cat who drives by with Slayer’s Reign in Blood cd blaring out the speakers!

Judging by the pics I saw, you look pretty gangsta. Regular at the gym?

Ha, I am actually quite professional in the workplace, and carry a very serious demeanor. Yes I do go to the Gym. I believe the body is a reflection of the mind. Sometimes we slip and we get comfortable. I find it is true how these things correlate.

BTW werent you involved in some hip hop radio show or something like that?

Yeah, big shout out to Mishap Mr. J and Jav Express from the The Peep Show, William Paterson University. I got my first taste of being on the radio with that. It was an underground hip hop show, at the time I had a connect who worked for Def Jux, so I was getting my hand on some thugsclusives. It was a perfect union. A great time as well.

To get back to your production: influences? There are probably some artists you are fond of?

As far as Influences to my sound in techno I cannot say I like that word. That usually garners imitations. I can give a list of favorites.
Hardcell, Laidback Luke, Glenn Wilson, Jamez, H.p. Vince, Kay D Smith, Dirty Bass, Cari Lekebusch, Front 242, Nitzer Ebb, The Anxious, Slobodan, Clock Dva, Alex K. Katz, Pounding Grooves, Paul Mac, Lars Klein, Joel Mull, Diego, Headroom, Luka Baumann, Patrick Dsp, Ben Sims, W.j. Henze, Oliver Ho, Brixton, Joseph Isaac is superb, truely his ep on Mafia was ill supreme. There are more but I can't really think of an ultimate listing like that.

What do you use for production?

I use a Junkatron 5000, a mini cassette recorder for sampling, and I got Doug E. Fresh beat up and tied up in the basement for all my rhythms. Amazing how when you smack someone in the face they can be forced to sound like Tito Puente (r.i.p)!

Current and planned releases?

Dirty Bass Souls On Fire 006 with My Brethren Steve
Punish Blue Electric Blue 002 with Glenn Wilson
As far as new projects I am working on a remix for Internal Error. I have a Dj Urban remix I am wrapping up, and another for Goran Kan I am working on. Plans and blueprints are laid out for collaborations with Concrete Dj’s, Scott Gray, Manuel Fuentes, Jamie Ball, Jon Nuccle as well. I have another project in the works with Supertech Uk. More work for Punish labels and the likes have been discussed as well as a possible collaboration with Glenn Wilson.

Were you ever interested in DJ-ing?

I was a Dj, once upon a time, in a distant galaxy far far away.

Wisdom, Power and Beauty are your interests. Explain.

I am studying travelling in the east.

Your thoughts on current state of techno in USA and the rest of the world.

Only stand up and fight or lay down and die.

Plans for future outside music world?

Outside of the music world, I am currently working on a design project for the graffiti Dvd Sick Wit It Volume Two, Continue on the path in a Law Career, Still trying to learn how to travel in the east and find the light.

Few personal quickies:
Any hobbys?

Grafilthy, Working Out, planning out this goddamned wedding in Vegas. Life is a hobby.

Favourite food?

Thai! I am all about a great big plate of Pad Thai! Carne Asada also is the best!

Some interesting book you read or movie you watched lately?

Crash was a really good movie I've seen, I am reading Rashomon, and for some reason I find myself watching Laguna Beach with my family, little rich bastards have it so good. I can't imagine wanting it to be any different for my kids though.

David Cronenberg's Crash, with James Spader?

The Crash with Matt Dillon in it.

OK, this is it, you want to add something for the end?

Thanks and Praises,
The entire Blackout Audio Community, Mark Eg & Chrissi, Joyce, Sahara, Glenn Wilson, Daniel Furniss, Steven Thys, Patrick Gharapetian, Christopher Thomas, Goran Kan, Brian Gibbs, Markus Alan, Joseph Isaac, Brad Lee, Dj Shiva, Drown, Manuel Fuentes, Scott Gray, Jamie Ball, Staffan Ehrlin, Dean Rodell, Ara, Lester Fitzpatrick, Robert Armani, Dj Urban, Jav Colon, Paul Mac, Chris Finke, Lukas Friere, Dustin Zahn, David F, Ogi, Henry Chow, Johnny Vella, And Yall All Know in the 06 and beyond. Ayak Nation is in this viciously!

[dirty_bass]

Answer the beard question damn you!!!!!!

[gunjack]

are you a gangster? hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah sheeeit they dont know us very well do they? hahahahahahahahahahahaha

[koma]

why are you talking in plural?

[dirty_bass]

deafmosaic is tony`s alter ego
If you push deaf to much he says the immortal line "you won`t like me when I`m angry"
Then he starts expanding, clothes rip, and he grows into the hulk that is antonio lugo

[The Divide]

deafmosaic is tony`s alter ego
If you push deaf to much he says the immortal line "you won`t like me when I`m angry"

You forgot the 'mang' on the end of that

[SlavikSvensk]

deafmosaic is tony`s alter ego
If you push deaf to much he says the immortal line "you won`t like me when I`m angry"

You forgot the 'mang' on the end of that

...or the all-caps demand for mark to install an edit button... ;)

[gunjack]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH damn you ****ers finally got a giggle out me (mang)

[gunjack]

hey tony lugo i am back in the office tomrrow send me those links foo.

[matt k]

...me, I'm no gangstah, me, I'm no mobstah, me, I'm just me...

[The Overfiend]

Yes I have been prone to carry a firearm and other weaponry in my youth.
I have not made that purchase since I have relocated out West.
But I have every intention of purchasing two legally here in the state of Arizona.
Aka The Wild West
Reason being for the protection of my family and our home.
Home Invasion is a common ocurrence more so in these parts than when I lived on the East Coast.
When I was a youth I was involved in a different lifestyle than say the mature life I lead now.
Being in that mindframe I did carry weapons, not to be a gangster, a thug, a hardrock or any of the sort.
But because in the places and dwellings I roamed the element of surprize was always a variable.
You know knew knew how what when or where you can run into a bad occurence, regardless of how tough I acted
or projected. I would not consider myself a gangster, I just worked for them.
I am in tune with my demons and am trying to cleanse them.
But carrying a firearm or being a big guy with a questionable past does not warrant a thug or a gangster.

[killarava2day]

It really sounds roached living in fear...having to carry a firearm for personal protection. I think I may have held a gun once on a school trip or something...and only a slug gun at that. Only takes a moment of emotional explosion, anger or similar and bang...you've killed someone.

America doesn't sound like the place of liberty and shit as we all thought when growing up. I've always wanted to travel America...but with reservation. Saying that though I hope to finally get to LA later this month :)

[Si the Sigh]

Cheers for posting the interview up. A good read! :)

[SlavikSvensk]

America doesn't sound like the place of liberty and shit as we all thought when growing up. I've always wanted to travel America...but with reservation. Saying that though I hope to finally get to LA later this month :)

to be honest with you though, i've witnessed many more violent acts in london and the cities in the US not wracked by gun violence (seattle, boston, providence) than i have in what are thought of as gun cities (e.g. new york, la, chicago, detroit). i'm not saying having 250 million guns is a good thing, no way. just making a point...

there's lots of places you need to be careful, no doubt, but very little violence here is random. you'll see in LA. easy to avoid sh*t as a traveller...

[The Overfiend]

It is not living in fear.
It is protecting my family.
I do not know if you have a child Killa.
But for a brief explanation I'll make a point.
I live in a fairly upscale neighborhood. Not too far from the highway.
Recently a police persuit ensued off the highway close to my home.
The defendant in the matter exited the highway on my exit, entered my neighborhood.
Then broke into a house not too far from mine and held the family hostage at gunpoint before giving up.
I work odd hours.
I would be damned if I myself was unable to protect my family.
Or my Family be able to protect themselves.
Like I stated before I am not sitting here trying to walk around with a gun with a g unit chain on.
My motivations are purely of a different nature.
It is not that my hands cannot do the talking, but when the other person is armed a little bit better than yourself.
I would rather not see my family harmed in front of my face with little to nothing to do about it.

[Mindful]

We just get little thugs with knives and bottles in clubs round here.

The story about the prick holding some famly in your street sound horrible.

Violence,intimmidation and such is the worst thing about our race(meaning the human race)

[dirty_bass]

Weapons of death are wrong, no matter what they are used for.
It`s a shame you feel the need to have one.

[gunjack]

yea it is a shame, but what are you going to do? life in certain areas requires protection for you and yours. l.a., detroit, d.c. ...... folks get killed. but it aint because there are guns around, its just dog eat dog, take away the 9's and the kids will go back to making zipguns, it is a question of social engineering. the usa is set up for "undesirables" to kill eachother off. as long as kids in brentwood arent shooting eachother over sneakers, nobody gives a shit.