Quote Originally Posted by Sunil
I think someone like Stoll needs to be given a challenge of some sort to make him pull out a bit of the old magic. ie. an offer from a well respected or edgy underground label, who will demand his 'good' stuff. That Routemaster or Fresh Grind stuff was not vintage Stoll at all, but it served its purpose. What we need here is a Novamute (big label) or a label owner who wants to do something special, to get in touch with Steve and give him the opportunity and incentive to blow minds. The label or market 'scene' now is very aimless, and I think someone like Stoll is just going to bang out the occasional Proper 12" and not a whole lot else (techno wise) unless an attractive offer comes his way. I think he's got it in him, people like Stoll don't suddenly lose it, but I think any producer (established or unestablished) can do with a bit of friendly guidance every so often.

I know what I'm saying is all very ideal, but it seems that a lot of the diamond producers of our scene are not having their potential realised. The "fightback" against the crap that's out there and the tame state of techno at present could be realised if some people started pulling together. Maybe that "family" spirit needs to fester itself again a bit?

I know the current bad state of sales, but beyond that I think a lot of existing labels with an ongoing release schedule could start setting the cats amongst the pigeons by being a bit more creative and thinking outside of their own narrow little box sometimes.

Anyway, my point is really... that the likes of Stoll will deliver if there's a good deal or cool project being put on the table.
Totally agree.
Also I think labels shouldn`t be affraid of rejecting tunes from bigger name artists, if they don`t think they are good enough.
Pay em when they give you what they want, don`t just pay em for whatever they supply you with.
That would probably stop a lot of drivel happening.

I think Steve can do magic. He is great at the more funky dubby stuff, and the really subtle, but hard stuff, but I think maybe some of the lack of magic from his newer things may be down to mostly using ableton now?
He seemed to have a knack of pulling amazing sounds from his old outboard kit, which he obviously knew like the back of his hand.

Certainly not dissing the guy though, one of my top 3 techno records is proper 30. I shredded that record I played it so much, luckily I found a new copy.