The Gaslamp Killer Vs Rusko
Published 24 months ago
The Gaslamp Killer chats to Rusko
- Text by Terence Teh
The transatlantic bass off. The Gaslamp Killer, a certified Los Angeles bass fiend cum musical freak fest (see: charismatic) talks to the hyped young dubstep producer Rusko, who has gone from Leeds to London to Los Angeles, and is now working with Switch and Diplo producing the likes of Santogold and Spank Rock. There’s even rumours of studio time with Missy Elliot. Mutual appreciation lends itself to a Skyped head-to-head chat before they share the bill with Skream and Jackmaster at Fabriclive on May 15th.
Gaslamp Killer: So Rusko, how does it feel to have so many musicians incorporating your songs into their live shows?
Rusko: It’s very flattering. I’m hearing things from all angles that different musicians are playing my tracks - house dudes, reggae dudes, drum ‘n’ bass DJs... Basement Jaxx are now using “Cockney Thug” in their live show! It’s crazy to think I’ve been doing this for a few years and I’m having the cream of the crop playing my tracks. It’s so sweet that the music can cross over so much. I think that’s helped the rise of dubstep as a whole.
Gaslamp Killer: What’s it like going from DJing for years to playing live? Was it a natural progression or has it been tricky?
Rusko: I’m a real musician by trade, so it’s in my blood to play instruments. It’s been hard to get the energy levels as instantaneous as my DJ sets but I think me and Rod have now perfected it (almost!). I enjoy doing both, but I’m now leaving the live shows for the bigger festivals and concentrating with my DJing in the clubs. I still love to get sweaty in a nice, dark club but I get to be a bit more rock star with the live ting. Playin’ my bass, standing on the monitors ‘n’ stuff. I like to get my Iron Maiden on!
Gaslamp Killer: When are you moving to the US and are you going to live in LA?
Rusko: September is my move date and yes, I’m going to be in LA. Im looking forward to the good weather and working hard with Switch and Diplo on all our Mad Decent craziness. I also produce for a bunch of other peeps too like Santogold and Spank Rock, so it’s perfect for me to be over there. It’s hot right now for the dubstep, so I’m looking forward to being the man on the scene!
Gaslamp Killer: Why is “Hammertime” such a fucking banger?!
Rusko: MC Hammer inspired me. I might even turn religious one day! Ha. I dunno? I did it in an afternoon. All the best tracks are the quick ones. I guess if it works it just works!
The Gaslamp Killer and Rusko (live) play at Fabric on Friday 15 May.
