Dutch house veterans Chocolate Puma take on our quick-fire Q&A, revealing why they’re fans of the Chipmunks and how frustrating it is to sell 13 copies of a masterpiece.
Why music?
Because without it it would be too silent.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Being foresters.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“You don’t have talent for music. Do something else.”
What’s the next big thing?
You never know, but nine times out of ten it’s a young kid stirring things up.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
Only when it’s released. Until then we keep tweaking.
When did you realise you could give up your day job?
When we were driven around New York in a really big limousine after ‘Give It Up’ blew up.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
We don’t know. We make music. We’re not doing the industry stuff.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Probably some half-baked drum and bass track we released somewhere in the 90s.
Recommend us a film.
The Chipmunks in the Russian overdub we saw on our way to Vladivostok.
Recommend us a book.
Nile Rodgers’ book is a must read.
What are you addicted to?
Healthy food.
What do you lust over?
Unhealthy food.
What one thing would most improve your life?
MIDI sockets in our heads.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Error.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?
A Mac.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
In a dream.
Must-read blogs/forums?
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Too many people taking advantage of creative people who often don’t have a clue about business stuff.
Favourite label?
At the moment it’s Dirtybird.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
When you think you’ve created a masterpiece and you sell 13 copies.
What’s your motto?
Our job is travelling, our hobby is playing music.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Don’t try to make everything sound good – leave some lofi/noise/mistakes in it.
Chocolate Puma In The House is out now on Defected.
01.55 PM
Terrible mediocre semi-sarcastic answers from these fellow Dutchmen, it didn’t even make me smile once. Though, I must say that this quite accurately reflect what their music means to me. Afaik only “give it up” was a good track.
01.08 AM
Yeah I agree I never really understand the point of these type of “interviews” they just come across as sarcastic and trying to be funny not exactly helpful . i always read these type of articles hoping the artist is going to spill his guts and drop some really helpful tips. Maybe i should just stick to reading beat dissected.
03.33 AM
What was that last question?
03.37 AM
Huh? There’s some great wisdom in there. I love their music, and I’m a music producer. It’s clean, simple and isn’t afraid to hold a groove.