Confessions of an English musician: Danton Eeprom

Confessions of an English musician: Danton Eeprom

9 June, 2008 | 9.09AM

• Written by: Amanda Connon-Unda
• Filed under: Music News:

When you’re dealing with a performer who names his renowned 2007 track Confessions Of An English Opium Eater after 19th-century English writer Thomas De Quincey’s most famous book, you know there’s nothing fluffy or lighthearted here.

Although his sound can be referred to as electro, it is more of a hybrid than what was generally produced in the pre-minimal ‘Electro clash’ scene in Berlin, where his musical breakthrough occurred in 2005.

Danton Eeprom’s Canadian debut at Mutek Festival was a well-crafted set that he took to the stage in Montreal.

Wearing a chic white suit with black tie, he sang and used a laptop and other live gear to deliver electro, infused with the sounds of rave, rock, and dark pop.

Danton’s set was fantastical and energetic, and brought to mind dark romance and a retro yet futuristic vibe.

Maybe it was his confident showmanship or his voice, but I wanted to hear more from the man in the suit.

I asked Danton to elaborate on what has influenced his work.

He said, “It’s very important for me to create my own blend.

“I’m influenced by the whole dance scene, but I am a big fan of funk, italo-disco, rock, pop, psychedelic music, jazz, breaks. 

“I’m also trying to keep up to date with what’s going on now.

“I like David Bowie for his showmanship and sense of style, but the overall aesthetics I’m trying to create comes mostly from my readings.

“I know it may sound a bit weird, but I’ve found that books can influence you quite deeply, while they also leave room for imagination.”

As for the artists Danton listened to during the days of rave he said, “Laurent Garnier was a major gateway to electronic music, and Jeff Mills and Kevin Saunderson have been quite influential.

“But I was mostly into more underground, breaky music and rock.

“I also loved Technotronic, like a lot of kids of my age at the time.”

Among contemporary producers, Danton praises the work of Chloe’s new album, because “she brought a touch of finesse to electronic music.”

In addition, Danton is really digging the work of Jamie Jones and Federico Molinari, and The Mole’s new LP.

Danton Eeprom also has his own label, Foundation Records, with his newest release called ‘Face Control’ which has been getting a lot of play by people Danton really respects.

Danton enthused, “It’s still available as digital but the 12s are completely sold out, which I’m pretty chuffed about.”

Fondation Records’s fifth release is due out mid-July and is by La Horse.

In regard to the project by himself and Ivan Smagghe, Danton said, “We don’t feel the need to be DJ-friendly but we always keep the dancefloor in mind.

And it always involves a bit of darkness…

At the moment, we’re working on the forthcoming releases and just started a monthly residency at T Bar in London, called “Baise-Main"."

Danton’s favourite part of Mutek? “I’ll keep a very good impression of Mutek.

My set went really well on my side—I was on a roll and I found people really reactive and enthusiastic.

But the best part was playing Crystal Waters at noon in a very packed loft/apartment on a ghetto blaster.

You can’t beat this feeling really...”

Photos by Jeremy K - xanuradio.com

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