It's that time again: LemLem's back with some more questions; this time, they're directed at UK producer Gerard Roberts, more popularly known as
Kidkanevil. Kidkanevil likes to sample weird things, such as his favourite anime, or sounds that actually stem from his accumulated toy collection. After his collaboration with Daisuke Tanabe (Project Mooncircle), we were interested to hear what his plans for the future are. Sit back and keep reading, as LemLem and Kidkanevil talk cartoons, Japan and much more.
LL: Why is your name Kidkanevil?
KK: I used to draw
these little characters when I was a kid and I called them kanevils. I thought it was a word that meant like mischievous or something. Obviously it doesn't mean anything but it kind of stuck anyway, now it's too late and I have this random meaningless stupid name. It has nothing to do with stunt driving.
LL: I used to think it meant something like "kid kan (do) evil" hehe. So you were always creative with different forms of art? Did you design any of your covers or use your visual artwork for other projects? How did drawing lead to music?
KK: haha, scary! 'Kid kan do evil' but tries not too, yeah. I wanted to be an animator when I was a kid. I've always loved drawing, I went to art college and stuff, although I spent most of that time making beats at home.
I haven't done any of my own artwork yet no, its something I'd like to do at some point though. I tend to just draw stupid little characters though, so it'd have to be something that suited that! Drawing didn't lead to music as such, I've always done both. They feel similar. It's all daydreaming!
LL: That's cool! What cartoons did you watch as a child, and what are your favorite animation films now? Do you remember the theme songs to your favorite childhood cartoons?
KK: I watched all of them! All The Warner Brothers Looney Tunes stuff, Transformers, Thundercats, Ducktails, The Raccoons, Dinoriders, Dungeons and Dragons, Real Ghostbusters, Count Duckula, Ninja Turtles, Bucky O'Hare, Dogtanian, Killer Tomatoes, Batman The Animated Series, Biker Mice from Mars, Rude Dog and the Dweebs, Ren & Stimpy, Animaniacs, Duckman, Real Monsters, Pinky and the Brain, Powerpuff Girls, Hey Arnold, Dexter's Laboratory, I am Weasel, Trapdoor, Inspector Gadget, Bravestar, motherfuckin Care Bears. If it was on TV and a dope cartoon I watched it. Except Hanna Barbera, I never liked that cheap shit.
My fav stuff by miles was the anime though, I just didn't know it was anime then. Sherlock Hound, Ulysses 31, The Mysterious Cities of Gold, Samurai Pizza Cats and so on, and then when I got a bit older and started buying videos and shit, that's when I realized all my favorite shows were the Japanese ones and I started to get into anime knowingly as such. In fact I saw Laputa as a child but I just had these weird vague memories of it and I never knew if it was a real or a dream, and then when i saw it again one day I tripped the fuck out, it felt like I'd created it with my mind!
My fav animations now? Wow, we'll be here all day! My fav animation studio right now is
STUDIO4°C, pretty much everything they do is genius.I'll leave it at that or your whole interview will just be a geek list haha.
Yeah, Mysterious Cities of Gold had the best theme. me and my amazing multi instrumentalist folk singer friend
Laura Martin started a cover of it actually, I need to finish that shit!
LL:I always watched Cartoon Network religiously. I just googled Laputa and it looks cool! Might watch that actually.
Tell me about Japan! You were recently in Japan right? And it seems you loved it there. Is the club culture comparable to EU/US, or did you have any culture shock moments?
KK: Its certainly comparable, the nights we played at reminded me in some ways of the
Low End Theory/
Hoyahoya/
Tempo Clash model of having a range of artists playing a range of progressive music alongside amazing visuals. I'd say the general atmosphere is less aggressive then here, its more of a playful positive happy vibe. The crowds really listen too, where as perhaps it's often more about getting hyped up or whatever here. But obviously I'm speaking in general terms, there's always exceptions. I think club culture is a little more left field and niche there maybe, its not quite as established or mainstream as it is in say London, it's more of a genuine alternative crowd. The pop world in Japan still dominates that spectrum really. But having said that you'll still get a massive audience for something like Sonar Tokyo or whatever. I dunno really, it's genki vibes whatever.
LL:Can you tell me about the food in Japan? Did you eat anything crazy?
KK: The food in Japan is incredible. Even the cheap ass food is incredible compared to the shit we eat in the UK. If you're sea-life creature of any kind though, I advice you to swim in the opposite direction as fast as possible, you will get eaten.
LL:What is your fav "feel good" tune? What tune just makes you happy every time you hear it?
KK: Beastie boys feat. Q-tip - Get it Together. That joint has brought me so much joy throughout my life its kinda crazy.
LL: I've got another silly question for you! How big is you're collection of children's toys and musical instruments? Do you still collect them, and what is your favorite toy?
KK: This big. Yes I collect anything that makes a cool sound. My favorite is the super out of tune keyboard.
LL: What three things can you not live without everyday?
KK: My laptop, my digital recorder and my beanie
LL:Tell me Gerard, whats next for Kidkanevil? Are you planning to do more solo stuff or are we going to see more Kidsuke collabs?
KK: I've just been writing music for my own personal enjoyment and expression recently, but I'm aiming to start a new solo album pretty soon, and then after that another Kidsuke album for sure.
LL: Sounds good! And what are the future plans of Tempo Clash?
KK: We're just gonna keep doing our thing. simple!
LL: Thanks so much for answering all the questions!
KK: Thank you for asking.^_^
And we want to thank Kidkanevil for taking his time to do an interview, make sure to follow him on
soundcloud/
twitter/
facebook. Of course a massive 'Thank You' to Laman for doing another interview we enjoyed. Make sure to follow her on
facebook and
twitter for your daily dose of laughs.
