Interview with the Freelance Hellraiser

1. What sort of freelance work do you do and to what extent do you raise hell?
I started off as a Freelance Hellraiser. I was employed by tabloid newspapers and PR agencies to start fights with crap ‘celebrities’. It’s where the name comes from.

2. How do you create music? Basically you play two songs at the same time and record them playing together?
That’s how I make mash-ups yes. I usually start by playing the 2 records on decks. If it’s likely to work I’ll bung them into the computer to finish it off.
I also do legitimate remixes in which I usually ditch all the music apart from the vocal and write my own backing tracks. I also write my own stuff. I’m working on an album at the moment.

3. When is your upcoming show in Budapest?
June 7th.

4. Have you spent any time in Budapest?
Never. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve heard lots of great things about it.

5. Which side of the Danube do you prefer: Buda or Pest?
I’ll say Pest because I am one. I’m sure you’ve heard that more than once.

6. The Strokes don’t like you? Do any other bands have problems with you?
Not that I’m aware of. I think it’s the record companies I tend to piss off more.

7. Nonetheless, many artist enjoy working with you, which artists have you had the most fun with?
Definitely Christina. She and Beyonce have the best voices in the world.

8. What’s in your CD player these days?
‘Want You To Know’ by The Freelance Hellraiser.
‘Electromagnetic’ EP by Freeform Five.
‘Zongamin’ LP by Zongamin.
‘I Luv You’ by Dizzee Rascal.
‘Elephant’ LP by The White Stripes.

9. Do you ever listen to any Canadian artists? (Tragically Hip, Sloan, Neil Young, Rascals, Swollen Members, etc.)
I love Neil Young and was very partial to a bit of Jazz Warriors back in the day.

10. Where do you see music heading in the next few years?
I think it will go the way of cooking. Most people don’t cook anymore, they just buy ready-made stuff and don’t care too much as long as they get full. People that do cook are passionate about it and go out of their way to find unusual and challenging recipes. This is what will happen to music.

11. What does your music do? (entertain, make people dance, influence social change?)
All of the above (I hope).

12. To what extent do you believe music can influence change?
It can, but only as part of a broader social/political movement. It seems an awful long time ago when Public Enemy were running the righteous race. Now it’s all Bentleys and Courvousier. I can see that changing very soon though.

13. What can we expect from The Freelance Hellraiser in the coming years?
A tasty debut album that crosses all boundaries of genre. I fucking hate genres.
More challenging and unusual remixes. Maybe the odd mash-up. The Hellwear clothing brand. Lots of DJ’ing – hopefully a lot more in Hungary!

60 Second Philosophy with the Freelance Hellraiser
Is the glass half full or half empty?
If I’m buying, half full. If you’re buying, half empty.

East Coast or West Coast?
I got love for both. Dre, Ice-T, PE and Jay-Z. I can’t choose between them ! sorry.

Did OJ do it?
I still stand by my Kato ‘magic glove’ conspiracy theory.

Love or Money?
Love.