The Emperor Machine is a mysterious musical force signed to the label of Depth Charge AKA J Saul Kane (see DC Label profile). His 12”s have been circulating the clubs for several years in complete anonymous splendour inducing serious hip sway thanks to a delightful melting pot of post-rock influences and an obsessive ear for the perfect bassline.
How would you sum up your sound?
Experimental, science fiction with krautrock influence. I’m trying to inject a bit of blues-rock at the moment. I’m trying to change it all the time but the sci-fi influence remains the constant.
Depth Charge is a breath of fresh air, they have a great sound and James’ talent is the driving force.
Why did you choose to sign to Depth Charge?
I was originally signed to Warners as Bizarre Inc with Dean (the other half of dance electro / disco duo Chicken Lips) but we parted ways. I enjoyed it there to begin with but it’s less about making music and more about shifting units and the commercial pace didn’t suit me. James approached me through mutual friends and we clicked instantly. It’s been a pleasure to work for a label that is just all about the music. Depth Charge is a breath of fresh air, they have a great sound and James’ talent is the driving force.
Where did the idea for Emperor Machine come from?
It all started when I read a review of a synth I’ve got and really rate, which somebody slagged off. I thought ‘that’s a load of crap’ and did a track just with the one synth, I played to James, he liked it and it went from there.
There’s a big sci-fi element to Emperor Machine – are you a sci-fi geek?
I loved Dr Who as a kid and a host of other obscure sci-fi programmes that I won’t mention. But it always was more the soundtracks and the noises that got me excited – the sound the door made when it opened and the laser guns when they were fired. Now that I’m older I’m lucky enough to have found a label where I can do everything I wanted to when I was a kid.
You make your vocal debut on this album – were you nervous about doing it?
Well, it’s closer to talking than singing to be honest. I don’t want to be going down a typical verse, chorus, bridge, middle eight style path. I used to be nervous about putting my voice out there but don’t care anymore.
Which outfit do you see lasting the longest?
Emperor Machine. It’s just me so there shouldn’t be any problems! There will always be Chicken Lips albums but we see it slowing down a bit –we’re going to take more of a production angle on it.
Do you ever have moments where you want to get out of music?
Only when I’m depressed and even then it doesn’t last long. I’ve come to realise that music is what I’m best at, it’s what I do and what I think I’m good at. I can’t fix the plumbing or build a wall but I can make music and I’ve got a good track record now.
What does the future hold?
Music will always be in my life. There’s an old record shop down the road from my house in Stafford called Collectable Records and it’s a real dusty treasure trove. I often have thoughts of finishing my days in there playing strange records all day. That would be cool.
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