PORTIONCONTROL or degrade sounds is good. When I was migrating to the Mac mini I realised just how many distortion fx I have … and it’s not enough… Dean: The thrill of the new is always there, but personally I like something that is relatively straightforward to learn. Being able to work remotely these days is a huge bonus. I don't miss sitting on the underground late at night with a synth on my lap. How do you approach translating your studio sound to a live setting? Are there specific challenges or elements you prioritize when preparing for performances? John: Definitely we try to inject as much energy into the songs as possible, and shorten them down so we make more impact. I always like songs when they start but they can outstay there welcome. It’s too self indulgent, for us, to play long tracks. The visuals also play a critical role in pushing the tempo and adding to the vocals and sentiment of the song. It’s also good for inserting what’s in our minds to the screen. Dean: We'll try and keep it fairly energetic so some of the tracks get shortened a bit. I don't fret too much about it being polished. The visuals have always been an integral part of the live performance so it's fortunate that the venues are generally better set up for them these days. As artists who’ve maintained an independent ethos for much of your career, what advice would you give to musicians navigating the modern music industry? John: Haven’t really got any advice as we’ve never cared for or about the music industry. I don’t even feel qualified to give advice. We’ve shamelessly ignored any form of marketing or even trying to promote ourselves. Even this being written under duress. I suppose the biggest problem is establishing your own sound. Forget the cookie cutter you tube tutorials and bullshit, listen to what others tell you and do the opposite. Dean: In terms of the music industry my only experience of it was 30 years ago so it's irrelevant now. The industry was shit back then and I'm not sure it really exists now so my only advice would be to do it because you enjoy it and try to avoid ultra processed food. Oh, also, listen to 'Y' by The Pop Group, it still blows anything else out of the water. From cassettes and vinyl to digital formats, you've witnessed significant changes in how music is released and consumed. How do you feel about the www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be current state of music distribution, and what do you miss about the earlier days? John: Don’t miss anything. Vinyl was shit it scratched and the covers went dog eared, cassettes were worse, took ages to wind backwards and forwards, CD’s were absolute brittle garbage with no soul, I hated sending stuff by post, its a bind and it cost a fortune, downloads and streaming have driven the value of music to micro pennies… Dean: As a teenager music was the single most important thing in the world. We were defined by our musical taste. It was an essential part of the social fabric growing up. It feels much less important now. Maybe that is, in part, due to the format changes and how we listen to music. However, there are many more 'distractions' these days. For me the thrill of discovery and the mystique has vanished. I'd love for something new to come along and blow me away but I'm not holding my breath. Your music has resonated with fans for decades. Do you have any particularly memorable interactions or experiences with your audience that have stood out to you? John: Better kept private :) Dean: Can't think of anything specific but I'll always make the effort to speak to them. We're eternally grateful for any support or abuse we receive...!! What’s next for Portion Control? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or goals you’re particularly excited about? John: We are working on new material and new live sections so hopefully we can release something soon. We never really like collaborations although we have been involved in a few over the years. The only thing that we are inspired to do is create so at least that bodes well for the future Dean: Definitely, some new material in 2025. Can't see us ever giving up ' pissing about with music' We don't really collaborate much but I wouldn't rule it out.Apart from that I'm in the queue for a knee replacement. Auwch! Good luck with the knee replacement Dean! Thanks for this interview and looking forward to your show at International EBM Day in St-Niklaas! Fred GADGET 22.02.2025 International EBM Day featuring Portion Control, Armegeddon Dildo's, Tyske Luder, Deleritas & Skren > www.bodybeats.be - 10 -
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