With the release of their 6th album, Atmosphere have come a long way since ‘Overcast’. Now recording with live instruments and touring with a band, they have upgraded their sound for ‘When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Shit Gold’, and even got Tom Waits to do some beatboxing on there.
I phoned up Slug and asked him a bunch of random questions…
What equipment does Atmosphere use?
Slug: We use an ASR10. First we record it on a four track though. Ant does the production, I just look over his shoulder.
Are you in the top 10 white rappers?
Slug: I’m not in that – I’m not white.
Who did 911?
Slug: Good question, um, I think money did 911.
Is your son into hip-hop?
Slug: Yeah, he’s 14 right now, he likes it.
Who do you rate in the US hip-hop scene right now?
Slug: The Roots. I’m looking forward to the new Nas album. I like a lot of different stuff really.
Producers?
Slug: My favourite producer is Dre.
Opinion of UK hip-hop?
Slug: I heard one bloke recently, I forget his name though. Oh yeah, Sway.
Top sellers in your record store?
Slug: I don’t know really, my little brother manages the store, I just bankroll it.
Kanye sampling Daft Punk?
Slug: I don’t care what people sample. Like in the beginning people would just sample the hits then rap over it. So I don’t care about any of that.
What will hip-hop be like in 10 years?
Slug: That’s a good question. I think a lot of US artists will start being influenced by non-US artists. The scene will become more international.
You did some international collabs right?
Slug: I don’t get too many opportunities to record with people outside my area. When I’m touring, there isn’t that much time to do that. I’ve recorded with the Planets (UK), and DJ Static from Denmark. I don’t like to do the mail-order type collaboration. I prefer to meet the people.
Downloading?
Slug: I don’t care if people download my music. People need to adapt to the industry.
You’re touring in Europe now right?
Slug: Yeah I just got off touring in the states so I’m not sure what the other cities we’re playing in the UK are. We are going all over though, Germany, France, you know.
What is your message to the people?
Slug: Grow up. A lot of adults need to stop acting like kids. Stop doing coke. Do ecstasy instead.
Weed?
Slug: Sure. Weed is fine. Coke is the devil.
Look out for Atmosphere when they come to the UK in June and don’t forget to cop the new LP (or download it, he doesn’t mind).
By: ESH | For worldwide hip-hop: http://www.myspace.com/ibmcs
