Male Model Machine

We now tune in to Vancouver’s electro-duo Male Model Machine, comprised of Alex DeGrace and Stephan Fisher.

What's the Vancouver scene like?
Very diverse. Every genre of music can be found in Vancouver and all genres have a strong following. You can still find underground acid parties which we think is pretty cool.

What age did you both get into music?
Alex picked up his first instrument (the drums) at age 12, Stephan learned to play bass at 10. Humble beginnings to a life long love for music.

Tell us how you guys met?
Alex was in audio engineering school and lived with a friend of Stephan's. Stephan came over one night to spin some records and they hit it off. Soon after the Male Model Machine was born.

You've been together now for over a year, what role do each of you play in MMM? Stephan do you focus more on the programming, while Alex does the engineering? Or do you both share equal roles in the production of your music?
We both write and arrange the music together, and play active roles in all aspects of the music we write. We have no specific roles per se, but have unique talents that lend themselves well to the music we write together.
Alex has a finely tuned ear for designing, shaping, and manipulating sounds. He takes well to drum programming, editing, creating variations and transitions, and arrangement. Alex also works full time as a mastering engineer at Suite Sound Labs, a local mastering studio, and mixes and masters all the Male Model Machine music for release.
Stephan is adept at 16 step programming (777!) , creating chunky acid lines and bass riffs, and has a keen ear for catchy hooks and effective synth sounds. He takes to hardware synths with an intuitive nature, and had discovered many ways to put them to new and interesting use. He really treats the gear as it were an extension of his self.

Stephan, you exchanged studio sessions with Doug Johnson of Loverboy for martial arts coaching. Can you tell us more about this. How did that help influence your work?
Doug was good enough to bring me into his home and show me what a studio was. He encouraged me to listen carefully and to trust my ear. He showed me that making music could be a reality for me and is still very encouraging to this day. A great musician and person.

Both of you also DJ, what names do you use when spinning?
Alex-SHIFT
Stephan-UGLYBOY

That said, we mostly play together now. Even if we do play alone we still represent the Machine.

How often do each of you currently DJ?
5 times a month or more.

Favorite places you've played?
Celebreties is our favorite club to play. Its very well set up and they treat us well.

Which do you prefer doing more...DJ, producing, or playing your music live?
We do not play live as of yet, but it is definitely in the works. In the future we hope to play live exclusively. Creative expression is very important to us, and we both feel it would be better represented performing our music live.

What are some of the bands that have influenced the MMM sound?
Whew...
Jesper Dahlback, Kraftwerk, Soulwax, Tom Neville, Acid house (the old stuff) Legion Of Green Men for a start, although I'm sure we are leaving out plenty.

What equipment do you use?
From left to right...
MS2000, ATC-1, Sid Station, SH-101, FR777, Juno-106, RS7000, Davolisint (circa 1973 and still purring), Alpha juno-1, Nord Lead, Nano Loop, and an ER-1. None of them leaned on too heavily but all used frequently. We also use a mac G4 for recording and sequencing studio tracks, and Yamaha NS-10's for monitoring.

What role does the 777 play in your music?
ACID!!! Although it sees many other uses as well. The 777 has also been used for basslines, leads and stabs in many of our songs. We use it to program other synths by sending MIDI from the sequencer to other sound sources. It also makes a great MIDI to CV converter, which comes in handy for use with the SH-101. It is really vital to our sound and the way we produce.

Can you give us a list of music you've already released?
DJ Timeline - Lipstick (MMM lipstick on my shaft mix) [Live to Tape]
Green Cigar - Levanter (MMM remix) [Slipped Disc]
Shifting Gears/2 Braincells EP [Live to Tape]

What label are you currently with?
Black Van Records and Live To Tape

Any new releases coming out soon?
Played out Singles [Black Van Records]
Control These Instruments [Live To Tape]
The above mentioned have set release dates, but we are also doing remixes for the UndahDub (NYC), Women Affair (Spain), and our girls from Vancouver Stink Mitt!!!

Where do you see yourselves say in 5 years?
In Vancouver writing music. Hopefully touring a little more aggressively.

Any words of wisdom for upcoming DJ's and producers?
There is no one, all knowing, guru of "good music". Listen to all opinions, but don't make all your decisions based on them. After all, it's your music.

For more information, please visit the following links.
www.myspace.com/malemodelmachine
www.livetotaperecordings.com
www.blackvanrecords.com