URB: Listening to your FACT mix, it seems like you have a cornucopia of influences; who were/are some of your biggest?
ACTRESS: I try to use the same principles as writing music when DJing. I select music based on the circumstance and the mood; if the sun is out and I have a nice batch of Green Gal, and immersed in ’80s funk, most likely I’ll select records with a mind to cut a funk-inspired tape. On the other hand, if it’s freezing cold and snowing like it has been in the UK recently, then I’m likely to be playing mostly Kraftwerk records. But I do have a lot of influences, some I’ve grown up with, others I’ve discovered. I find anything with the right balance of cheese, darkness, introspection, funk, noise and soul to be pleasing. This would usually include artists like Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Aswad, Boc, Autechre, Aphex Twin, Lukid, DJ Vibes, Todd Terry, Lil’ Louis, Green Velvet, Lone, Suicide, Cameo, Bobby Brown, ’80s-era Madonna, Talking Heads, etc.
URB: How did the idea of starting WERKDISCS come about and what is the original (and current) mission of the label?
ACTRESS: The mission is and still remains to showcase who we think are the freshest artists in contemporary music, artists who are able to evoke a true sense of themselves in their music… artists who have depth. Werkdiscs traverses between being Socialistic, Communistic, expressionistic, and stupidistic.
URB: Over the past few years, the UK and Europe has blossomed with brand-new additions in bass culture, from sub-bass heavy dubstep to emotive 2-step, but you seem pretty pleased in your place between experimental techno and abstract beat journeys. Are you happy with the way things are in the musical environment you’re in?
ACTRESS: You always need diversity; we’re certainly black sheep amongst what’s generally more popular, but that’s fine. We’re releasing music that we like by artists that we are passionate about, and that is all that truly matters.
URB: There’s been a lot of hype bubbling about your upcoming album. Anything you can tell us?
ACTRESS: It’s called Splazsh and will be released on Honest Jon’s in early spring.
URB: What does WERKDISCS and Thriller have in store for the rest of 2010?
ACTRESS: More vinyl releases in 2010 than 2009 as a well as a new Zomby album on one of the two labels. There will also be a 12-inch from Instra:mental, a new 12-inch from Lone, a triple pack extension of Foma called Chord from Lukid.
URB: Top three tunes in rotation for you at the moment?
ACTRESS: One is I-Level “No. 42.” Two is Abba “The Visitors (Crakin’ Up).” Three is Chairmen Of The Board “Give Me Just A Little More Time.”
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