The Standard

This Sunday, July 1, Le Bain presents a Boysnoize Records X Eté d’Amour party, featuring the two ecstatic heroes of the Berlin-based label: D.I.M. and Strip Steve. These two boys make noize like no other, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the release of Strip Steve’s new album, “Micro Mega.” We caught up with the pair in a quiet corner of The Standard, New York for a quick Q&A …

Strip Steve

The Standard: What was the first dance record you fell in love with?

D.I.M.: Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa.

Strip Steve: I think either Prodigy’s Fat of the land or Daft Punk’s Homework, both bought by my big brother when I was 10 or so. I didn’t actually realize the “electronic” aspect of it. I just thought it was dope.

What’s the last dance record that really impressed you?

Strip Steve: Para One’s Passion.

D.I.M.: Girl Unit’s Ensemble EP.

What’s the most “futuristic” record of all time?

Strip Steve: There could be a few different answers to that question, but to keep it simple I’m gonna say Juan Atkins’s whole catalog. He’s been making music for 30 years, and none if it sounds dated. It’s amazing. He really impresses me.

D.I.M.: John Coltrane’s Love Supreme.

And the most emotional?

Strip Steve: Rhythim is Rhythim’s Strings of Life.

D.I.M.: Robin Beck’s For The Very First Time

Strip Steve feat. Puro Instinct Astral Projection

What’s the perfect track for a summer sunset?

Strip Steve: For this summer: Kindness’ House

D.I.M.: Kraftwerk’s Neonlicht

If your music was a movie, which one would it be?

Strip Steve: A mixture of Risky Business, Paris-Texas, Phantom of the Paradise and Menace 2 Society? You figure it out [laughs].

D.I.M.: Falling Down.

D.I.M.

And if your music was a book?

Strip Steve: Voltaire’s Micromégas. Are art books allowed? If so, Projections by Roman Signer.

D.I.M.: I can’t read.

What gives you “Hi-Nrg”?

Strip Steve: Raw and simple beats and basslines on a big soundsystem in a sweaty club.

D.I.M.: An educated crowd with a good taste.

Where is the center of the dance music scene today? Do you think it’s still Berlin?

Strip Steve: I think it’s gone back to Berlin, actually, yes. People ask me questions about the scene there, and know the line-ups on this or that night even if they’ve never been there. But I can feel it everywhere I play. A lot of parties throughout Europe try to replicate this Berlin way of partying—kind of never-ending, free and dirty. It’s especially noticeable when it doesn’t fit the city as naturally as it does Berlin, of course.

D.I.M.: It really depends on the genre. Probably London has more going on in terms of variety and freshness and opening new doors.

D.I.M. Level (BoysNoize records)

What’s your definition of Balearic?

Strip Steve: Warm and airy grooves?

D.I.M.: Riding on a scooter completely drunk in Ibiza with no headlights. Oh, you mean musically? Um, Loona?

In The Disco Files, Michael Gomes says, “The producers are there, but to me the DJ is the paramount of everything. He holds the destiny of so many people in his hands. He can make or break hits.” Is that still true?

Strip Steve: Yes, definitely. DJ’s are still very important in the way they influence how a record is perceived. But it would be kind of dishonest not considering that times have changed, too. Blogs hold a pretty big influence over the audience as well.

D.I.M.: Probably, yes, but not always in a good way. As with everything, it depends on how it’s being sold. DJs are a great way to do this, as they are the easiest way to reach the not-so-critical masses. Probably even more today than ever.

If DJing is a way to express one’s personality, what does your DJing tell us about yours?

Strip Steve: That I’m pretty versatile, non-discriminating, and tuned as much to the past as to the future. And, I certainly hope, eager to share and communicate my vision of things to the people around me.

D.I.M.: Not that much. It’s just a show, right?

This Sunday, July 1, Le Bain presents Eté d’Amour X Boysnoize Records featuring D.I.M. and Strip Steve. Early night with Paul Raffaele (The Dog & Pony Show), 5pm-3am. The Standard, New York.

Strip Steve’s Micro Mega preview