031: WOOLFY
“Dance was always the most consistent thing in my early childhood...Went through all the styles of fashion and music...until I dropped a hit of acid at a Primal Scream concert. It was over after that. ”
Countless euphoric moments have been soundtracked to the melodies of Woolfy vs. Projections since the release of their first long-player, The Astral Projections of Starlight in 2008. “Deep balearic, classic west coast, disco, beard rock and blissed-out funk” was the sound then and it still is.
W&P is comprised of Simon “Woofly” James, a chap who hails from Surrey, England, who made his way to California in the early 90’s with his family; the other half being Dan Hastie, an LA native and musician of fellow sensibilities. After vibing on the same musical tip in the late 90s, the two got into the studio together, and Projections was formed… Woolfy vs. the Projections , a project of balearic inspired live instrumentation alongside drum machines would soon follow. They continue to morph and evolve but beyond the studio one thing remains the same: Woolfy handles the guitar while Dan plucks the keyboard, both chiming in on the vocals, forming an unmistakable psychedelic tapestry of sound…
Over the 20 years of production together, the duo have graced numerous record labels including DFA, Rong Music, Future Classic, Mindless Boogie, Phantom Island, and their former home base, Permanent Vacation. Whether playing solo or together, Woolfy’s music provides the proper soundtrack for the right settings: tasteful beach parties, multicolored balearic sunsets, and discerning nighttime dancefloors that aren’t simply about driving house - the sound a woozy concoction of guitar led psychedelica deepened by dreamy synthesizers, and 4 to the floor house drums and basslines…the influence of space disco, dub music and progressive rock is all there.
Woolfy and D-Hastie’s productions have long been a favorite of many dj’s and dancers around the globe, tapping into the euphoric and trandscent through melody, a break from reality. Of course the desertous outreaches of Los Angeles remains the perfect environ for the duo. Even with the pandemic slowdown, they remain inspired… older productions are now seeing the light of day and a new label is emerging. More below. Read up and drop into Woolfy’s hour + mix tapping into that Pride fever. One for the Drag Queens…
LINKS: SC | IG | BANDCAMP | PROJECTINS IG | RITUAL RELEASE
INTERVIEW w/BAD LIEUTENANT
Woolfy! We have been fans of your music for quite some time so we’re stoked…How are you doing with the insanity?
Been good mate, definitely an odd year, thankfully didn’t lose anyone close to the Covid. Lockdown definitely paved the way for a prolific dive into creativity with lot’s of new friends from afar. Played a couple gigs last week and it was certainly a welcome change.
I will ask you about how you’ve stayed active producing over the COVID period, so hang on for that. Before we dive into your current work, can you take us back? How did this music and dance life begin for you? What is your genesis?
Dance was always the most consistent thing in my early childhood. My dad who was in the music business would bring home incredible promos like Depeche Modes debut Speak and Spell and my afterschool hobby would be to make up extravagant dance routines in front of our wall size living room mirror. I would of loved to of followed the path of choreography. Went through all the styles of fashion and music, goth, hip-hop, grunge until I dropped a hit of acid at a Primal Scream concert. It was over after that. Started going to house clubs in 91 and got my first turntables in 92.
Easy to pick W&P productions out of a lineup … Do you set out to create a consistent sound? Or is it a function of your hardware, productions methods and overall vibe/style?
When we started Projections, the idea was to record live players into the dance world. We were signed to Guidance Recordings out of Chicago. Our first LP Between Here & Now was a meeting of Dan’s inspirations from the funk and soul with mine from the house and songwriting world. We’re fanatics for anything analog and that ends up being a signature part of our sound. Living the Cali life has also influenced us greatly, whether it be from the sunset beaches to west coast boogie.
How has California been for you as a home? Is there something you appreciate most about being there?
It’s a special place, your summer’s basically endless. I live in a small town in the mountains just north of Los Angeles called Ojai, however spent most of my life growing up in LA. I would say I’m most appreciative of the incredible cultures and diversity of the city, it’s most certainly shaped who I am today.
Do you see your work as a producer and DJ differently or do these mediums work together on the same plane?
Definitely enjoy both, however I generally don’t make music that I intend on playing out. When dj’ing,, I have one thing on my mind, and that’s rockin a party for the people that are there to dance. With producing and songwriting, there’s these big ol’ things called emotions that want to get themselves all involved in everything. The just won’t leave me alone ;)
How has Covid impacted production?
Certainly appreciated the lockdown as a creative window. Reached out to colleagues who I have mad respect for such as Ilya Santana, Coyote , Stevie Kotey and Lexx, and we had some great collaborations. We also have a new label on the horizon called Ritual Release which will be launching at the end of summer.
What has been inspiring you these days (music, art, film, etc)? How do these inspirations make their way into your music?
I’m always drawn to strange creatures, my latest musical swoon is Sean Nicholas Savage, he just unapologetically different. The boogie label Star Creature out of Chicago is definitely putting some dents in the savings account. Recently I’m finding a lot of inspiration from listening to other peoples’ dj mixes. For years I would only listen to our own material as they were always works in progress, but recently opened up the flood gates to spend lots of time listening to other peoples visions. Since the record shops have been closed, it’s the only way to dig.
What is next for you as a DJ and Producer as we (hopefully) move out of this COVID freeze? Optimistic?
Definitely optimistic. I’m chomping at the bit to get out on tour and find some vinyl only parties to play. Our new label Ritual Release has Dan and I going back to our original moniker Projections where we’ll keep the Woolfy Vs Projections sound going, our first release Original Cell is backed by great remixes from Khidja and Coyote. As Woolfy, I’m diving into the vulnerable singing/songwriting with much more of the music based in the folk, alternative world. We also have a new boogie/disco outfit on the horizon called Guruku with incredible remixes by Sir Ray Mang. Really excited to see how the musics received.
Finally, tell us about this mix. Is there a theme/ idea/ story? Any standout records you’re feeling from the mix? What should we expect and what is the best environment to play it in?
Hmmm , anywhere , anytime, your car, getting dressed, cocktails on a Friday night before heading out… Happy Pride…
