MATHEW JONSON: A MUSICAL PRODIGY

You do not really seem to have a distinctive sound, each record has its own identity and unique and creative approach. How do you start working on new material?

"It is always different with what comes first - sometimes a drum beat or programming effects, bass or melodys. I think the sound that you can identify with in the majority of my tracks probably has more to do with the specific synthesizers and effects processors I use."

What kind of equipment have you been experimenting with over the years?

"First was the MT-32 and PT100 modules from Roland, then moving to computers for sequencing and sound but just basic GM sounds. Then when Roland released the MC-303 I bought one and used it only to find that I was trying to recreate sounds that were originally from older instruments (and the recreation was not very good in this case as with the digital format and only the oportunity to have internal sounds and effects the tracks had the same color). In 1998 this led me to buy a TR-909, TR606, SH-101, MC-202, Juno 106, JX-3P/PG-200, and Techstar305/Simmons SDS-800 (which everyone though was an 808 on the tracks) some effects and 16 channel mixing desk. This was my studio for many years and the majority of records I've released came from this equipment. In the last years this changed. I now have the following: System 100m, Nord Lead 3, Eventide DSP7000, A&H GL2200, MPC1000, TB303, DP4+, and some other stuff I would rather not mention."

What's the difference with the stuff you're using now?

"It's really the same just better quality pre-amps, mixer, effects and a pair of Adams S3A speakers."

You perform quite a lot these days, and also in different sessions with others. What's the best thing about doing your music live?

"I think the best is hearing the tracks different every time. I mean with different parts, effects, drums and mixed differently too. Also the energy of the people and a good sound system is nothing like being in the studio."

You remixed the likes of Moby, Nelly Furtado and The Chemical Brothers. What other other artist or record would you like to give the remix treatment?

"Right now I'm doing a mix of 'Ahnongay' for Kevin Saunderson, as well as for Cybotron (with Cobblestone Jazz), Plaid, and the Shakes."

When the above things are finished Mathew probably won't take many more remixes for a while as he really wants to focus on Cobblestone Jazz and his own work for a while.

In the meantime, watch Mathew Jonson performing a live version of "Marionette" at SonneMondSterne 2005 in Germany.



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