Dextro is an experimental electronica project from Ewan Mackenzie. His last album ‘Consequence Music’ is wonderful piece of work and will be featuring in our forthcoming article on the Hundred Greatest Scottish Albums of all Time, yes he really is that good!
HOLV: Consequence Music is a beautiful album. It reminds me of Eno's more absorbing work, you can just lie back, clear your head and listen to the music. It also reminds me of Eno in that you've put together something quite complex with several layers of sound. Just how long a process is making your music and how do you know when the track is finally finished?
D: I find that when I am properly prepared things can work quite quickly. However, there are times when you feel as though you are stuck, and at times such as these you know that you are not expressing your ideas clearly. Once I have the sounds and tools that I can use effectively writing then becomes enjoyable and fulfilling. Timescales can vary dramatically just for one piece. I have spent months trying to complete songs, but I find the best ones come to me quickly.
HOLV: Electronic music has taken a bit of a knock in recent years with the guitar band resurgence, but it's steadily creeping back into fashion. Do you take inspiration from more established electronic artists like Boards of Canada or does the new scene excite you more?
D: To be honest I didn't know that electronic music was less popular recently. I usually stumble upon new music on recommendation from a friend, or I hear something I like at a gig. It doesn't matter to me if music is electronic or not, as long as it touches you somehow, that is all that matters. I do listen to dated electronic music and modern stuff too, as well as other forms of experimental music.
HOLV: You have a fantastic photographic slideshow on your website. Would it be
fair to say music isn't your only inspiration/interest?
D: I am in no way a professional when it comes to photography. However I often see something that appeals to me, and I carry a camera just in case. I love it when you discover something otherworldly in amongst the day-to-day visual world, and capturing that can be exciting.
HOLV: Being a fellow Scot, what are your loves and hates about music and the
music scene in this country?
D: I've met a lot of people through making music in Scotland, mainly in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The thing I like most about the scene in Scotland is that people are relatively open minded about different kinds of music, and seem open to new ideas. When I was living in London I realised it was too easy for people to find their niche, and they would view other groups with distain. It’s great that the music scene in Scotland brings people together.
HOLV: Just looking at your live history and I noticed you've not played The Tunnels in Aberdeen. I don't know why but it just seems the perfect place for your music. Is there anywhere you've been to a gig and just thought 'I've got to play here at some point'?
D: I've played in large venues and small intimate ones. I always prefer the smaller gigs as you can see people and there is more communication between you and the audience. A small venue that is comfortable for everyone and has a facility for displaying visuals and films would be my ideal music venue.
HOLV: Finally, Consequence Music has actually been out a little longer than some people realise, are you already working on the follow up?
D: I have been writing with a view to releasing another album.. It is hoped that it will be finished and released by the first half of 2008.
