Pako and Frederik sound more like they should be the famous circus lion tamers in The Simpsons rather than Dutch production boffins. However, their lot in life is quite exciting, having the first ever album release on Global Underground’s own artist label. Coupled with that is the attention of the world’s premier tastemaker DJs such as John Digweed, a safer and yet equally rewarding path than patting Siberian tigers.

Pako (born Sekander Raisani on January 27, 1973) and Frederik (born as Frederik Borgesius on September 27, 1973) began their production careers separately, and Pako was largely influenced by the urban sounds of hip hop, something which is starting to be re-introduced into their sound.

Frederik (as well as producing his own tracks) is a DJ first and foremost, and still DJs quite frequently to this day. Both became tuned onto the Dutch house sound of the early 90s. Obviously passionate, the duo chat pleasantly, remarking on their need to wake up on a Dutch morning, lamenting their lack of an additional handset, constantly passing the phone to each other. Pako happened to be riding by on a mountain bike in 1992 when a mutual friend introduced the pair.

Even though they have been producing for a relatively long period of time (since 1993), there is nothing formulaic about the Pako & Frederik approach. “Its all about how we feel. We have no set method for making our records. Obviously we want it to sound good, and we are aware certain sounds work well on a club sound system. For this album, we tried to tailor it more for the home listening system, as we have made many club tracks before, so decided to do something different, more lasting,” says Frederik. “We have different moods that we write in and the sounds (sometimes) reflect those moods, so they could be a lot of things,” adds Pako.

The latest album, ‘Atlantic Icebreakers’, is somewhat of a departure from the intricate, trance-like textures of the duo. Whilst the atmospherics remain, the beats are replaced by downtempo breakbeats and ambient washes. The album is something of a landmark because world-leading compilation organisation Global Underground have chosen to launch their own artist album label with it. Because of their many releases on Global Underground-sponsored imprints such as Coded, the duo were naturals for the task. Whilst talking with James and Andy of the Boxed organisation responsible for the Global Underground compilations, Pako & Frederik discussed the idea of an album release, and GU were wrapped in the idea. “They were very into it, because they’ve known us from other work that we’ve done,” explains Frederik. Further, GU, decided to release the single ‘Systematic’ on the GU imprint.

Their music cuts across any genre boundaries but they still recognise the importance of some genre classification. Their hits have included ‘Seaside Atmosphere’ as well as ‘Western Approaches’ and ‘Blue Steel’, the last two released on their own imprint, Majestic Music. In the late 90s and early 00s the pair became the favourite of any DJs and labels the worldwide, especially the progressive house community. They featured on John Digweed’s ‘Sydney’ Global Underground mix CD as well as Carl Cox’s ‘F.A.C.T’ CD. Loved by the progressive house community, Pako & Frederik only know that there is good music and bad music, and as such each day their music changes.

Being tech heads, the lads made ‘Atlantic Icebreakers’ partially using an Akai MPC 4000, completing some records using only this piece of equipment, however utilising their new secret weapon: the BRM (Bass Rumble Machine). “It doesn’t exist,” says Frederik knowingly. If video phones were in use, he would be winking just as much as any internet emoticon. Apparently, the duo weren’t even supposed to have the mysterious BRM, as it is yet to be released. “It is a prototype, I think Nick Muir from Bedrock is the only other person in the who’s foing to be getting one soon.” The BRM has enabled the low end bass sounds deployed on the album, and is said to be a potent piece of machinery. The BRM belongs to a Japanese company and further information is not available.

However it seems the duo have always been ones for experimentation. In the ‘Don’t try this at home kids’ column, Frederik and Pako are reputed to have written one of their more famous tracks ‘Magic Shop’, whilst under the influence of magic mushrooms. They do however temper this by stating it was the only time they worked under the influence.

Remaining humble even though John Digweed called them to sign their tracks ‘Friday’ and ‘Arnhem’ (written about their home town), the duo, now having woken up, happily chirp away with production talk, especially their use of live set-ups, and the fact that the Dutch dance scene is thriving at present and sticking a finger firmly up the increasingly disillusioned and dishevelled English dance scene. “Sometimes there aren’t many good clubs around,” mentions Frederik, “but I play in Fuse (a premier techno club)”. The regularly tour Europe and Japan playing live, and a are gearing up for releasing their live show to Australian audiences at some stage in 2004.

Pako & Frederik’s ‘Atlantic Icebreakers’ album is out nationally through Global Underground/Shock.