Sydney based producer Ashley Anderson’s Katalyst moniker has become a household name, of sorts, in the Australian hip-hop community since releasing his ‘Manipulating Agent’ album. Following up with the remix project ‘Agent Manipulated’, Anderson is now gearing up for a tour of select worldwide destinations in 2004, including the Glastonbury Festival. But, before he heads off he’s holding a label showcase for his imprint Invada Records at Mad Wax, Club 77’s new Thursday night affair, on March 11. ITM’s cassie2 caught up with Anderson to see what’s been keeping him busy of late.
You’ve been up to a lot these past couple of years. What are the experiences or accomplishments that stand out as being your favourites?
It has been a busy couple of years. I guess just having the album and remix album so well received has been the best thing. It’s been great that so many people have enjoyed the releases.
Are there any big events we can look forward to seeing you at this year?
I’m not sure at this stage. I’ve been doing fewer gigs, as I need the time to work on new projects, the next Katalyst album being one of them. I am going to Canada, US, UK, and Europe this year. I’m playing at a few places on the trip. Glastonbury will be one, so in terms of people, that’s probable the biggest event I’ll play at.
Do you prefer to play at festivals and large events or in smaller clubs?
They both have a different appeal. I don’t really have a preference in general. I like outdoor festivals for some reasons and like clubs for others
Your albums cover a range of music form breaks to hip-hop and funk. What is you favourite style of music to work with?
I think I’ll always enjoy making hip hop, but there are various other styles of music that appeal to me. You might see a few different styles in the Katalyst releases over the next year.
What got you into producing?
Seeing someone using a sampler for the first time. That pretty much did it for me. I had records, I loved hip hop, this is how it’s made? Dope!
You initially started out working with fellow producer Illpickl for your first album release, ‘Moonrock’. What made you decide to go solo for your second album ‘Manipulating Agent’?
I went overseas for a year after the Moonrock release. When I returned I found Illpickl was working on different styles to where I was at. He had been Djing in clubs every week and his music was reflecting this. We still wrote stuff together for a while but both had our sights set on solo careers
Can we expect to see a new album on the record store shelves anytime soon?
I don’t think it will drop till the end of this year, but there will be many different things that I’ve been involved with coming out before then
You have a lot of guest artists on your albums who are MCs, DJs or fellow producers. Who has been you favourite artist to work with?
I don’t have favourites, but my main partner has been Leeroy Brown. He is very easy to work with and very good at what he does on the Katalyst material. He cuts it up with flavour
If you could work with anyone in the world on a track, who would it be?
That’s a hard question as there are many answers. As a producer the person I’d like to work with most, who I haven’t yet worked with, is Premier from Gangstarr. If you mean vocalists Id like to work with then perhaps Jeru. An MC formally from the Gangstarr foundation. But there are so many talented people out there, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one.
Do you spend a lot of time working in the US or are you stationed predominantly in Australia?
I spend most of my time here in Aus. It’s the best place to be. I like getting away and checking out what’s happening in the US, UK and Europe, but I always look forward to getting home again. Australia’s one of the best places in the world. I feel lucky to live here.
Your record company Invada records has a showcase event coming up on March 11th at Club 77’s new Thursday night, Mad Wax. What kind of set are you planning to do?
We will be doing a set based around the 4 turntable, CD, and effects concept I’ve been working with for a while. It will be myself, Leeroy Brown, and MC Dez at the helm. There will be the Katalyst visual experience to complement the set. We will also have guest MCs at the show. Some of Sydney’s finest will grace the stage for the Katalyst experience. The style will be a hip hop and funk mix up, featuring new unreleased Katalyst tunes and more!
Who else will be playing?
Spikey Tee will also be on the bill. Originally from the UK, he has worked with the Grand Central crew, including Rae and Christian and many more. He might even feature on vocals in the Katalyst set
What music is currently getting a bashing in your cd player?
I don’t buy many CDs. The latest vinyl I’ve been into is the Jay Z release, the black album. Also the Pete Rock/ InI release which was made in 1996, but never came out. I got a 12” but that was it. Now BBE has released the full length LP. Nice!
If you could do a remix of any song, which would you choose?
I have know idea. To tell you the truth it would probably be a song you’ve never heard of, because it was no good. I’d like to take an amazing vocal delivery that didn’t have the musical backing to do it justice, and write a track that did. Then there are all the other possibilities! All the remix albums where people get to remix Nina Simone, Bob Marly and the like. That would be nice too.
Where do you get most of your samples from?
I get samples from anywhere. There is no regular place except to say they all come from the original source. Off vinyl or film. I don’t believe in getting things off compilations or the Internet, that shit is straight up wack. People doing that and making hip hop are missing the whole point. They’re not paying their dues to the artist’s they’re sampling. To quote Pete Rock, “learning about beats is something you have to earn, like stripes in the air force”.
You can catch Katalyst, along with Leeroy Brown, Spikey Tee, and more, at the launch of Mad Wax on Thursday March 11. For more info check out ITM Whatson.
