Posted from The Citrus Report

You’re in a club dancing it up with your friends, or turning up the speakers at a house party, and that same song is in your bones. It’s Dave Aju. His songs are eerily familiar and infectious. It could be off his new album, Open Wide, in which Marc Barrite uses only the sounds of his mouth to produce music. And he pulls it off, probably due to the ol’ days (or nights) spitting with his friends. Open Wide has been hailed as the best debut album of the year, and we are proud of our local boy.

Marc naturally feels comfortable with all genres of music and is ready to take risks. Maybe because his father played jazz trumpet with the greats in the 50’s and 60’s, or because one brother is a rock singer and the other a hip-hop DJ. Marc breaks down the electronica movements in Europe, the changing SF scene, and what the bloggers are chewing on from his new album. —Kirsten Incorvia

Q: Are you satisfied with aftermath of your recent debut album, Open Wide?

Yeah, definitely. It’s my first album so expectations aren’t too high, and the concept and diversity of the album has polarized people a bit. A lot of everyday folks, music heads, and fellow producers have been very supportive which is really cool. What’s even better is that, on the flipside, the album’s distinct styles provide a kind of code to decipher people, so the track that someone’s not feeling will say a lot more about them than they realize. I’m also getting a good laugh at some young critics and blogger-types that are like “it’s just a gimmick” or “didn’t Bobby McFerrin/Herbert/Bjork already do this?” Haha, gotta love that shit. It’s new to me because 12″ releases don’t get that kind of attention.

Q: What equipment did you use to produce Open Wide?

A sequencer, two samplers, a midi keyboard, a mic, my lips, tongue, teeth, and voice.

Q: Do you prefer performing live or working alone in your studio?

It depends on my mood, but since the product of studio work is really what drives everything else, I’d have to lean that way overall. They’re two sides of the same coin though, and performing tends to build itself up- like if I’m not feeling a certain crowd, venue, or just feeling shitty at a gig, I can usually pull through just from the vibe and adrenaline. But the opposite can be crazy too- feeling all juiced alone in the studio- either some wild inspiration comes from of it or I have to get out and grab a drink with someone.

Q: What is the best venue in the city for techno?

Techno you say? Hmm. A place called Bahia Cabana on Market St, 10 years ago? I mean, there are a lot of venues that promote “techno” parties now, but it will really depend on what guest they flew in and what strain of the music you and the promoters are into. Some decent parties go down these days at places like Mighty, the EndUp, and Mezzanine, but it can easily feel more like blah commercial clubs compared to some underground spots and the wild, innovative, and funky shit you heard at places like the Bahia. 222 Hyde was a good spot for awhile, but I guess their days are done too.

Posted By The Citrus Report