Connect to the culture, read this intensive interview made by the fans for the fans, last night in a good back 2 back answer and questions with Ambivalent, one of the international guests for Blackdance this Saturday at Forum
MedellinStyle
How is your setup right now, we remember some time ago, you were doing Live and Dj Set separated.
Ambivalent
I’m combining Traktor and Ableton with a new controller from @allen_heath you can see more about it here http://youtu.be/RF1k477L5zo
MedellinStyle
What inspired you to make your compilation ¨Ground¨
Ambivalent
I wanted to support some of the artists I play a lot, but also do something cool with the “Mix CD format.”
MedellinStyle
Do you think sound is going upbeat or downbeat nowadays ?
Ambivalent
Both. There is more separation between deeper sounds and more aggressive sounds. They are both great, I stay Ambivalent.
MedellinStyle
What was the story behind The Nerd Tank with Camea ?
Ambivalent
I was offered a show on EVR, and asked Camea to do with me. She went to Berlin & I tried to keep it alive, but I moved too.
MedellinStyle
How much attention do you give to the “Equipment Selection” in the evolution of a “Dj”
Ambivalent
Music is the most important. The tools help give you better options, but a DJ is not his tools. The selections matter most.
MedellinStyle
How is your relationship with Camea and Jichael Mackson do you know them ?
Ambivalent
I’ve never met Jichael, but I know his music. Camea is like the sister I never had.
MedellinStyle
How the hype concept have evoluted through the years. Do you believe on it. Or is better to forget about it?
Ambivalent
I’ve watched electr. music go through many trends. I’m old. I think people respect honesty and originality most. Some hype is well-deserved, and some of it is just smoke. Time is the thing that shows what matters. I respect artists who survive.
MedellinStyle
We can really notice your blend of classical music and modern. How % of your music is new? or is always variable ?
Ambivalent
I focus on getting special music. I don’t want my sets to sound like a Beatport chart. It’s about surprises. The mix changes.
MedellinStyle
Whats your favorite food ?
Ambivalent
Cashews, almonds, cheese, wine, burgers, sushi, fries, burritos, nachos, tacos, pizza, avocados, eggs, ice cream, cookies…
MedellinStyle
What do you feel about too much talent getting shadowed by not beign “scalated” by big artists and labels, and viceversa.
Ambivalent
That’s part of my idea with _ground. Some artists deserve more attention, and I want to use my situation to help them.
MedellinStyle
What places in Latinoamerica you havent played?
Ambivalent
wow, a lot. Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Ecuador… I am trying to get as many places as possible.
MedellinStyle
What is your biggest satisfaction of the present. And How do you see yourself in 20 years.
Ambivalent
I’m proud of the work I do, and always want more. In 20 years I hope to still DJ every weekend, but fly less.
MedellinStyle
Describe or define the actual Ambivalent sound. =)
Ambivalent
the Ambivalent sound is always changing, I hope. loud bass, groovy techno, or darker house. it’s always blurring lines i hope
MedellinStyle
What is your longest set record? and where it was.
Ambivalent
i played 7 hours once, and another back-to-back with magda for 9 hours. both in germany.
MedellinStyle
If you could change anything from the past what that would be ?
Ambivalent
having more confidence to share my music sooner. i was always afraid i wasn’t good. when i stopped being afraid, i got good.
MedellinStyle
Do you still use Ipads ?
Ambivalent
yes, there is a great control app that I use called Ambivalent Beats. It’s free for anyone who wants to use it.
MedellinStyle
What is the most weird thing that hapenned between you and a crowd ?
Ambivalent
i played a big minus show in manchester where the turntable kept skipping, and people threw their drinks at me. that sucked.
MedellinStyle
How much time do you take to select the music for a gig? or you have all on your disks ?
Ambivalent
i spend a long time going through music before each show. i also search for music every day to find new things.
MedellinStyle
How do you mix between flights and production time, do you work only in studios or can be anywhere?
Ambivalent
i can’t work while i travel. i make studio time as much as I can. sometimes i deny bookings to stay home in the studio.
MedellinStyle
What do you think about the raise of the festivals in Northamerica, when in Southamerica we will have some of this?
Ambivalent
it will happen. the challenge is how to get all the artists at one time. festivals are complicated, but can be very cool.
MedellinStyle
Do you still buy vynils ?
Ambivalent
yes. i buy close to 10 records every week. when i’m traveling, i have them shipped to me. i encode them and play the files.
MedellinStyle
Whats your favorite place to play? club, festival, small, big, personal, after, natural ?
Ambivalent
the best places are not one type. there are good and bad of each style. good clubs, bad clubs. good festivals, shit ones.
MedellinStyle
What are the biggest differences between European crowd and Latinamerica crowd?
Ambivalent
The Latinamericans are really open to all music, and really expressive of their feelings. Euros are mysterious sometimes.
MedellinStyle
How was India!?
Ambivalent
India touched my heart and my spirit. It is a place of incredible inspiration.
MedellinStyle
Does Minus have any social responsability, we remember the co2 thing some years ago.
Ambivalent
Yes. We did charity events for the tsunami in Tokyo. But we all do our own things, too. I have charities I support by myself.
MedellinStyle
How do you masterize your tracks?
Ambivalent
I always send my tracks to @tim_xavier and ManMade Mastering. They are the best.
MedellinStyle
Do you think that the word “underground” has been distorted around the years? what does it mean for you?
Ambivalent
I called my mix _ground because there is under- and over- ground, but it’s always changing. most important is honest music.
MedellinStyle
What is after death?
Ambivalent
I will tell you when I get there…
MedellinStyle
Are you f*cking ready for the Sat? we need to play harder! its serious job the one you have to open minds and connect them!
Ambivalent
the question should be, is medellin is ready??!!! :)
MedellinStyle
Thanks to , Gracias a Ambivalent por tan sencillas e inteligentes respuestas a todos nosotros! SEE YOU SOON! Respect.
Ambivalent
That was one of the most fun interviews ever! Thank you and all the people who asked interesting questions. See you Saturday!
Thanks for your questions. My girlfriend made me enchiladas so now I will eat them and prepare for the weekend. Thanks !!
Bonus MedellinStyle.com International Podcast:
