Many have attempted to define Matthew Dear’s sound, but few have succeeded in cornering his diverse beats into a specific genre. And it is no wonder why the alias-happy DJ requires no less than three outlets (False, Jabberjaw and Audion) to express himself musically. His 2003 debut, Leave Luck to Heaven, was a journey through a sparse funky-house landscape while his second, Asa Breed, was something completely unrelated, incorporating afrobeats, some of Brian Eno’s good stuff and taking it into shape-shifting new heights. After a three-year hiatus, Matthew is back with Black City, which promises to be exactly what the title suggests.

What can we expect from that Black City?
It’s going to be really dark and moody yet somewhat playful. It’s also got a lot of vocals going on so on the whole it’s a really atmospheric experience.

Why have you three pseudonyms (False, Jabberjaw and Audion)? Which one’s the real you?
I’m the real me! (Laughs) The other three are all pretty different, each a whole new entity on its own. Audion’s the dark and sexy one, Jabberjaw is a little eccentric and possibly wonky, while False is sort of like Richie Hawtin’s step-sibling. I also have my own band, Matthew Dear’s Big Hands, which is a full three-piece band that dabbles in electro-indie stuff.

We’re also amazed at how you’re still so spritely about music after sticking around for so long…
There are so many trends and genres around nowadays to the point that it’s easy to lose track, but music sounds a lot better than ever before, with the advent of technology merging with music. I think it can only get better from here.

You tend to revisit artistes such as David Bowie for inspiration. Are you still living in the past?
Yes and no. I get inspired from the past, but I am also actively seeking out components from the present to fit into my music as well. It’s a very organic process that flows very naturally for me.

Read the rest of this interview in the August issue of JUICE, available at these spots (or for $4 at all major bookstores and news stands).

www.matthewdear.com

Text: Fiona Chen
Image & interview courtesy of: Zouk