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Lee Curtiss interviewed

Hear him free at You Are We this Sunday

Part of Detroit's latest wave of talented taster-makers, Lee Curtiss has been a firm favourite since meeting him over a cider breakfast at Bloc Weekender. As capable of producing the deep disco of 'The Glow' as the peak time filth of 'Freak On', he's also a quarter of Visionquest, a modern day house supergroup, alongside Seth Troxler, Shaun Reeves and Ryan Crosson.

Lucky Londoners can catch him free this Sunday (29th August) at You Are We, who make the most of the last of the summer and throw their final day party of the year at Corbet Place in Brick Lane, before they branch out with a series of Saturday night parties over the Autumn and Winter. Full Sunday details and line-up after our interview. While we have you, check Lee's latest mix as well. Hot.

Your latest EP, ‘Can I hear You Arthur?’, for Supplement Facts was inspired by Arthur Russell. With the documentary Wild Combination, and his recent biography ‘Hold On To Your Dream’, what is it about him that’s so fascinating? It seems that he might possibly one day achieve the popular appeal he always wanted.
“I think Arthur's music continues to gain respect and fans because even though he was very underground the years he was making music, his influence and sound finds more people each year. I love his music because it was so original and pure, I hope that as time goes on, people like myself and my friends can expose him to an even greater audience.”

Visionquest recently played at DC10. How was that?
“DC10 is an amazing place and we are all honored to be playing there. The Visionquest night last Wednesday was the most fun playing I've had in ages. Having all 4 of the boys in the same place is always special.  Having a whole night to ourselves at DC10 was next level. “

What plans do you have going forward for the live side and the label?  The recent Tracey Thorn remix Visionquest did had a real Fleetwood Mac vibe.
I'm really proud of this remix, it was a step out of the usual techno and house remixes that we're used to doing.  I always felt that as a group that we are capable of doing more than just dance music and was really looking forward to getting a chance to prove it. I think we did that with this one. Fleetwood Mac has been a big influence on all of us and I guess listening to ‘Rhiannon’ on repeat the day we started working on it found its way into the track. The little monopoly hook in the track definitely has that Fleetwood vibe, and I love it.”

On a live tip, what else have you got coming up? I’ve heard you’re working with Spectral and there’s talk of a Matthew Dear collaboration? Is the whole avant pop thing he’s doing at the moment an area you’re going to be exploring more of?
“I've worked on some music with Matt but having time to get us both in the same place to finish it up has been a task. I am taking some time off to produce this fall/early winter and hopefully will get back to NYC to work with Matt again and hang out with his amazing bulldog Arthur.  Any dog named after Arthur Russell has to a bad ass. I will definitely be doing more music for Spectral next year.

“As for my live set, I'm DJing more than playing live now and liking things that way. I still love playing live, but am keeping it as special as possible. I need to know that the crowd, sound system and timing are right. My live set takes weeks of preparation and dedication, having the stress of doing it week in and week out would be too much for me. On top of that, I have always been passionate about DJing and am enjoying doing that as much as possible.”

Can you tell us a little about your Culprit track, which is penciled in for the end of 2010. It sounds like it has the potential to be a pretty big hit?
“I finished a track during Movement this year while home in Detroit called ‘Candie’.  It's got a pretty monstrous hook and some really cool vox by Mr Matt Tolfrey himself.  I've been on a good streak in the studio and hope that the inspiration keeps up.”

How does London compare as a place to party compared with New York, Berlin or Detroit?
“London is one of my favorite places to play in the world. I have tons of really close and amazing friends there and they really know their music and how to get crazy. I love all different styles of music and can play everything from techno to disco and even pop music in London and the people always seem to stay with you. Berlin is still a great place for me to visit and be with friends, summertime at Club Der Visionaere always makes me happy. Detroit, well.... Detroit is my favorite place in the world every year on the last weekend of May for Movement. Our party ‘Need We Say More’ at the Old Miami is always one of the highlights of the year for me.”

What can we expect from you at You Are We this Sunday at Corbet Place?
"I think coming off of the high of the Visionquest night at DC10 and having some momentum and great new music to play, you can expect me to be ready to rumble."

You Are We Summer closing party 
Sunday 29th August // August Bank Holiday
Corbet Place, Truman Brewery, E1
2pm - 11pm // FREE PARTY

SESSION VICTIM (Retreat) 
LEE CURTISS (Wolf + Lamb)
Playset (You Are We)
Sandeman & Mr Dickie (Heroes & Villains

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