by SCOTT C

Regularly advocating the use of mindblowing DJ talent to back up a live show, the Beastie Boys' relationship with DJ Mix Master Mike is as strong as ever. A founding member of the Invisbl Skratch Piklz, this California beat manipulator has been down with the BBs since Hello Nasty and looks to be around for a while. With his new album Bangzilla in stores now, Mike took a minute out of his busy schedule to talk to the Mirror about a few things.

Mirror: As someone who's been turning turntablism on its ass for as long as you have, do you think it really comes down to ingenuity and artistry at the end of the day? Or do any of the many technological advances that we've seen infiltrating the culture actually change the game?

Mix Master Mike: It really depends on what kind of DJ you are, y'know? I like to keep it traditional with two turntables, a mixer, a microphone and just a whole bunch of records. I know people are digging Final Scratch, where they can play from their laptop, but I like to keep it simple. I do use Pro Tools, and some CDJs in my studio, but not in the live show.

M: I noticed, in the insert for Bangzilla, some nice pics of your studio. Along with the vintage gear, I see you've got a thing for Shogun Warriors and a lot of other Japanese toys.

MMM: There are no secrets in the making of Bangzilla. I like people to see where I'm working, and the Zektar Control Panel is where I do all my work. Plus, I'm a fiend for vintage robots! I can't get enough.

M: I bought a two-foot Grandizer [aka Goldorak, for people in Quebec] at a garage sale a few summers back, and I hadn't seen this thing since I was in Grade 4.

MMM: Oh, word? Is it in good condition?

M: Not bad.

MMM: That shit just reminds me of childhood straight up, and if I can pick them up, I will. It brings me back. I pick up most of them from Japan. Between robots and vintage records, I don't know which I like more, but it's all inspiration.

M: I can definitely see the connection between your robot fixation and your music. Watching any old Japanese mecha-robot cartoon is almost directly on par with a Mix Master Mike production.

MMM: (laughing) Man, I got so many people around me who do animation, or make movies, and could cook up something to accompany some of my music, but I haven't got around to it yet. I've got some people from Pixar, believe it or not, who want to get involved in what's going on, but I've been on tour, so it's really hard to get things started. Right now I'm just scripting little stories.

M: So the Beasties keep you busy?

MMM: Hectic. They stay busy, but manage to stay under the radar in a sense too.

M: I've never been able to interview them.

MMM: No?

M: Either they have a press conference, or they do a few big publications, but that's it. I get stuck talking to their DJ and shit. No offence (laughing).

MMM: (laughing) I like to do everything, man. I like to be reachable. I'm all-access. I want the kids to know exactly what's going on.

With the Beastie Boys and Talib Kweli at the Bell Centre, Sun., Nov. 7, 8 p.m., $45–$55, all ages, and with Triple Tek Crew at the after-party at Jet, 10 p.m., $12

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