New Zealand transplant with Japanese roots Mark de Clive Lowe headlines at Liv tonight bringing his live performance/remixing mastery to Washington DC where he will be seconded by vocalist Sy Smith, with Chris Burns bringing the deep soulful ambiance early as the opening DJ. I had the opportunity to take some time out with the brilliant producer, session musician and instrumentalist, and have a few thoughts.
Clearly, a man who states that his interests as a producer are as disparate and separate as Quincy Jones, Charles Stepney, J Dilla, Masters at Work and NuYorican Soul, and perpetually claims albums by John Coltrane, Marvin Gaye and Shuggie Otis as inspiration is a true appreciator of quality and a master craftsman in development. The Berklee College of Music educated composer began his musical journey as a piano player at the age of four, and as time went along, he grew to love the New Jack Swing of Teddy Riley beforeand a trip trailing a now lost love to London opened him to the influence of underground dance culture, which informed his creative process with the sounds of EDM. Hip hop had always been a perpetual inspiration, and finding the synergy, interplay and cohesion between these disparate grooves is where he succeeds as an artist.
His creative process is as much influenced by style as it is opportunity. Having recorded and played with artists like Pino Palladino who played on D’Angelo’s Voodoo album as well as recording with The Who, legendary percussionist Sheila E, and artists like Sy Smith, he sees sounds as “different colors of a palette,” and the challenge being to unify them together. Space and place inform his process too, as he claims numerous locales as being creatively fruitful. Atlanta is a perpetual favorite as he enjoys the “warm Southern vibe,” having recently recorded with artists and arrangers tied in to the legendary Outkast and Goodie Mob related Dungeon Family. The non-commercial vibe of the city appeals to him as well, as there is a greater appreciation of the musical journey of creation rather than a mainstream product. Recording overseas in Europe and Japan provide wonderful vibes as well, as given his heritage Japan is important, as well as the love and mutual respect of the people.
Regarding disparate sounds, his live sets, as with Chris Burns tonight, are preceded by DJ sets. Many live acts find it difficult to maintain the energy in a room after a DJ plays, however, Lowe “loves DJ culture,” and related a story of being in New Zealand in the mid 90s and playing live in a room in dance clubs, and noting that in the silent spaces between songs he learned to appreciate a) programming the MPC to ensure that there would not be as much of that space, and also to learn how to judge the “weight and style of sound,” and gain a true appreciation for the effect it has on people. As well, often when touring Japan, he plays back to back with a DJ, which he finds exciting and challenging, and as long as “the DJ’s selection is on point,” it allows for a truly unique and mind-blowing experience.
In being asked about others he enjoys who are musical contemporaries of his, he immediately names Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, whose J Dilla inspired, jazz symphonic piece, Suite for Ma Dukes Lowe found moving and inspirational. He also noted that there were so many that he found worthwhile, and that, as always, he refuses to find limitations on styles, and he places a premium on truly creative output, no matter the source.
Mark de Clive Lowe is a free spirited musical legend in the making. Visit http://www.mashibeats.com for more!
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