INTERVIEW: FaltyDL

photo credited to Sabine Mirlesse

Andrew Lustman has been on a tear lately, releasing some amazing material under the guise "FaltyDL" that sounds like it's wedged between NY garage, '60s soul and whatever-the-heck/step is going on in the U.K. at the moment. With upcoming releases coming out on RAMP and Planet Mu, Falty answered some questions about his ambitions, his tour experiences and his approach to what makes his sound his own.

E: You started up your productions strictly in the sound of jungle but drifted towards garage/2-step tempos and percussion on later releases...the constant present in these productions is the presence of R&B/Soul vocals; what draws you to always incorporate those specific sounds?

F: They are mastered well and sound sick when sampled. I think it's as easy as that. I've wanted to, and actually worked with a vocalist before, but there is something special about working with a piece of sound that's already had its context. Trying to figure out where else it can fit is a puzzle I really enjoy solving.

E: What do you think you get out of your current sound that's different than your jungle-based tracks?

F: A sense of accomplishment. The feeling I get when i finish a track these days is better then playing a successful gig to 400 people. Better then releasing an album and almost as good as seeing someone you love smile.

E: When your tracks got some considerable buzz around them, critics started comparing you to Burial; some fans have called you the Flying Lotus of NYC...do you welcome these comparisons or ignore them?

F:I have actually not heard the latter until now. I think they have probably not listened to both albums, or have a limited ability of sense and smell. Maybe that's too harsh, but to be honest it's apples and oranges. Again it doesn't really matter, because I'm the one at 4 in the morning figuring out what's inside my soul and my heart. It's just an honor that someone would take the time in their lives to listen to my music. I'm grateful for that, more then I can express here right now.

E: With Bravery, it seems like the tracks are much more soulful, capturing a moment in time that's both wonderfully engaging and calm at the same time; what was the intention behind these particular tracks as opposed to "Love Is A Liability"?

F: I made these tracks after the album was finished with no clear idea of their future. Sort of suspended in time waiting for the album to be released and just playing again. Play Child is that very essence. Getting back to a place that's comfortable and personal. The release of Bravery is my utmost personal exposure. After the comparisons come in again, I'll probably delve even deeper and create something even more personal. That, or create music under a different name, which I have done before.

E: What brought you to making tunes? (Specifically, what brought you to music, and when/how did you make the decision that what you're doing now is what you'd be doing with your life?)

F: This is one piece of my life, as is this blog for you. That job for that person and this cigarette for this 5 minutes. I would be lying if i said i was not always concerned or thinking about music. The decision was made for me I believe, and I've accepted it gratefully and happily. What started as an experiment has become my greatest addiction yet, and I consider myself extremely lucky that it is a healthy one.

E: You've just finished off a tour in Europe. How was the crowd and flow different than the shows here? (Any crazy tour stories?)

F: The stories I'm afraid are trapped in my memory and will stay there as a learning experience for the future tours, if there will be any. I must say that the Golden Pudel in Hamburg was the most amazing gig I have ever played. Watching 100 open minded people on a Sunday night connect with music in such an open minded way was/is life altering. I would love to return there next year. Plastic People has a champion sound system and an incredible vibe. The crowd was diverse in many ways, yet again connected in one way. Beautiful.

E: Your sound has elements of many genres and sub-genres of electronic music, but still remains to be intrinsic to the sound of New York. Does NYC play a big part in your productions?

I think the pace of this city has allowed me to be more aggressive with my time. I'd love to live in a cabin in the woods in Maine, but I'd need a healthy internet connection to do so, and my 5 closest friends.

E: Name an artist you've been lovin' at the moment.

Hmmm... I have been listening to a lot of Clark lately.

E: A FaltyDL live set is always full of surprises...the last time I saw you dropped some Aphex as well as some old-school hip-hop...and then some jungle, of course. Do you feel like your sets are constantly evolving into something more than just a DJ set?

Yes absolutely, every set has been different then the last, learning from what works and what doesn't. I respect any DJ that can keep a floor packed and moving for 2 hours, I also respect any DJ that has the courage to play whatever they want as well. Find the area in between those two and you've got a winning combination. I'm getting there, I think. Always respect the audience, or is it crowd. Not sure which way to look at it yet...

E: What can we expect from FaltyDL in the near future?

F: Bravery 2XLP/CD on Planet-Mu and Party 12" on RAMP. Some remixes have been finished lately for a few bands/producers I really like. I also look forward to finishing my next LP for Planet Mu, should be cool.

A huge thanks to FaltyDL for answering these questions; his upcoming releases will be reviewed on the blog within the week, so keep your eyes open!!!