Catching up With...Mathew Jonson

Mathew Jonson is a regular fixture here in Farringdon. Always armed to the teeth with hardware, his live sets are what have set him up to be one of the most highly proclaimed acts in techno today. Mathew’s interaction with his machines, his groove and inherent ability to improvise and perform live hold the basis of the power found in his productions and live performance - whether that’s as Midnight Operator alongside his brother Nathan (Hrdvsion) or as part of the quartet, Cobblestone Jazz. Since our last chat, talking about first solo album and debut Midnight Operator live show at the beginning of the year, so much has happened even since then. His label Wagon Repair are prepping the release of a fresh label compilation following an epic two part release from Cobblestone Jazz called ‘Memories from Where You Are’ with more emissions from the group’s extended and sweaty studio sessions looking likely to see the light of day over the rest of the year. We last spoke to you last year on the cusp of your first full album release - were you happy with how it was received? I’m happy with it yes. It was my first album so it was more of a learning experience than anything I think. It was fun to write and I'm looking forwards to doing another one soon. My studio building in Berlin is getting torn down at the end of 2012 (that’s actually right at the end of the Mayan calendar) and I plan to do my second album before the new age of Aquarius starts. And how was your first show here with your brother Nathan as Midnight Operator this year? I had food poisoning so it was really rough. It was the most sick I think I have ever been in my life. Luckily I had Nathan and also Colin (the mole) there to sound check my stuff for me. I could go into more detail about it but I'll spare you... Nathan’s production is computer based while you’re very much hardware based, how do you think these techniques work together in making the Midnight Operator sound? Couldn't be better really because we both fill our role. It's really amazing working with him more finally after so many years of doing this. You have an EP coming out soon, yet previously you have said Midnight Operator has been more about live sets, what’s made these tracks come together and be ready for physical release? Really it has been just working in my studio. We are going to spend a lot more time on this project now and start touring more often as well. We have to comment on the new Cobblestone Jazz release it’s an epic 2 part tracker - what was the vibe like recording this in the studio? 4 sweaty guys with there shirts off. Any girls dream. Since working with your collaborative projects, has any of this influenced you when you go back into the studio on your own? Sure - I learn more from the guys I work with than anyone else so it's constant inspiration. We all have different styles on our own so it keeps things fresh. You’re about to release a new compilation on Wagon Repair - All Stars - the first since 2008’s Jack Off – what’s made it time to get a compilation together again? It is Adams (my partner) idea actually. He did the last one also. I contributed of course and also did the track order with my girlfriend but it's really his baby. What else can we look forward to from Wagon Repair over the coming months? We are doing a 12 inch series of Cobblestone Jazz EPs - one about every 2 or 3 months. The next ones are really good, so I'm exited to be back on track with the label. I'm hoping to have a solo single out by the end of the year and also a new Midnight Operator one as well. Now that summer is over looking back what was your highlight and how do you intend to spend your winter? Winter is more like summer for me because I go to my house in India. But before that I'll be in the studio full time here in Berlin, that’s around touring of course. Highlight for this summer was going to Japan with the Cobblestone guys, I'll be back out there in 2 weeks again actually. Really exited to go back there! Catch Mathew Jonson here on the 17th September in Room One with Petre Inspirescu (Pedro), Ryan Crosson and Terry Francis. This is a particularly special line up as we welcome back Shackleton LIVE in Room Two with Boddika and Cosmin TRG.