Guerilla Movement Launch Event – Rowetta, TILT & Chris Bretten Interview For Absolute
Interview by Peter Stevens
Rowetta Q&A – Manchester has a rich history of music and bands. Can you tell us what your musical influences were growing up?
I was actually more of a punk growing up and loved Crass and The Sex Pistols. I then got into dance and house music and going to clubs that played it. So when I first saw Happy Mondays I knew immediately that this was the band I wanted to be in, punk and dance combined.
Rowetta Q&A – Happy Mondays are without a doubt one of the biggest bands to come out of that ‘Madchester’ scene in the late 80’s, how did you start working with them?
Once I’d seen them, I discovered that we shared the same agent so I got introduced to their manager. But they definitely weren’t looking for a girl at the time, so I hung around them for six months until they changed their minds! It was during the recording of ‘Step On’ which was produced by Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osbourne that my commitment to the band paid off. There was a section which needed something special to fill it and I got the call and sang the layers “he’s gonna step on you again”, it was a match made in Heaven on and off the stage.
Rowetta Q&A – You recently performed at two sold out ‘Gorillaz’ events in London, how was that experience?
It was incredible. The first night was for the NHS and the second to a O2 full of beautiful Gorillaz fans. A huge, fantastic production. I felt very honoured to be part of it and the feedback has been phenomenal. I hope we get to do it again with them. It was special.
Rowetta Q&A – You are performing at Guerilla Movement & Voodoo Disco launch at Block in Brighton on August 29th. Are you looking forward to it?
I really am. I love Brighton. The place and the people. I have so many friends there and if it was closer to Manchester, I’d be there all the time. I also have many good friends who are great DJ’s playing at the event, I’m looking forward to performing some classic tunes, now that we can dance again
TILT Q&A – How did you first get into DJing and Music Production?
I grew up in a house full of music; my dad loved classical composers like Beethoven and Richard Wagner. I started collecting vinyl back in 1989, when I fell in love with the acid house scene. The only thing missing at the time was some decks to play on. So, I purchased my first set of Technic 1210’s and taught myself how to mix – the rest as they say is history.
TILT Q&A – You’ve worked with many big stars over the years. Is there anyone else you’d like to collaborate with?
Yeah we’ve been fortunate enough to work with some amazing singers and musicians. I have always wanted to work with Noel Gallagher, he’s without doubt one of the best songwriters of our generation. Plus I admire his eclectic taste in music, especially electronic music. The Happy Mondays would be another good one, they have a great energy!
TILT Q&A – Guerilla Movement is a new name in the music industry, can you tell us a little more about it?
Guerilla Movement is a multifaceted company, firmly placed in the music industry. We offer many services, from artist management to music publishing. Guerilla also has a very reputable art and clothing brand; working alongside side some of the worlds leading artists, to design limited edition art work and merchandise. Over the next few months we will be launching a DJ agency and Film & Media company.
TILT Q&A – You’ve chosen Block in Brighton for your label launch event; Do you have any plans to take Guerilla on tour?
Yes, we certainly do have more plans for Guerilla Movement events; In the UK and abroad. Our focus is to really push the brand over the next two years – checkout www.guerillamovement.co.uk
Chris Bretten (Voodoo Disco) Q&A – Chris you’ve been bringing Voodoo Disco to Brighton for a while now, why?
After the formative days of the early 90’s spent in and around Brighton, being influenced by venues such as the Zap, Concorde 2, Patterns and Big Beat Boutique. Voodoo Disco was set up and launched in 2018. We are now 3 years old and have had everyone play from Rui Da Silva, Chad Jackson, Bobby Langley (Hacienda). We now have TILT who are a british electronic producers and DJ’s that have played for U2 and Kasabian. Not to mention showcasing the cream of the underground scene and local DJ talent from Brighton and across the UK.
Chris Bretten (Voodoo Disco) Q&A – how did you start working with TILT and Guerilla Movement?
We have been working with TILT pretty since we started and they have played a number of our early gigs.
Chris Bretten (Voodoo Disco) Q&A – It looks like your events are going from strength to strength; do you have any plans to take it to other cities or countries?
Yes, we’ve already hosted parties across the UK and have a number of events planned in other countries
Chris Bretten (Voodoo Disco) Q&A – You obviously have TILT performing on August 29th, could we see a studio collaboration from you guys?
As soon as we can make it work diary wise there will absolutely be a studio collaboration happening.
About Voodoo Disco – Voodoo Disco is an all-night eclectic / house party music event that takes place in Brighton and venues around the UK, and across the world. With the ethos ‘Its all about the music’