Sean Cusick is a global phenomenon. Since he started playing records ten years ago he has traversed the globe many times over and affected many with his distinct style. He has held a few residencies, namely at Twilo, until its demise.



Cusick is also a producer. He produces tracks with partner Jimmy Van M. and also has solo projects. His best known work is the remix of Voices, a track which can be found on one of the latest Sasha & Digweed compilation albums.





What was the first record you bought?



I dont remember but it would have been rock and roll, for sure. It was around 1976 or so. I had an older brother who used to collect records so Id always sneak into his room and borrow Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin records. I remember buying Tusk by Fleetwood Mac when it came out. I was disappointed at the time, I had hoped it would be more like Rumours. Now I love it. But I listened to mostly rock for many years. I really loved Bowie, still do.



When did you get your first set of turntables?



My first pair would have been 1991. Ive always had a turntable.



If you hadnt become a dj, what do you think you would be doing right now?



That thought is one too terrifying to entertain.



How long were you resident at Twilo?



About a year, maybe a little less. Not sure really.



Did you feel responsible for and/or accountable to the electronica community as resident at one of the most important clubs in the US?



No. Im responsible for the music I make and play. An artist, if I can be considered one, is compelled to express that which he believes. Im not sure anybody can answer for an entire community, though some have tried. Why do you ask this question? Is somebody blaming me for something?



Do you have any residencies at the moment?



No. I would only be interested in doing a monthly residency now though. Anything more often than that seems to take away some of what makes it special, unless its at a really small venue and you have a regular crowd that you can get away with being a drunken nuisance with



Your biography on Balances website (www.balancepromote.com) says you play sexy house and techno. These two styles seem almost incompatible. Are these genres your preference because of the way they go together or just because you like the individual sound of each one and, therefore, you make them go together?



These styles most certainly are not incompatible. Techno is sexy as fuck.



Do you have any new cds coming out in the near future?



None on the horizon.



Where are you playing for New Years?



Quebec City



You and Jimmy Van M. work together as Freelance Icebreakers. Who came up with the name?



Scot Shapiro, a friend of ours.



How did the two of you decide to start producing tracks together?



Drugs, lost of them.



Do you produce tracks by yourself?



Yes. The Sean Q6 track on Bedrock I did by myself



I read that you are considered to be John Digweeds protg. Seeing as you play different styles, I cant imagine he could have taught you all that much.



I wouldnt say I am his protg but I do respect him and what he does an awful lot.



How did you meet him?



In Orlando/Gainesville. I was close friends with the whol e crew there that brought over both John and Sasha.



Do you consider yourself his protg?



No. Were friends. I actually taught him how to make friends and influence people.



What did he teach you?



How to drink good Scotch out of Dixie cups with chipped ice and a splash of ginger ale.



Do you like his style of music?



Yes, very much. He doesnt have one style though. He plays a variety. I tend to gravitate towards the more house, minimal and tribal stuff that he plays.



What do you think about this electroclash movement?



Do they have guns yet? Have they come down from the hills?



Do you feel its taken a stronghold on the club scene in New York?



I havent noticed. The only thing thats taken a stronghold on New York clubs is cheap cologne.



Do you think it will last?



All things must pass



Do you like touring?



I like being places, I dont like getting to places. Travel is the hardest thing a dj does.



Do you have any groupies?



Of course. Im putting out a 2003 calendar of all of them. It will be multi-cultural and will not practice age discrimination.



Is there anything that bothers you about djing?



Yes, when people ask me for my autograph. Its sweet but silly. Im not famous and what good is my autograph?

I was just shopping at a record store in New York and somebody asked me for one. I told them that I would only sign my name for people who are really committed to the music, so I told him I would have to give him a tattoo autograph, on his forehead...



Why do you only do interviews by e-mail?



I have a big pimple on the end of my nose. I always have.

So I can avoid being asked stupid questions in person





Interview by: Ariadna Peretz