8Bitch
From: Slovenia, now based in Glasgow. Tracks played by: Rustie, The Village Orchestra

Maya ‘8Bitch’ Medvesek is some sort of weird celebrity in her home country of Slovenia, and actually features in videogame DJ Hero, where the female character’s movements are sculpted on her (a bit like David Ginola in FIFA ’98 or whatever it was).

Musically she’s hard to tie down: her forthcoming ‘G41’ release is heavy, heavy techno that sometimes distorts to Ancient Methods levels, while ‘Fruit Pastilles’ and ‘You Are My High’ are on a deliriously pitch-shifted Funky tip. She moved to Glasgow last year and rolls with Rustie – who’s remixed ‘G41’ to great effect, you can hear that here – watch out for several releases this year, including singles on Svetlana Industries and some better-known labels we can’t yet talk about.

8Bitch, introduce yourself.

“Hi, I’m Maya. I like bass and MC Hotwheels.”

You’re some sort of superstar / designer / singer / video-game star back in the motherland, right? What is it exactly you do?

“Hah not really…I’m known back home as an actress / presenter (been on TV since I was 6) and DJ / producer / singer, but not really a designer. I’ve worked on the DJ Hero game in the UK – I  did the motion capture moves for three female characters. Over here I do all sorts of things: music, journalism, brand management and other random things.”

How would you describe your music to those that don’t know you?

“It’s tricky…I make all sorts of stuff but I guess the best way to describe it is a blend of synth-funk, hip-hop and techno’. My Dad calls it “Super Mario Jazz” which is quite on point actually.”

How long have you been making music for?

“For as long as I can remember…I trained classically since I was five but didn’t start producing electronic music since I was about 14, when my Dad gave me some of his music gear cast-offs. Needless to say the production was shockingly basic but slowly I got to where I’m now. It’s a never-ending learning process.”

What software / hardware do you build on?

“I used to use Cakewalk and more hardware but now, especially after moving so much, I just ping-pong between Logic and Ableton with a nice little synth. I’m very much fond of plug-ins…been known to beg for them when tipsy. Both of my beloved retro drum machines are tired and in need of TLC…but they’ll be back one day for sure!”

Do you ever do your own vocals on your tracks?

“Yes. Not so much recently – a few years ago I made a lot more hip hop, dub and reggae and wrote some quite nice songs…I worked with quite a few other producers too. I’ll come back to it one day, I’m going through a Detroit renaissance right now…”

Anyone in particular you feel inspired by / feel musically aligned to?

“Inspiration comes from everywhere: old stuff, new stuff, jazz, techno, crunk or computer games…it’s always there! The whole Warp or Underground Resistance back catalogue is a constant inspiration and of course the whole Glasgow scene – since I’ve moved here I’ve realised just how much I need to step my game up – the amount of talent and innovation in this town is ridiculous. Numbers guys and LuckyMe crew are just the best.”

What releases do you have out, and what can we expect in 2010?

“I’ve got a few records lined up for this year on various labels that I can’t yet mention, as well as a single on Svetlana Industries and  some tracks coming out on a few exciting compilations.

There’s certainly a lot of material to go through, not just ‘dance’ music…I’d be absolutely chuffed if I could release the more ambient/experimental stuff I make or even have a chance to incorporate it with some of my visual art or an installation.”

Finally, tell people something they won’t know about 8bitch.

“Eeerrr…I was a multiple Slovenian Judo champ, I have a degree in alternative medicine and I work as a body-double for Penelope Cruz.”

Download: 8Bitch – FACT mini-mix

Tracklist:
Samuel & the Dragon – Diamonds on a boat (8bitch remix)
8bitch – In the Moog for love
8bitch – Bit Pony
8bitch – Heart Bit
8bitch – Jeff the dolphin
8bitch – Fruit Pastilles

Tom Lea

This entry was posted on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 2:48 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.