Kieran Hebden b2b James Holden

We endeavour to bring you a little something special here at Field Day, unique performances and creative collaborations that linger long in the memory after the day is over…

And one that we’re especially looking forward to seeing in 2011 is a sure-to-be spectacular back to back session from two of the UK’s most consistently forward thinking producers, DJs and label owners, namely Kieran Hebden and James Holden. So, we thought we’d bring them together to discuss their music, outlook and future plans…

How long have you known each other?
JH: “A few years now…”
KH: “About 4 years I think.”

What is it about each other’s music or approach to making music that appeals?
KH: “He does his own thing… amazing rhythm, melody, production, arrangements… just quality music.”
JH: “He has principles, speaks as he finds, and just does what he finds interesting.”

What’s your favourite track, production or remix by one another?
KH: “‘Idiot’.”
JH: “The things Kieran did with Steve Reid, particularly the live shows, totally opened my eyes.”

You both run independent labels – what are the pleasures and pains of doing so?
KH: “It’s just fun to do it yourself sometimes, your own way.”
JH: “Pains: sore teats, so many hungry mouths to feed. The pleasure comes from the freedom it gives us, and the joy of putting out records we love.”

Both your labels place an importance on vinyl – how relevant and/or appealing is the format to you in the face of digital dominance?
KH: “I like listening to music on vinyl… it’s just the way I like it whatever’s going on with digital stuff or not.”
JH: “It still sounds better, nothing’s ever going to change that. Most of our artists are only interested in releasing music if it involves manufacturing the physical artefact, and I don’t blame them.”

You both like to experiment with music, is it this improvisational aspect of a b2b set that appeals?
KH: “DJing is always an improvised, in the moment thing for me.”
JH: “I like the challenges a b2b set throws up: spanners in the works always make improvising more interesting.”

Besides playing Field Day, what else have you got planned for 2011?
KH: “Working on Fabric mix CD at the moment… coming out in September.”
JH: “I’m finishing an album, and Border Community has (I think) some of the best records we’ve ever had to release.”