Pig&Dan Interview: Special energy

Image: Pig&Dan

Dan Duncan and Igor Tchkotoua met in 1999 completely through chance on a flight to Mallorca, from then the musical partnership flourished with pace and when they finally joined forces, they released 18 records in just over a year - quite the feat.

Watching the master Sven Vath in action shifted their attitude towards production, and their sound moved away from high-energy to minimal, a move that didn't go unnoticed as they secured a release on Cocoon Recordings and even made tracks for the 100th release the imprint.

Pig&Dan launched their own ELEVATE label back in 2012, proving that their keen ear for new music stretches much further than when they are in the studio. 

With an Essential Mix recorded earlier this year (listen below) and a string of major gigs over the summer, Pig&Dan are more in-demand than ever, we caught up with them before they play Egg London to find out a little bit more... 

You guys were on the monumental line up for the last ever Space Ibiza opening fiesta. How was the gig for you, and how much of a legacy does it leave behind? 

It's impossible to explain how much of an honour this was for us both. Space is one of the venues where we have both had so many special experiences and it led us to where are today both musically and as DJs.  

We played the opening at the Terrace which represented its core from back in the day and although it was a magical experience it was also kind of tragic to think this was the last opening ever. 

How is the island for you these days, does it still hold that allure and will it manage to survive a club like Space changing the way it look like it will?

Ibiza has changed so much since we first went there in the 80s. It used to be all about the hippies and the rich mixing together to enjoy music. There wasn't a VIP area back in those days as because it was all about people letting go in harmony without showing what they had financially.

There was an fantastic gay scene as well which made everything even more extravagant and everyone joined in the musical madness. Ibiza still has that fantastic passion for music however it seems that the focus has turned to the so-called VIP scene and it people want to show what they have instead. 

This year you created an Essential Mix which was really well received. In the age of the internet where so many sets are available, how important still are marquee outlets like this for pushing the art of the DJ?

Incredibly important, the Essential Mix is the longest running programme that helps push the underground towards the overground. It's very much been a bucket list aspiration to tick for us as its always been a dream to be on a show of such historic value. We also hope that it shows that hard work and determination can pay off in the competitive world of music. 

You released an EP on Drumcode back in June - can you tell us more about it?

It's a four tracker that includes the title track 'Mexico'. This track was created in Mexico at a dear friends house and we played it all live. It created itself in a funny kind of way. I played the Moog while Pig twisted the sounds all live at that moment and we feel that comes across as a special energy in the track.

Many electronic records are created using different Technics but this is oldschool and back to the roots played live all the way..

What is your relationship with Adam and the imprint like - were you there for the wedding party in Berghain?!

Our relationship with Adam is solid and we very much share a musical taste together. We are currently working on a group of collaborations together which are extremely excited about. 

Sadly we missed the wedding party as we had played Berlin the night before and had to fly to another gig. 

What other music/projects have you got coming up you can let us in on?

We've got a collaboration with Anna on our own imprint Elevate and are scheduling a second Drumcode release which is already prepared.

Pig&Dan play at Egg London on Saturday 20th August. Tickets are available from the box below.

Read more: Adam Shelton Interview: Below the surface

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