Danuel Tate (also known as the pianist for Cobblestone Jazz) has just released his debut album entitled "Mexican Hotbox" on Wagon Repair: we’ve interviewed him.

You were born in Canada. Where are you living now?

I live on the West Coast of Canada.

Do you think that the place where you are living could influence your music (if I'm not wrong you recorded the Cobblestone Jazz album in Berlin for example)?

Yes my friends and I often talk about that...different magnetic centers on the globe etc etc..but I think it's the people around me that influence most.
 
Let's talk about "Mexican Hotbox". How long did the album take to be completed?

Year and a half on and off between touring with Cobblestone Jazz.

What is the meaning of the title and what about its artwork?

A mexican hotbox is when you go into a hotel bathroom..(perferably with friends)..turn on the shower..nice and hot..let it steam up and then smoke a couple..get out before you pass out..good times..had a track named that..then we just kind of ran with it..artwork was made from a few talented people working together from WGR..

Is there a track you like the most or gave you more satisfaction to be released?

Probably "California Can Can" ..but I like them all.
 
What can you tell me about the instant hit: "Populatio". After you listen to it only once you cannot get out of your head!

I wrote that years ago as a stride piece for piano..then through it on a groove i had by accident really..loved it..used some sounds from an old Commodore 64.

What is the percentage between the music played with instruments and the music created with machines in this album?

Not sure what a real instrument is anymore..let's call it 50/50.

I found it hard to give a definition to your music. It has a so eclectic and original approach: how would you define it?

Really don't know either: defining music is hard work.

What is your creative process? Your music sounds like a jam session without any musical boundaries.

I find in the creative process that by limiting some technical aspects, other maybe more emotional aspects of the music can open up.
 
What is the main difference between producing alone and together with Cobblestone Jazz?

Working in a group is so much more rewarding for me.

Is there anyone from the past you’d have wished to collaborate with?

No.

Who are the artists you are in contact with that you feel close to you in terms of musical ideas?

Friends all over the place, just ideas always changing..wondering..

What does it mean to be part of the Wagon Repair crew?

I have a lot of respect for the label and feel very blessed to know them.

Did you grow up with music? Who or what were your earliest influences?

I grew up listening to instrumental music...I had and still have amazing teachers and role models in my life.

What are your main passions outside music?

Well my family first..but teaching music is a massive passion for me.

How was 2010 for you?

Amazing lots of travel and crazy parties.

Last question: what have been, according to you, the best records and producers in 2010?

I really like what Koosh and The Mole are doing with the ‘7 Inches Of Love’ label.

Author: Antonio Di Gioia Published: 12 December 2010