On several occasions at Killahbeez, we made mention to German electronica DJ, Alex Ridha aka Boys Noize.  I first came across Boys Noize’s music by way of Kitsune Maison’s only podcast.  The track was a remix to Feist’s “My Moon, My Man” on Kitsune Maison’s 4th CD compilation.  With a very distinct sound and Johnny “Guns” Love’s narrative, I was convinced to seek what other remixes were out on iTunes.  From Justice to Cut Copy, the man’s work is a wide array of epic tunes.  Busy P’s comparison of Boys Noize Records’ efforts to Ed Banger’s is not only a compliment, it’s the truth.  Between production work and gigs, Alex was kind enough to spare several minutes to answer questions we had for him.  Here goes…

Killahbeez: So Alex, can you tell us the origin behind the name Boys Noize?

Boys Noize: I was desperately looking for a “cool” name.  A name to scream and shout after a gig.  A name easy to remember.  A name considered more “prollig”.  A name that sells! A name that expresses the way I feel, the way I play, the way I love,  and MOST IMPORTANT the way I AM.  It had to be outstanding, innovative and timeless, too.  I came up with Laser Face and the single “Face the Laser” but I got into beef with DJ Tiga who wanted the same name for his side project :(  Boys Noize is actually the worst name because most of the people think of 2 guys and everyone writes the name wrong.  I also have other project names as Puzique, Morgentau, Eastwest, or 909D1SCO too.

KB: Who were some major influences in your career?

BN: Anything from Roule Records, Dance Mania, Kraftwerk and Tresor.

KB: Every dj/producer has a signature sound. How did you come about developing yours?

BN: After producing 10 years you get bored of a lot of sounds and I’m always look for something that surprises me.

KB: How important are lyrics in your tracks?

BN: I dont care about lyrics.  When I dj, I don’t like much vocals either.  It’s not easy to have cool vocals on a banging track.

KB: It appears you’ll be touring most of Asia in the upcoming weeks.  Do you have any plans on returning to the US?  We’d love to have you in DC.

BN: Yeah, I am coming back for sure.  For this year I only have dates in NYC & LA, but I’m gonna make a big tour in march09…aiaiai

KB: You’ve done a slew of remixes for artists such as Bloc Party, Depeche Mode, Feist and Justice.  What are all the processes involved in a remix?  Who approaches who?

BN: Its always different.  D.Modes manager contacted me saying that one of the band member is a big fan but it can also be the label that reaches out.  Then sometimes I do free remixes because I love the song.  In some cases, I’ll do swap remixes with other artists or you get asked by a friend like Housemeister…

KB: On the topic of remixes, I really enjoyed your version of Phantom. Will you be remixing anymore tracks for Justice in the future?  Perhaps Planisphere?

BN: Thank you! Well, probably not from the recent album…let’s see.

KB: If there is one artist you would like to collaborate with, who would that be?

BN: Gonzales (Note: Gonzales is Feist’s producer)

KB: What can one expect from your live sets?

BN: Fun!

KB: Lastly, what should we expect from Boys Noize for the remainder of 2008 and beginning of 2009?

BN: I’m mixing the next I LOVE TECHNO CD which will be out in October due to the festival.  I’m working on new stuff & collaborations…too hot to mention yet :=)

Also noteworthy, is the release of Boys Noize Records Volume 1.  Expect top notch floor smashers from Boys Noize, Shadow Dancer, D.I.M., Housemeister, Les Petits Pilous, Siriusmo, Strip Steve, Puzique, etc.  The two cd compilation is now available.  For those in need of a live Boys Noize fix, he will be headlining at Webster Hall alongside A-Trak on October 3rd.  Another reason why I heart GBH.  The “Attack of the Unibros” tour finishes off in Montreal on October 4th.

Our friends, Vettig & Morsig, from Amsterdam have sent in another contagious mixtape.  If you all recall, I’ve featured DJ Tron back in March.  Seven mixtapes later and we have another stellar mix with tracks by SebastiAn, Daft Punk, Boys Noize, etc.  The real icing on the cake is Erol Alkan’s remix of Sweet Dreams.  On a side note, I’m wondering if there is a numeric and name theme going on.  DJ Tron’s debut was #7 and the latest is #14.  And keeping up with the “Dirty and Greasy” beats theme, this one is conveniently named Lard and Loops.  Maybe I should ask Milan before jumping to any conclusions.

As always the track listing is provided on the back  for avid mp3 single collectors and the zSHARE is here.

Image Source: Vettig & Morsig

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You’re probably wondering why two Mixtape Mondays are posted up.  No mistake was made, although we like to keep things consistent here on Killahbeez.  The answer is very simple.  Anything from Alex Ridha aka Boys Noize is too good to pass up on.  For readers of Killahbeez that need their electro fix every day starting today, enjoy.

And here’s the zShare.

Courtesy of Kidz by Colette

This Monday June 16th brings one hell of a treat from the Palms Out Sounds blog and Ottawa Canada’s Stylusts Dj collective (Dj’s Illo, Drastik and T-Wrecks). I had the pleasure of hearing this mix about a month ago in L.A. on a little weekend trip with my peoples, Canada’s Eh Team Dj’s (which Illo is also a part of) but was just blessed with the actual audio by my man a few days ago.

From Disco to Disco starts with a great mix of classics by artists such as Patrice Rushen, the S.O.S Band, etc (some of which may come as a surprise in regards to being sampled for many relatively recent hits) and journeys forward into some of my favorite current electro disco-influenced jams by Holy Ghost!, Cut Copy, Boys Noize and the like. And as an added bonus, the Stylusts crew also throw on some pretty exclusive tracks by Canada’s Dj Grandtheft and U-Tern.

Enjoy…I’m damn sure you will. Big ups to Palms Out and the Stylusts.

Click on through for the tracklist

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The RIPOFF’s sophomore party may only be a few days away. But one half of THE RIPOFF, Chris Houston, dropped this spring time mixtape for all to download. Mixtapes are a tried and true method of brand marketing and promoting. And everybody loves music. Listen to the Imeem stream below and download it here. As for the party, arrive early. The Ripoff’s new home at the Geisha lounge has premium spacing. See you all there this Wednesday.

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Last Friday, Mona Alice Oakenfold posted up the video to Stress. If you own a copy of the Y album, you may agree with me that pretty much all the tracks don’t need to be remixed. In baseline form, they all can hold their own on the dance floor. There are a few producers such as Boys Noize, Jesse Tittsworth and The Hood Internet that did a stellar job on reworking tracks by Justice. So what am I alluding to? Just click play and listen to the Auto remix of Stress. Another reason to look forward to Ed Banger Records Vol. 3.

Earlier on Aleem posted about the Aussie band, Cut Copy. I too am a big fan of theirs and pretty much anyone on Modular Recordings. Here is a remix of their next dance floor smasher, Lights and Music. Those of you that are familiar with Alex Ridha aka Boys Noize will probably listen to this several times. Then shake your head and really wonder if Boyz Noize executed the remix. Anyway, have a listen and pick up the album from iTunes.