Eliot Lipp is one of my personal favorites. In my opinion Eliot is one of the more versatile producers in the game. Originally out of Tacoma, Washington Eliot’s music didn’t take true form until his travels began. Over the past decade Eliot has moved from Tacoma > San Fransico > LA > Chicago > NYC (where he currently resides) and his music has a distinct hint of all of the above. Hip Hop roots in the electronic game leaves many doors open for collab projects.
Eliot is no stranger to collab efforts, as he is known more recently for his work with Lipp Service a joint venture with Pnuma Trio’s Alex Botwin (aka Alex B) & Lane Shaw (drums). We had the pleasure of hosting Pnuma PA this past February in Baltimore for Phobia at the Belvedere. Mad love to Alex & Lane…both of which are holding it down proper, and we expected nothing less. All three of these musical prodigies had the distinct pleasure of playing Rothbury last week and from what I’ve heard, their sets were well received.
Lipp’s unique sound eminates heavy electronic beats mixed in dark hip hop undertones. No wonder his latest collab effort goes by the alias ‘Dark Party’. This collaboration consists of two key elements Eliot Lipp and Leo123. This might be a new name brand for you, but its far from new…Eliot and Leo go way back. As you will soon find out in our exclusive interview with Eliot (as seen below), these two first teamed up 9 years ago while attending The San Francisco Art Institute. {Side note: I’ve got to give a big shout out to my lil’ sister Sally, who is just got accepted to The San Francisco Art Institutes’s master program. She starts classes this August. Congrats Sal Pal!}
The combination of Leo123’s glitchy swagger, Eliot’s hip hop demeanor all coupled with a distinct 80’s infused sample selection makes Dark Party something unique unto itself. As a product of the 80’s myself its refreshing to hear a new take on the synth infused generation we know as the 80’s. I highly recommend this new flavor and hope that you enjoy as much as I do.
And with out further delay F5F’s exclusive interview with Eliot Lipp…
F5F: Most of you know as Eliot Lipp the solo producer, and the occasional front man of Lipp Service (Pnuma’s side project). How did Dark Party develop into what it is today? When did you meet Leo123?
Eliot: Leo & I met at art school in 2000. The San Francisco Art Institute…I
was studying painting & he studied photography. We both had some
samplers & drum machines so we started meeting up & making tracks.
Since then we’ve moved around a bunch and now he is in Chicago and I’m
in NY. We manage to practice and work on new tracks every month
because of our touring schedules.
F5F: The term “spacebar DJ” is being tossed around the music industry a lot as a direct result of technology playing such a huge roll in today’s DJ. What are your thoughts on technology’s effects on today’s music? Does this help or hinder live performance?
Eliot: It helps of course.I love analog gear but just because something takes
longer to do and costs more doesn’t mean it’s better.
F5F: As much fun as touring can be, traveling via car across the country can be cramped. What is the one thing you cannot live without while on the road?
Eliot: my Iphone. I’m able to check emails, play sudoku, google map the
destination and make beats in the palm of my hand! that’s awesome.
4. You have been blessed with the ability to see the world from a very unique vantage point (aka on stage looking out over a sea of smiling/dancing fans). Is there a particular venue that you favor? Is there a particular venue you aspire to play?
Eliot: I really like Mezzanine in SF. One venue I’d love to play is the Bowery in NY.
F5F: You clearly have a keen eye for talent, as seen through Lipp Service & Dark Party. Hypothetically speaking, who else would you like to collaborate with?
Eliot: D.J. Quik. I’ve learned so much from him just by listening to his
music…everything from mixing, sampling, drum programming,
incorporating live instrumentation, keyboards etc…he is my all time
fav hip hop producer. I also love Morgan Geist. He would be cool to
work with on some uptempo beats.
F5F: You are lucky enough to call NYC it home. When you are not off touring the nation, where is your favorite hometown hang out?
Eliot: When I get back from tour the last place I wanna be is at another bar
so I usually try to chill in the park as much as I can. Either
mccarren park or fort green
F5F: Give us a taste of your music collection. What music is getting rotation on your ipod? Any group or track we NEED to check out?
Eliot: The new DJ Quik & Kurrupt, the new Depeche Mode, the new Slayer! the
new Omar S 12″, the new John Robert 12″, old Kate Bush and the Uhh
Yeah Dude podcast every week.
If you are interested in catching Dark Party live this summer you shouldn’t have to go to far. They are currently in the midst of a very intensive east coast run. For tour dates and ticketing info click here. I will admit I am a lil’ disappointed these cats aren’t rolling though Bmore but hell Philly and Richmond are a stones throw away. I was lucky enough to catch them last December at Alex Grey’s Winter Solstice…and I can attest first hand, the juice is well worth the squeeze.
Big thanks to Eliot for taking the time to rap with us here at F5F. We look forward to getting Eliot, Dark Party, and Lipp Service involved with future events to come. Keep on grinding!
Leave a Reply