Exclusive interview: Bitstream

We’ve added an exclusive interview with Bitstream, who remixed the single “A Pain That I’m Used To”, to our features.

Don’t miss it!

Following the international smash hit single “Precious”, Depeche Mode’s has released a second single, “A Pain That I’m Used To”, from their new album “Playing The Angel”. UK based duo Bitstream were among the remixers commissioned to remix the single. Bitstream’s “Threshold Mix” and “Spansule Mix” are both included as well as mixes from Jacques Lu Cont, Telex and Goldfrapp.

Bitstream is made up of two brothers, Steve and Dave Connor. Their unique sound has gotten them a lot of attention from DJs and music fans alike. Bitstream’s Steve Connor gave some insight to Empty World 3’s Element about who they are and their remix work for Depeche Mode.

There is really not a lot known about you other then you are two brothers who make music together. Can you give us a little background about Bitstream and how you got in to music?

We grew up listening to Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, Depeche Mode and a lot of other bands also the street sounds electro compilations had a huge influence on us. We had played keyboards from a very young age then began buying synths in the 90s and shortly after that began to put together our own tunes.

Were you guys pretty familiar with Depeche Mode before you remixed them?

Of course! – we went to see them for the first time on the Violator tour in 1990. Speak and Spell was one of the first records I bought… we were and still are big fans.

It seems Martin Gore is a fan of yours, he has even been playing your music in his DJ sets, was he involved in contacting you to remix “A Pain That I’m Used To” or did the label approach you?It was the label that approached us, I guess that Martin Gore is an extremely busy guy especially as at the time we did the remix, the new album was just being launched.

Were you asked to make two remixes or did you submit two different mixes and they used both? Also, did the band give you any feedback?

We were just asked to do a remix. The reason for doing two, was to give them the option of choice, so it was nice that they used both for a 12″. There was no feedback, but the fact they used the Spansule Mix for the maxi cd would suggest that’s the mix they preferred.

Your music tends to be put out on independent labels and now you’re remixing a band that has sold millions of records and sold out arenas around the world, what was going through your minds when you are in the studio remixing a band like Depeche Mode?

As soon as we got the parts it was exciting and we just really enjoyed the whole experience. There were just so many ideas flooding through our heads…The only problem was that Mute only gave us a week and a half to do it!

Considering their high profile, did you think it was a little odd that they would be so open to having their songs remixed this way?

Its probably not as odd as people might think, Martin Gore obviously has his ear firmly to the ground. People with a genuine love of music are very open to different ideas welcoming obscure and new bands, take John Peel for example. I guess this thinking ultimately makes them successful leaders instead of followers.

The “Threshold Mix” takes the song in a very experimental, glitchy cut up direction where the “Spansule Mix” sees the song taken in a deeper and darker electro direction. Would you say that one mix represents your over all sound more then the other?

They represent the different extremes of our styles, The Spansule Mix is the more musical home listening. The Threshold Mix is more the sort of music played at some of the underground all night parties we go to, that sound sort of reflects the dark and dingy venues.

There are some Depeche Mode fans that struggle when they hear a song remixed in a way that is radically different from the original. What would you say to someone who thinks the song was lost because your remixes are such a departure from the original?

We could understand that some fans might struggle when they hear a song remixed because inevitably you lose something of the original track. But what you lose from the original track you gain from the remixer. We think a good remix doesn’t lose the essence of the original tune and it’s a good chance for people to hear a different style they might like.

Is remixing something you would like to do more of or are you more focused on making your own music?

We would like to remix some more records but it has to be the right music, we certainly wouldn’t remix a band just because they sell millions of records. It has to be the right music and artists we really like. We will primarily focus on our own music.

What can we look forward to from Bitstream in the future?

We would like to work with a good vocalist – using Dave Gahan’s vocals on the remix was something we really enjoyed doing. We are also working on an album but its a very slow process as we both have full time jobs – the ideal thing would be if a label paid our bills for a year and we had the chance to develop our sound fully and create something special.

For more information on Bitstream releases, please visit:
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Bitstream

Interview by Element. (C) Empty World 3. Do not steal this article without giving full credit and a link! Photo appears courtesy of Bitstream.