An Interview with Bostich from Nortec Collective

By Bert from Percussa

Can you describe your musical style?

With Nortec I make traditional mexican music with electronic influences.

Who influenced your work?

Kraftwerk, The Residents, Yello, Nurse with Wound, Luciano Berio, Perez Prado, George Clinton.

Can you give us a point of reference to your work?

The track “Polaris” from the album “Tijuana Sessions Vol 1″.

Tell us about your other projects.

Some of our tracks were used on films, like “Fast Food Nation”, “Babel” and “Rudo y Cursi” ; other tracks have been used in TV commercials for companies like Volvo, ZVUE and Verizon; some of our music has been used in video games: Playstation Fifa Street 2 and Jetsky.

Can you tell us about a moment in your music career you’re very proud of?

Maybe the GRAMMY nomination in 2009.

How did you start making electronic music?

I started back in 1988 with making electronic music. I released two ambient electronic albums at that time.

Can you describe how you start writing a new song?

Most of the time I start experimenting with modular synthesizers, drum machines, AudioCubes and monome, and then I record all the musicians playing traditional instruments like the accordion, trumpets and tubas.

How did your music making process evolve?

I used to spend a lot of time with samplers and analog sequencers. These days it’s much easier and faster to create electronic music with the help of software and MIDI controllers.

While making music, do you feel like you miss a tool in your workflow? What would that tool be?

I used to feel like that, but with the latest electronic musical instruments I bought like AudioCubes, I can’t think of anything else that I would need. The cubes have opened a lot of new possibilities for me to make and explore musical ideas.

What is it that attracts you in AudioCubes?

The new possibilities as a MIDI Controller and of course, the visuals are also interesting.

How was your first experience using AudioCubes?

Installation of the software was very easy, and I had them working with Ableton Live very quickly. They are great fun.

How does music technology influence your work?

For me, new technology brings new ideas.

How many cubes do you use in your setup?

Four AudioCubes.

Where are you using AudioCubes?

Most of the time in the studio and sometimes in live performances with my side project “Point Loma”.

What other hardware or software do you use?

Monome, Tenori-on, NI Maschine, ARP 2600, Orgon Synthesizers, Vostok, Sherman QMF, TB-303, AKAI MPC400, Ableton Live.

Would you recommend the cubes as a studio tool?

Yes.

Do you have a rough idea about how many times you’ve used them live?

I think 4 times now.

Is making music a process that should be fun or more serious and technical?

It should be fun, but serious.

Can you recommend the cubes as a tool for live performance?

Yes.

Links:

• www.myspace.com/bostichnortec
• www.myspace.com/tijuanasoundmachine

10 essential recordings in the history of music according to Bostich:

1. Kraftwerk : Computer World
2. Yello : Claro que Si
3. Aphex Twin: Richard D. James
4. Nurse with Wound : Gyllenskold/Brained (Glory Hole)
5. Luciano Berio : Visage
6. Perez Prado : Perez Prado Orchestra
7. Depeche Mode : Speak and Spell
8. Giorgo Moroder : E=MC2
9. Jean Miche Jarre: Oxygene
10. Erick Satie : Piano Works