With a debut album and a massive 3D vision compilation coming out, the humble Painkiller from Nutek made contact with us to tell us a little bit more. He has made good friends in the Psytrance industry and seems to be heading towards a religious level of music; I am more than just a little excited to have him here on monkeysfist.
Doing huge collaborations with names we have come to respect such as Azax Syndrome, CPU and Sirius Isness, to only name a few, Roy Engel a.k.a Painkiller is sure not only making an impression on me but psytrance lovers all over. Let’s hear what he has to say!
Where we’re you born and where are you staying now?
I was born in Israel, and these days live in Barcelona since 5 years…
What artists are you currently listening to?
These days I enjoy listening to some Electro music. In the trance I like Bliss, Sirius Isness, CPU, Eskimo, Azax, Absolum, Madnetic and many others.
When and what was your initial influence to Psytrance?
My initial influence for Psytrance came around 1996-7, in Israel, when I met Lior and Avi from “Astral Projection“, and then it all began.
What are your favorite VST’s?
Tube, Trasher, Camelphat&Space, Quadrafuzz and of course all the Logic plug-ins and synths which are really Killer!
What EFX units do you use?
Well, I try to use all of them. I work mainly with the UAD card and a few bundles like Waves, Tc Electronics, Nomad factory, Elemental etc.
What are your favorite pieces of hardware in your studio?
Virus C and my monitors Dynaudio BM6, the rest has been sold.
What was your best experience in front of a live crowd?
Well, Tokyo. It’s killer. They really get into to it, there’s also a good crowd in Mexico. And of course the biggest parties are in Brazil, there it’s a massive crowd!
What animal describes your music best?
Sometimes cats and maybe I hear some elephants in there. Other times maybe a rhino. What kind of animal? Heavy, strong and juicy.
If you could do a collaboration with ANY artist, who would it be and why?
Well, for me it’s a very normal thing to collaborate, and I like to do it a lot. It’s a great way to share, learn, have fun and to enjoy what you like, and not just by yourself.
This past year I did around 15 collaboration tracks! Since I got another project together with Bliss, we did about 6 tracks together so far. Then I did 2 tracks with Samy CPU, 2 tracks with Sirius Isness, 2 tracks with Mekkanikka, a track with Menog, a track with Azax Syndrome and a track with Madnetic.
From what other artist(s) do you gain inspiration?
Well, for me good music is good music. I can gain inspiration from a good classic, some blues, Brazilian drummers, Electro, amongst other things. Mostly, if it’s super tight production has fat sound, then it’s impressive. Like Eskimo, Time Lock, Infected and also from Astral Projection music, because for me it is trance on a higher level… it’s Buddhism!
Where’s you favorite destination to tour too and why?
I like to go to where people wants to listen to my music. Normally, I prefer to be in countries not too cold and not too hot. So who knows. When it’s winter in Europe, it’s summer in Brazil and Argentina, and the opposite. Japan is always great destination, but I keep my priorities for other things, and I’m open for any crowd?
How would you compare that to the South African scene?
I HAVE TO COME THERE TO CHECK THINGS OUT!!! Then I’ll tell you. Jeje.
How long does it take you to make a track 90% complete?
Depend a lot on the energy and the environment, but let’s say 2 days to get it 90%. Also in 1 day, but it means you get no sleep. It will sound better after 2 days, and even better on the third day.
Do you create sounds by a fool proof process or is everything freestyle and tweaking?
Well, I’m not use to working by a formula, but I do keep norms of production for certain elements in the track, and I do look for new, interesting and free style ideas to try to combine them in what I do. My room is soundproofed so it’s easier to get the right sound.
Do you have tip or trick for us?
Do it only if you really like it.
When and what can we expect from your new album?
On the 24th of January 2007, my album BRAINWASH will be released together with a massive compilation I did for 3D Vision records – HARDFLOOR.
It is my debut album as Painkiller, and I’m really happy that I manage to also compile this great compilation and release them both in the same time! It’s lots of work, but I hope it will make you all move crazy on the dance floor.
For more info please check:
Buy Painkiller – Brainwash @ Psyshop.com
Buy 3D Vision compilation by Painkiller – Hard Floor @ Psyshop.com
