Mama Razzi: interview with Mama Razzi remixer Mac Quayle

Mac Quayle talks to mamarazzi.co.uk

When Mama Razzi wanted to make their first UK single ‘As I Kiss You’ a chart and club hit, they approached the renowned producer Mac Quayle, who has remixed songs by some of the artists they most admire - from Madonna to Everything But The Girl and Annie Lennox.

But Mac treats every artist with the same cool and unflappable attitude, as we found out when we spoke to him live from his studio in LA. He tells mamarazzi.co.uk about his work and the inspiration behind the mixes that he gave 'As I Kiss You'.

How did you gain experience as a remixer and producer working with the likes or Madonna and New Order?

I was a keyboard player and programmer - that's my instrument and I started off by getting hired by other producers and remixers. Then I collaborated with them, so I worked with the likes of Arthur Baker, David Morales, Little Louie Vega, Hex Hector and Victor Calderone – all well-known DJ’s, remixers and producers. I went on to make records with them and it went beyond that to us doing it together - so I co-produced, co-remixed. Now I do stuff on my own as well as collaborations.

How do you choose the songs that you want to work with?

It depends on what comes across my desk. I try to choose a track based on whether I like the music. I get a song and it depends on how it hits me - its originality, the lyrics and the vocal performance. I like all kinds of music and I like variety.

How do you know that a song will make a good remix?

In terms of a remix, there are parameters a song must meet to make a good one. Sometimes they just don’t and this could be someone as well known as Madonna or an unknown artist (although all Madonna songs will work well as remixes). I judge all songs I choose in the same way.

How did you come to work with Mama Razzi?
They found me. Nick had heard my remix for Annie Lennox, ‘Pavement Cracks’ and he loved it and tracked me down. He asked me if I would do a remix for them and then the label got involved.

And why did you choose to remix 'As I Kiss You'? I thought it was very catchy with pop appeal and I liked the vocal. Harriet has a very pretty, strong voice - I was drawn to her vocal performance. Thinking back there was musicianship in this song.

How did you approach the remix for 'As I Kiss You'?

I went into the studio with a couple of ideas from various places and suggestions from Nick and the influences that he liked, so at first I was not sure where it would go. He liked the Annie Lennox mix so I put all the ideas in a pot and started from there.

When I first go into the studio, I remove all of the music so that I just have the vocal and start with a basic drum groove. I play the instruments over that and get a basic vibe that works. The most difficult part is finding a direction and filling in the blanks.

With 'As I Kiss You' I got the basic drum and chord ideas from the original and broke up the acoustic guitar and that pushed the direction of the song.

What do you think the reaction will be to 'As I Kiss You' in the UK?

I would love to hear it on the radio. There’s something about the imagery, describing what happens as you are about to kiss somebody - that special moment. I do like the lyrics.

You have worked on many Madonna tracks - how did this come about?

It was when I was collaborating with Victor Calderone, a US DJ, remixer and producer. I have never actually met her – it’s quite common for a remixer to never meet the artist. We are never in the same room. Most of the time you just have their vocals.

Who are your favourite artists?

I did a remix for Everything But The Girl and I am a huge fan of Tracey Thorn. She is an amazing vocalist. I think Harriet’s vocals are in a similar place – they are sweet and ethereal.

Which artist would you like to work with?

I'm a huge Bjork fan.

What tracks are you most proud of?

My Everything But The Girl remix of ‘Temperamental’ and a remix last year for Donna De Lory. She did an album of Sanskrit chants, a bit like a yoga record, and I remixed a couple of tracks and there was one more down tempo called ‘Govinda Jaya Jaya’. I also worked with New Order last year and produced a song on their new album – ‘Guilt is a Useless Emotion’.

What are your musical plans for the future?

I'm in the process of scoring my first film and I'm looking to do more scoring, producing and remixing. I've moved to the West Coast in the US to ‘Film and TV Land’.

Any last comments on Mama Razzi?

I think they are really talented and I wish them great success.