ind.o.g: chat’s with Dj PassNGR, one of Macedonia’s prominent techno dj’s who without a doubt had a hand in the creation the scene as one of its pioneers.
ind.o.g: What does the Macedonian scene look like today, is it similar to what it was ten years ago, or is it bigger and more vibrant now?
PassNGR: Some things can’t change all that much for the simple reason that the idea, desire and impulse to get involved or to re-live the clubbing experience are the same now and as they were ten years ago. It’s fact that there are a greater numbers of new and fresh names arising, and that’s a big plus for our scene here. Healthy competition always gives good results. How many of them will remain and who will continue, that will be seen over the next decade.
ind.o.g: Could it be said that there’s a greater amount of poor quality music in Skopje?
PassNGR: You can always debate about the differences in tastes. I find it a little uncomfortable to categorise music as either bad or good, however just as it is unavoidable to differentiate quality out of the quantity, it is also unavoidable to hear some ‘bad’ music.
ind.o.g: Is there any chance that Massiva will re-open? Neophoden is a record store in Skopje, I ask you this because many of today’s dj’s have quite a problem in that they must purchase their records overseas and through the internet, however when Massiva was in existence it made buying records a lot easier.
PassNGR: There were other attempts here following Massiva, and I believe you will get the same answer no matter who you ask - it is difficult to maintain a music store in Macedonia as there are only a few of us, out of which only a few of those dj’s perform on a regular basis in order to consistently buy records. However, those records have their own value. That's leaving aside the chaos of the internet and “buying” music for free. I am sorry to say that I don’t think that we will see Massiva in the future.
ind.o.g: We haven’t seen Audio Floor in over 5 years. Is there a chance that we will hear from Audio Floor again?
PassNGR: This may possibly happen even if I don’t have a concrete plan in place. Anyhow, radio is an individual medium, it has a certain magic about it. Audio Floor may possibly be heard again.
ind.o.g: How do you see today’s techno productions despite so much having diversified and changed from previous years?
PassNGR: Many things have changed across the board in music. The same applies to techno. That can only bring good things and every dj is most fortunate to have a bigger selection to choose from. Even though many things have changed production wise, there are just as many things which still carry the roots of techno music, and I believe this will always be the case. There are a number of young producers who have come to the scene with a truly fresh sound - it can't get any better.
ind.o.g: Do you play any other style of music other than techno?
PassNGR: I have never consumed myself too much in all the various styles. At the end of the day, my beginnings as a dj are intertwined with house music, but as of late I primarily play techno. There’s always an abundance great music, so it’s unavoidable to listen to it, and subsequently play it. I find it a little silly to classify it, but yes, I have played and do play other styles of music other than techno, or whatever you like to call it.
ind.o.g: What’s your opinion of today’s dj’s? Do they present themselves well on the global scene?
PassNGR: There has always been a few dj’s who have always known how to perform at an outstanding level regardless of which scene they are in. The problem is we are a country that had been and is still quite distant geographically, financially and from all the latest trends. Other than that, quality has always been a significant part of our scene.
ind.o.g: Do you think the dj’s and clubbers in Skopje simply follow the trends?
PassNGR: I really don’t want to get involved with that problem. It’s been present for so many years now and becoming quite noticeable. The fact is, people that are not even interested in music do work in clubs, they put on parties, and they somehow manage to only invite overseas dj’s. Not only is it a problem that they don’t have much of an understanding of the scene, that’s ok, they can ask and be told, but I find the bigger problem to be that the local dj’s are totally undervalued. Let’s leave that for now for only time will tell. You can’t really battle with them much as they have the money and bargaining power to be able to do this.
ind.o.g: Have you commenced work on any of your own productions?
PassNGR: At the moment I’m just trying to gather up the basic equipment required so I can start to experiment a little. I can’t say anything more concrete at the moment, however I’ve had the desire, intention and energy to produce for some time now. Let see how we go.
(c) ind.o.g.translated by tania. skopjeclubbing.com.mk
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