CHIRP: The Chicago Independent Radio Project

Mike Scales writes

Artist Spotlight: Daedelus

For many of us cynical bastards, any given holiday can become a real pain. For the religious, there’s the commercially-driven rush to find the perfect gift, the annual reunion with your good old church parish or forced small talk with that one weird relative you barely ever see. Even secular celebrations often leave us frustrated wondering, what are we gonna wear for a costume, where are we gonna find a date or how the hell do you cook a turkey? Fortunately, we can all take a cue from high-spirited DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Daedelus. Born on Halloween, Daedelus, aka Alfred Darlington, is a fan of holidays and is set to spend one of his favorites right here in the Windy City. “I’m a big fan of the non-denominational holidays,” he says. “They’re great excuses for people to go a little bit crazy and kind of get out of themselves. I don’t know exactly what this New Year’s will hold, but I have a lot of good faith in Chicago!”

Hot on the heels of his brand new ninth studio record, Love To Make Music To (Ninja Tune), and on the line with us from his L.A. home, Daedelus discusses his musical style, the new album and possible plans for the distant future:

CHIRP: You’ve always had such an interesting take on electronic music as you’ve incorporated so many different forms and flavors, but some have found it difficult to describe your approach to the genre. How would you describe your style?

Daedelus: I think one concept I’ve come back to again and again is this idea of early 80’s sampling where a few artists were trying this style where there was kind of a limitless collage of confusing sounds to represent different parts in their compositions… But if it has to be words, a word I like to associate with my music is romantic. There’s a little bit of a tension in any good romance – a certain amount of falling in love and falling out of love. There’s a sweet and sour that happens…

CHIRP: You’ve described Love To Make Music To as your “dance and romance” record. Can you elaborate?

Daedelus: This is slightly embarrassing I’d say, but I was really obsessed with early rave music in my formative years. Underneath the surface, this record is my attempt to pay homage to those rave pioneers. A lot of the samples on the record are interpretations of samples I heard from these early rave records – some tongue and cheek stuff for someone as equally obsessed with the era as me.

CHIRP: Well, you’ve seen so much and have had a good amount of success already recording and touring as Daedelus and you’re also married. Have you given any thought (or felt any pressure) to settle down and have a family?

Daedelus: Well, with this whole moment that’s happening right now in our government, it’s kind of nice to think there’s some change afoot and it makes it easier to think about children. But, it’s funny, I kind of feel like I’ve achieved most of my wildest dreams already. Being married, being happy and healthy in life is kind of all I could ever hope for, so everything else is cream! So far, I feel like I’ve been a little bit spoiled and fattened by this cream and I’d (selfishly) like to continue. Maybe a few hundred more releases, then I’ll be ready…

CHIRP: Well enough of that. What can we expect this New Year’s Eve?

Daedelus: I’ve had such positive experiences for years and years playing in Chicago. And performing with Future Rock, who I played Wicker Park Fest with… that crowd was insane! I’m excited!