Psychemagik talk Rolf Harris and 70s snooker ahead of Stretch Disco's return

Stretch Disco makes a return to Manchester this Easter, for the first of their monthly Saturday night gatherings at Night & Day.

Waving their magic wand over the Bank Holiday re-launch event will be rising stars of the balearic disco cosmos, Psychemagik. The producer/DJ duo have roots in warehouse parties and underground clubs, and a vast and varied record collection that blends a delirious mish mash of balearic, folk, electronics, live orchestras, afro disco-isms, vocoders, monster beats and funky psychedelic inserts.

Stretch Disco pinned down the duo for a quick Q&A ahead of their Manchester debut on Easter Saturday.

In a few words, how would describe your music?

A wife changing experience!

How do you pronounce your name Psychemagik? 

'Syka-magik'

How did you get your name?

It’s derived from Jodorowsky’s ‘Psychomagic’ Therapy which takes a negative situation and turns it into a positive one.

How did you both meet?

At a music festival in Canterbury.

Where is the Cosmic Forest? What is it like?

Tucked away deep in the heart of the garden of England and the depths of your mind – it’s a magical Eden of delight and wonder.

Stretch Disco will be your Manchester debut, right?

Yep, can’t wait!

You played Liverpool last week, how was that?

Yeah really good! Crowd were bang up for it and danced all night. Promoters were well sound. Lovely people, cheers!

I understand that Danny lived in Liverpool for a while? When was this and what are your memories?

Yeah 1992. Fond memories of down to earth people and an amazing crowd every time I played out. I did a night called ‘Rhythm Devoted To The Art Of Moving Butts’ every Monday at Heebie Jeebies.

Did you make it over to Manchester much? What are your experiences of Manchester music and clubbing?

Saw Galliano and The Sandals there live, both excellent but mushrooms make everything better don’t they?

What’s the latest regarding your forthcoming album?

It’s almost finished, honest!

How do you approach a new original track?

Just jamming on a synth with a dope beat or a good sample usually sets it off.

You must be getting a lot of remix offers now? How do you approach a new remix?

Yeah pretty swamped with requests. We just grab it and growl!

How do you decide on and approach a new edit?

Just need to feel the funk or have a strong desire to remove the shit bit.

What’s your favourite bit of studio kit?

Moog Minitaur.

What’s your favourite classic synth?

Arp Odyssey.

What music were you into during your youth?

Tom: Old School Hardcore

Danny: Hip Hop

Can you dance? What moves?

Breakdancing.

Who do you admire most in music?

Rolf Harris and his thunderboard.

Who do you admire most in life?

Cosmic Wednesdays.

Are you sports fans? Who do you follow?

70’s snooker when they got pissed and smoked fags.

Favourite TV show?

The Littlest Hobo.

What was the last book you read?

'More Love' – Michel Bernard / Andre Balland

What was the last LP album you bought?

Brutes & Savages – Riz Ortolani

In a parallel universe, what might you be doing now instead of music?

Tom: Rocket Scientist

Danny: Cosmologist

We are really looking forward to your set at Stretch! Could you whet our appetite with a couple of YouTube clips of what we might expect to hear on the night?

You can find loads more mixes, album clips, edits and remixes to download and steam at soundcloud.com/psychemagik.

Psychemagik make their Manchester debut at the return of Stretch Disco on Saturday 7th April. Tickets are available now through Skiddle, priced at just £6. 

Tickets are no longer available for this event