Rick Irregular of Daftwerk

Interview with Rick Irregular of Daftwerk

SBS:  The mind behind the music of Daftwerk!  Welcome to our tiny corner of the internet Rick, we’re stoked to have you with us brother-man.  Let’s get an introduction from ya and get everyone caught up to speed on who you are, where you’re coming from, a bit about your history as a musician, and what brought you to making music as Daftwerk.  An origin story, if you will – where does this tale all begin?

Rick:  I started off my musical journey as the bass player with a underground band called the Thrush Puppies.  We toured the UK and also played some memorable gigs in Germany and Croatia.  Following my stint with that band I formed by own band called Monomania and we were soon label mates with the likes of Elbow, Vinny Peculiar and I Am Kloot.  We had a Radio X single of the week and featured on Radio 1.  During that we supported my favourite band The Fall as well as The Chameleons.  Monomania was a great band and I have fond memories of that time.  During Covid-19 lockdown one I decided I wanted to go solo.  I originally planned to go under the name Rick Irregular but as the music became more electronic and quirky I realized I needed a name that suited that theme so Daftwerk was born.

SBS:  I’m thinking that the number one question on everybody’s mind when it comes to Daftwerk, is likely gonna be surrounding the inclusion of Multivox.  I’d imagine there are going to be many folks out there that might not get the role she plays, or even feel like she’s potentially a gimmick and nothing more…so help them understand – who is Multivox, and how does she fit into what you’re doing as Daftwerk?  Is there a Daftwerk without Multivox?  Is there a Multivox without Daftwerk?  How do the two of you complement each other in terms of making music?  What makes Multivox essential to you?

Rick:  Whilst writing alone I realized that a lot of my newer material would be far better suited to a higher female register.  I started working remotely with a hugely talented singer called Anastasia and her voice instantly lifted the songs to a new level.  Later that year Anastasia left the site and took a break from singing therefore there was a need for another vocalist.  Tiana, Bianca and many others followed but how would these voices be represented in the live arena?  The answer was Multivox, an immortal live portal of dual nationality.  So in answer to your question Daftwerk is my songwriting and producing name but Multivox is my vocal portal.  She is a vital part of the overall project.  Daftwerk ft. Multivox is an art and music crossover.  It was never intended to be a gimmick.  In fact I come from a background where the music is everything, and success, money and image are secondary.  The fact that she is so striking and beautiful was a happy accident to be honest and I was surprised by just how incredible she looks on stage.  She is unique and you simply can’t take your eyes off her.  Her stillness creates an energy that only makes sense if you are at a show, in the audience.

SBS:  I was genuinely surprised by your debut single “Foot Pimp!”  As I’m sure you’d imagine, after a healthy twenty-plus years as a music journalist, I’ve heard a few tunes…and it’s much more rare to be surprised by much at this stage in the game.  But here we are and that’s the case – “Foot Pimp” is a seriously surprising track overall…it’s actually quite grounded and clever when it comes right down to it…downright factual and informative in its own unique way too…and obviously catchy AF.  There’s clearly a level of shock value that works in favor of a song like this too…I mean, let’s be real here – this ain’t the kind of theme that the majority of music typically tends to write songs around!   So what’s the angle here Rick…what were you going for, what did you want to accomplish with “Foot Pimp” as a debut single, and do you feel like you achieved what you set out to do?  Is it your expectation that people will take a song like this seriously – or perhaps more importantly, do you care whether or not that they do?

Rick:  Since my Monomania days I have always been drawn to writing about different topics that are not your usual run of the lyrical content.  Once again this is not intentional it’s just what comes out naturally.  I grew up listening to The Fall, John Cooper Clarke, Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa so I guess those influences spilled over into my own work.  The Manchester Evening News once described me as Manchester’s finest kitchen sink poet.  I think that quote sums it up really.

SBS:  If a song like “Foot Pimp” is where things start for Daftwerk and Multivox, then where-oh-where does it go from here?  Is fetish life going to be a major aspect of what you choose to write about, or are there other themes, concepts, and ideas that you plan on taking on?  What is going to define the music that you make as Daftwerk?  A song like this already sets you apart in a totally memorable way…so how do you go about keeping that up in the future to follow and ensure you preserve that kind of originality?

Rick:  “Foot Pimp” is a one off song topic as are the others.  There is no running theme and “Foot Pimp” is actually based on a true story.  A friend of mine was offered $500 for photos of her feet.  She already works as a hairdresser and asked me if there would be tax implications if she were to have a second income.  She asked if I’d look into it for her.  I joking asked her, ‘so I’d be your Foot Pimp?’.  The song literally wrote itself from that moment.  The lyrics are basically based the conversation we had in the pub that night.  She stuck to her hairdressing career and kept her feet safely hidden away but she is thrilled to have a song written about the experience.

SBS:  I wish I could have a “Foot Pimp!”  It would be damn hard to make some money off of these yams though…they’re all hairy and shit…I generally look like a garden gnome all the time.  I’m even less inclined when it comes to the art of making money I tell ya.  Lots working against me when it comes to the potential earnings for these feet of mine.  But you make a very realistic point in this single – “I could supplement my income” if I polished them up a bit (okay – a LOT) – and I suppose others could too.  Do you recommend foot pimping for the average everyday folks out there?  What qualifies as the right kind of foot or feet to be pimped out?  How does one know if they have the kind of feet designed for success in the biz?  These boots might be made for walking, but these feet are made for PIMPING, am I right?  I haven’t been using mine for anything other than moving around, and now I feel like a complete sucker.  How does one get into being a “Foot Pimp,” and what are the qualifications/education required to do it?

Rick:  You be surprised what people will pay for these days.  I have heard some stories that definitely fit into the 18+ category.  Probably not best discussed in an interview.  I’ll tell you and anyone else who is interested on messenger.  As for becoming a foot pimp I think OnlyFans has probably destroyed the foot pimp industry.  I guess any aspirational pimps will have to look elsewhere for seedy career options.

SBS:  Okay…for real…the song seriously sounds fantastic, and clearly you have incredible skills when it comes to production & whatnot.  The video came out great too – you’ve obviously got a vision for what Daftwerk is creating, and there’s no denying that Multivox will be a memorable part of this whole thing for those out there checking out what you do.  What’s the most challenging aspect of working with a mannequin, and if we were to ask Multivox, what would she say is the most challenging aspect of working with you?  When it comes to songwriting and the whole finished product overall, what’s the main priority for Daftwerk – what does the material really have to have in order to make the grade?

Rick:  Working with Multivox has been awesome.  She has opened up the world to me.  I even worked with a Chinese singer last week.  I feel free to create anything I like.  I was starting to find traditional guitar band life restricting and I couldn’t go 100% quirky because bandmates were often a little too politically correct, aka vanilla.  I feel I can write with the handbrake off now.  I am writing so much material and it’s very exciting being solo being free to produce whatever I like.

SBS:  Alas my friend, “we’re here for a good time, not a long time,” as they say.  No single interview is ever gonna cover it all Rick…and I feel like we’re just scratching the surface of what you’re up to my friend.  I always like to cover the bases as best I can though, which is why we always end our interviews with the ol’ ‘SBS Open Floor’ – a space where you can say anything else that you’d like to.  Whether it’s something we should have asked, but didn’t, or something random that’s on your mind – you’re welcome to use this next spot to let the people know about anything you’d like to.  Definitely hope we get to cross paths with you again in the future Rick!  Many cheers & many thanks for time brother-man.

Rick:  You’ve certainly covered everything and thank you very much for talking to us.  We are currently in the studio working on the debut extended EP Musikprojekt.  We are definitely looking good for a 2023 release, which is super exciting.  We will be gigging in 2024 and that’s where I believe the Daftwerk ft. Multivox project will make most sense.

Find out more about Rick, Multivox, and Daftwerk at their official website:  https://multivox.net

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