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  Insane MacBeth Interview
interview 0319 added 05.07.05 words: 2hip
technical:
QED
Insane Macbeth is a name that many a
long-time hiphop fan may recognise,
but after having his last album shelved, the scene hasn’t seen much of him for a wee while. But he’s back with a new single and an LP in the pipeline, so 2hip caught a few words from the man, to make sure all you suckas stay in the know!
Please introduce yourself to people who may not know who you are?
 My name is Insane Macbeth, producer extraordinaire. I am from Brixton, south London. I have been involved in the UK rap scene from 1982. First as a listener & consumer of music. Then, in 1987-88, I started learning to make tracks. In 1991, I formulated my own record company called Insane Recordings, and my own production company called Vicious Productions. In 1993, I released the first Kinetic Effect single called ‘Borderin’ Insanity, b/ w Beyond The Parameters of Amateurs’. The second Kinetic Effect single, ‘Man Bites Dog, b/w The Effect of Fear’ was released on my imprint in 1997. I also have other material in my discography as well.
How’d the name Insane Macbeth come about then?
The ‘Insane’ derives from my sense of humour. I used to be called DJ Insane. However, I was never a deejay, hence I later incorporated ‘Macbeth’ to my moniker. In south London, all the artists wished to have vicious-sounding names, for example, Huntkillbury Finn, The Icepick, The Zombie Headhunters, Kamanchi Sly. So I also wanted to fit into that Brixton mentality!!!
Who would you sight as your influences, both musically and in life in general?
I was very much influenced by New York hip-hop. Particularly the old school block parties in The Bronx. In regards to recording artists in New York, I was very much influenced by Ultramagnetic MCs, Boogie Down Productions, Kool G. Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy and to a lesser extent, N.W.A. UK rap groups such as Hijack, Katch 22, Freshki & Mo Rock and The Sindecut were very much instrumental in formulating and influencing my ideas, in regards to the type of records I wanted to make!!! Also, reading a lot of African history, and philosophy… particularly Metaphysics, very much shaped my world-view in my teenage years.
Do you remember the first time you took hiphop seriously and thought of becoming an ‘artist’?
I guess it was Crazy Noddy from The Sindecut, who was very influential in me making the transition from record consumer, to producer. Although I am very knowledgeable in emceeing in regards to writing, styles, cadences etc., I could never write lyrics. I always had an understanding of ‘sound’ however. Therefore, it was inevitable that if I were to become artistically-minded, I would make beats.
On what equipment did you first start making music?
I used to make beats at my engineer’s house. He is known in the business as ‘No-Sleep’ Nigel and he had an AKAI S950 sampler. I made my first single on Marga’s equipment. Marga was the producer for Katch 22. He also had an S950, and a Roland W-30 keyboard. I am reminiscing about those days now (Laughs)! Marga later upgraded his sampler to an S1000, which had digital sampling. However, I would suggest that the mixing console is the most important piece of equipment, in regards to making records!!! I was fortunate enough to mix my first single on an S.S.L., which are the big automated desks with the ‘flying faders’.
“…it was
inevitable that if I were to become artistically-minded, I would
make beats...”
How do you make beats now and how far is that from your ideal setup?
I was using the same equipment, up to very recently. I now have a bunch of plug-ins & software for equipment, as well as the Korg Triton Extreme keyboard. I would also suggest though that although music technology helps to a point, making beats is all about creative ideas, and a good mix-down.
Can you play any ‘proper’ music on ‘proper’ instruments and how does this effect your production style?
 Yes, I am very much into live instrumentation. It is very rare that I sample records now. To be honest with you, I have been on the live ‘ting’ since 1994. ‘No-Sleep’ Nigel plays bass, guitar & keyboards. I can also play simple lines on a keyboard. This is very instrumental to what The Icepick calls, my “dungeon sound”. I have access to an array of sound modules. Therefore, I often use sound sources that other producers don’t know about.
Do you perform as a deejay/artist or are you a strictly record studio kind of guy?
I am strictly a record producer. I enjoy ‘producing’ artists, as opposed to just making a beat, and making an emcee ‘spit’ over it.
Are you a strictly hiphop beatsmith or are you interested in making music outside the genre? If so, what appeals to you?
I am strictly a hip-hop producer, although I have used vocalists before. I would love to work with a number of vocalists I know and / or have some contact with. These include Rose Windross (ex Soul-II-Soul), Don-E, Vanessa Simon and Omar, just to name a few. I would work with anyone who I feel is talented, who can work with my ‘dungeon sound’!
Have you worked on any adverts or TV type production? If not, is that because it doesn’t appeal?
I would love to get involved in making music for advertising companies. I have tried to get into that industry. However, it is very much a closed-door. I also want to do musical scores for films. I liked what The RZA did with ‘Ghost Dog’. I also liked what Dr. Dre did for ‘Deep Cover’. So yes, I would like to get involved in that part of the game! Plus, it’s very lucrative… I could upgrade my equipment further!!
If you could produce the greatest ever posse-cut, who would be the emcees?
I would re-do ‘The Burial Proceedings in The Coarse of Three Knights’ by the HQ. The original line-up had Huntkillbury Finn, Shaka Shazzam, and The Icepick. I would have Grizzly ( who is also in the HQ), Ricochet Klashnekoff, and The Icepick.
If you could remix any song in music history, what would it be and why?
There are two tracks I would like to nominate; these being ‘Follow The Leader’ by Eric B. & Rakim. The second would be ‘Parrowdice’ by Ricochet Klashnekoff. The reason for the first nomination is that ‘Follow The Leader’ is the greatest hiphop record of all-time, in my opinion. Plus, that’s the GOD-Emcee right there!!! I picked the second nomination because I don’t think the track and mix-down did the lyrics, particularly the ‘Tony Blair’ line, justice!!!
“…I have
access to an array of sound modules… I often use sound sources
that other producers don’t know about...”
How do you feel the idea of working with artists you don’t feel, just to raise your own profile?
Sometimes, it can have an adverse effect, especially if that particular artist has no ratings on-road!!! However, the monetary gain may out-weigh the slaughtering the producer may get! However, it is always about why a particular individual makes music. I like to make ‘killer’ records which are rated lyrically & musically. I also like to make records with strong content, concepts & statements.
Can you explain to us why your last LP never saw the light of day?
Basically, it was to do with POLITICS……….people trying to bad-mind me over their issues! There were 150 white-label copies however, which were handed out to industry heads. The single I am promoting now, ‘True Heart’ featuring The ‘Legendary’ Icepick, is off my album, ‘The Retardation Project’.
How’d you hook up with Icepick for the new single ‘True Heart’ and any plans to work with him again in the future?
 I have known The Icepick since 1989. The HQ (Hunted Quarters) are people I roll with, although I am not in the HQ. When I was formulating my album, it was only natural to work with him. Plus, there is a mutual respect in regards to our talents and skills. Yes, we will be working on a 3-track EP called ‘The Heat’, which we have spoken about for a little while now.
What can people expect from your forthcoming album? Who’s going to be featured on it?
Right now, I have so much material, it’s amazing. However, I just wish to concentrate on this single right now. Although I am a legend in this UK rap scene, I am still trying to re-establish myself AND The Icepick. That is the main focus right now.
Any plugs, shouts outs or words of wisdom?
I want to big up my clique, Territorial Army, Hunted Quarters (The Icepick, Shaka Shazzam, Grizzly), Gatsby, Pound Sterling & Bones, Apollo Belladona, Grimlok, of course Kinetic Effect in Brooklyn, N.Y. Byron the Hip-Hop Arsonist, anyone who has supported Insane Macbeth & Insane Recordings. I would like to say, that I am trying to reach out to Ricochet Klashnekoff, so spread the word!!! Big up to Karl Hinds, Task Force, Dark Disciple & Malarchi. I would like to say thanks to 2hip of ukhh.com for interviewing me. Support Insane Macbeth featuring The ‘Legendary’ Icepick: ‘True Heart’, the single. Also, look out for the limited Edition red vinyl. Bless!!!
Well there you have it people, make sure you check for all this mans future releases! With him and the Icepick back on the scene, there’s sure to be some people running scared!
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2hip
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