More reasons to leave home

Champion Sound is refusing to let anyone stay home on Thursday nights. Bookashade’s visit last week was not to be missed, and next week the team is bringing British duo Layo & Bushwacka for their annual thumpdown.
Bushwacka, born Matthew Benjamin and trained in percussion at the London Schools Symphony Orchestra, is best known for an amazing remix of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”.
He also learned the art of sound engineering and went to work for Mr C when he was setting up the End, which quickly became one of the city’s most popular clubs.
Bushwacka met Layo Paskin and they debuted with 1998’s “Low Life”. That was followed by four more albums, a string of remixes and a fantastic summer residency at the Ibiza super-club Amnesia that included sessions with Richie Hawtin, Felix Da Housecat, Mark Ronson, Erol Alkan, Josh Wink and Magda.
Hang on. Here’s Layo on the electronic mail machine now.

You busy?
We’re working on a new album. We have most of the tracks ready in rough and are now refining ideas and arranging. We aim to release it early next summer.

You’re coming back to Bangkok. Must be something you’re looking forward to.
We love playing at Bed Supperclub. I spent nearly three months there in 1989, so I feel quite a nostalgic attachment to it.

What happened to the End in the end?
We sold it after nearly 14 years. It was a great journey and I loved all of it, but it’s rare when you get a chance to create your own ending to such a project, before the public has decided that for you. We went out at the very top, which gives it more resonance.

How’s 2011 working out for you?
Interesting and very creative, but it’s been complex in many ways, professionally. I think that’s made the studio really happening, though.

What are you listening to most?
I love the sound of the Crosstown Rebels label and James Blake.

Tell us about the dynamic between the two of you.
We’re very different. We’ve done so much together that there’s a great bond. Technically it’s about Matthew, and I guess it’s vision with me, but we work very well, both in the studio and performing.

Feeling like an old married couple yet?
Sometimes, of course, in a jokey way, but not in the deeper reality. Lives are always changing and we grow with that. We’re best friends, but we have very much our own lives away from music.

What have you prepared for the Thai fans this time around?
Lots and lots of great music, of course!

WACKA WACKA
Layo & Bushwacka are at Bed Supperclub on Sukhumvit Soi 11 on Thursday.
Entry is Bt900 with a drink but only Bt500 if you chat up Champion Sound on Facebook.
Dress code and ID rules apply. Call (02) 651 3537 or see www.BedSupperclub.com.