5 Questions With Our Favorite Paradiso B2B, Doctor P & FuntCase

There were plenty of huge artists atop this year’s lineup at Paradiso. For bassheads though, the best set of the weekend was an easy choice: The titanic b2b effort of Circus Records mainstays Doctor P and FuntCase. Both are titans of the genre in their own right, and both have a long history of coming up to the Northwest for various festivals, club shows, and everything in between. Needless to say, we felt more than a little blessed for the rare opportunity to see them both on stage together for their very first back-to-back effort together.

We had the chance to sit down with the duo right before their performance at the Gorge, as we dug into their respective roles within their prestigious label, their connection with our fair region, and plenty more.

[divider]5 Questions With Doctor P & FuntCase[/divider]

1. Circus Records DJs are known for their high-energy b2b festival sets. What is it about the b2b format that you guys find effective for larger settings like Paradiso?

Doctor P: I think doing a back to back set makes the show a bit more special. Me and FuntCase have actually never done a full back to back set before, so this (was) an extra special show.

FuntCase: Back to back sets are always different in many ways. For the artists doing it, if it’s not a regular occurrence, it usually means its a different set each time, because you kind of bounce off of each other musically. For the crowd you get the best of both worlds and it usually really works well as long as the two DJ’s aren’t too different in styles.

2. The British dubstep scene has evolved considerably since its origins. What are your thoughts on the place it’s arrived today?

Doctor P: I never would’ve expected it to go on this long and maintain its popularity for so many years. I have stopped trying to predict what will happen in the future, as it’s completely impossible to guess what will happen in the music industry.

FuntCase: It’s in a great place I think right now. All styles are catered for, there’s good crowds for every style and all of the “bandwagoners” have been weeded out and have gone to other scenes, leaving mainly the lovers of the style in general. I didn’t actually think it would last as long as it has but I guess we can thank America in a big way for it’s survival and prolonged life, as they’ve been at the forefront, accommodating big tours and even repping dubstep at the biggest festivals.

3. Both of you have made a habit of passing through the Northwest regularly, and more specifically USC festivals. What is it about the scene up here that keeps bringing you back?

Doctor P: Crowds in the northwest are really energetic and everybody is really into the music. Seattle has a really strong musical history, and I think Seattle culture is still all about the music.

FuntCase: Seattle and the general area is great. The shows are always well run, the crowds always come in their numbers and it’s a great vibe! I think it’s in their musical genes though; the culture has always been very strong here.

4. In the last year, we’ve seen the potential for dancefloor music in the full album format with more mainstream sounds. Do you think there’s the same potential for dubstep and bass in full-on concept albums?

Doctor P: I think there’s room for just about anything if it’s done right. I’ve never been much of an album guy – I rarely listen to full albums and I don’t really have a plan to write a full album myself.

FuntCase: I think there is always room for albums from any style. I’m still very much personally an album guy and I love albums, but they have to be done right and made intelligently. It can’t be an album of club bangers because that loses its edge too quickly; it’s got to be listenable and right. I pretty much just listen to albums when I’m travelling, so I welcome them! It’s always been a dream for me to write an album and I’ve dabbled in maybe making one, but who knows if it’ll happen or not. I just want to write music and enjoy it for now.

5. In past interviews, you’ve said that each artist at Circus Records has their own place within the label. What do you each feel is your niche within the label musically?

Doctor P: Everybody brings their own unique sound and personality to the group. The best thing about the label is that everybody has a strong personality and is happy to do their own thing musically. I don’t know exactly what my niche is – it’s probably best if I don’t think about it too much, or I’ll risk becoming a parody of myself.

FuntCase: I think that is why Circus has done as well as it has for so many years. It’s got a full range of styles over the board and a full range of personalities to match. I don’t really know what my niche is, I guess going crazy on stage and making angry energetic music? I try not to think about it too much though, I don’t try to be anything to be honest, I just do me and make what I enjoy to make and then bring to the table.