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With XLive just around the corner, it can mean only one thing in Halfway Street: mad dancing in the bedroom, getting everyone to watch Techy Techy, and pushing for exclusives!

This week we had a chat with Cee from Al Haca Soundsystem, who’ll be performing here with the “Family” this 17th May, at the Outdoor Theme Park, Genting Highlands.

I’m really excited to be sharing with you this, because Cee and Stereotyp are such respectable producers who have so much love for what they do.

According to Cee, the up-coming show in Malaysia is a big Al Haca family session because…
“it’s such a thrill for us to bring ALL these talents on stage. It’s very, very rare to see so many of us on one stage: STEREOTYP, RQM, COPPA, OLIVER GRIMBALL, CEE & FEFE coming all the way from Brasil.”

See that? You have to be there! And by the way, Fefe is the only girl vocalist singing with them, you don’t wanna miss that.

Al Haca, in fact, was here in KL just couple of months ago - performing, having a bit of fun and even did an extensive Ableton demonstration to eager students. Read about it here.

The group started in 1993 as a loose soundsystem collective in East Germany, with heavy influences of dub and raggae. Fifteen years in the making and the music has evolved into a sheer futuristic sound, along with a growing family unit.

They’ve just released Family Business, a bouncy nu-dub 8-track album, with Cee and Stereotyp helming the production seats and MCs RQM, Coppa, Oliver Grimball and those mentioned above providing the deep vocals.

Describing it as pure Al Haca sound, the album sees fewer collaborators than previous efforts, keeping the family tight and the beat crisp and minimal but doesn’t at all fall short of the trademark deep bass that are known to sweeten dance floors.

Just take a listen to Banana Split if you will, and tell me if you’re not brutally feeling it.

Al Haca just finished their tour in Japan this week, where they launched Family Business. Cee and Stereotyp represented, and we know they’re so tired, so thanks a lot Cee for taking time out for this interview.

HS: Describe a pure Al Haca sound.
Cee: Al Haca is a family thing, an open network of creative minds.. The sound is bass-heavy and versatile, depending on the collaboration. Influences from all over the place…

HS: You guys sound like you have a lot of fun making Family Business. So how long did it really take to get it done, and were there anything you were afraid of when attempting to create a particular sound or specific track?
Cee: Yes we had fun indeed. So many people came naturally together and created something wicked. All of us were thrilled to have such talents on this collaboration. We are pretty much always making music, but basically you could say that we collected songs for a year outta various sessions and the selected outcome became this family business album. Many, many other songs remain unreleased for now…so much more to come.. All songs have a little something to say. No fear, just love hehee… Especially the album track Family Business makes us mad happy. Respect to all the heads coming together for that one.. Hubert, Vera, Coppa, RQM, Rasda, Sandra and even Cee and Stereotyp himsef you can hear on the mic …

HS: Where do your ideas usually come from? Maybe you can share with us on what inspires the rhythm and how it flows in the song-writing process?
Cee: Sometimes it’s one of the producers coming up with the first riddim idea, or one of the vocalists has a theme and that gives us the initial go. Quite often one of us starts with a riddim beat and more ideas come along. The joy in making the music is the first and most important inspiration itself… influences is of course all good music we listen too… no genre boundaries. It just has to be deep good and bass heavy and it has to mooooove us : )

HS: Since you were in Kuala Lumpur not too long ago, share with us if there’s anything about the city that took you by surprise..
Cee: Actually we stayed in KL for two months, December and all of January. We also played in Malaysia three times last January 2007. Pevert Designs were pushing us for a while. It’s also a true family connection. I just love the laid-back vibe and the warm hearted people over there.

HS: Any collaboration that you’re excited about and currently working on?
Cee: We’re starting our own little 360 Degree music and urban artwork full-service company. Lots of solo projects coming up. And I’m really happy about what Stereo and Cesar are coming up with for the amazing TRITONE project…future soul. Deep and next level. We are also really happy about our exclusive Japan album. Time to get bigger for us in Asia and worldwide…

HS: What drives or motivates you?
Cee: LIFE and LOVE. thats big enough…

HS: What do you think makes music come “alive”?
Cee: The Soul inside it…

HS: What was the worst nightmare you have experienced as musicians?
Cee: Power Off …hahah…we used laptops, so that really sucks, but you have to take it all easy and start singing for the people or something hahaha…

HS: What’s the most unique or innovative device or musical tool you’ve used recently and why?
Cee: The Lemur from Jazzmutant. It’s a sick multi-touch controller… and Stereo started using the Apogee Duet…a wonderful warm sounding soundcard. Big bass I tell you…

HS: So what are you listening to now?
Cee: Right now?? hehe… Jamie Lidell “Jim” …the new album is outstanding… so was the last and first one…

HS: Finally, shout-outs to your peeps in Malaysia?
Cee: Personal shout-outs to Pervert Designs and all our KL family (You know who you all ARE!!!)
Shout out to Malaysia massive: YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!

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Their official Family Business video, shot by Santi Aguado

Their Japan gig just this week

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Diggin Al Haca?? Watch out for the coming STRPPN FRIDAYZ on 9th May. We have MC COPPA in our radar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There’ll be more leading up to the XLIVE showcase, because we’re just too excited and want to spread the good vibe. So..watch this space!

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Big massive thanks to AL HACA for their time in answering our questions.

STRPPN FRIDAYZ is a weekly feature on Halfway Street with artists of sorts (fashion, music, arts, etc). If you would like your favourite band or artist to be interviewed on STRPPN FRIDAYZ, drop us a mail at halfwaystreet@gmail.com

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