Interview with Brian ‘BT’ Transeau By Steve Saunders Well here we are again. We are happy to have you back at the helm of another Wet Grooves event, so the time has come for yet another quickie Q & A. Ready, steady, go! Steve: Thanks for talking with us. I’ll make it as quick and painless as possible. I’ll set ‘em up and you can hit ‘em out. You are making your third or fourth Wet Grooves appearance on Nov. 23 in Atlantic City. You’ve played Wet Grooves Austin in 05 and two Wet Grooves Miami shows now, the last was with your little girl Kaia in one arm and the laptop in the other. Was that a first, and does she dig the music just as much as daddy? Do we need a sitter for Nov. 23? BT: Yes, yes and yes. We need a sitter, she likes music more than me I think and it was a first. She rocks the hell out of “Small World†that is her jam! Steve: On November 23 you will be co-headlining the event at Harrah’s huge indoor domed pool with one of your best friends, Ali ‘Dubfire’ Shirazinia. How many times has that happened and being that you are bros, can we expect any surprises or antics with you guys during either one of your sets? BT: We’ve played together MANY times….you know last time we jammed on stage, and this is not a joke, was the 8th grade tallent show. I think I am going to light a fire under his ass for us to tag team for a while, that would rock. Steve: Ok, here’s the typical, ‘What projects are you working on’ question, but we want some exclusive, never-been-heard-before info. Spill it buddy. BT: Producing some stuff for Blake Lewis from Idol’s first album, that is coming great. Just finished a new film ‘Battle in Seattle’ with Charlize Theron coming out soon and ‘Look’ is finally being released, it’s got a big Oscar buzz, that is an awesome film. Other than that I am cranking on my new album, my software company and am a full time soccer dad! Can you imagine me in PTA meetings with this haircut?? IMAGINE IT! LOL! Steve: As a promoter, we book many artists, and I can tell you of all those we have worked with you are a bit of an anomaly…almost magician-esque, you are bit aloof at times, quiet, off the grid and unreachable and an absolute nut when performing live in front of an audience. So who is BT…and who is Brian Transeau? Are they the same person? Btw, I’ve wanted to know this for years. BT: Man that is a complicated question. I’ve had a very up and down life. The last 5 years have been really hard, with lawsuits, robberies and major personal upheavals. I have been burned a lot in business and by people close to me. I’d say I am wiser, more to myself and private than I used to be, but I am a perpetual and hopeless optimist, humanitarian and enthusiast. I believe in the goodness of people, even when they demonstrate otherwise. Steve: You know I’ve seen some interesting thing on artist riders (list of requirements) before, but I have to ask…what’s up with the white tube sock request? BT: That’s the greatest thing ever. If you can’t shower, have a 10 hour flight, haven’t eaten or slept and are rushing to a gig, at least you got clean socks. Steve: As a pioneer in the dance scene, we have come to expect cutting edge material from you. What’s next from BT? How is different from what we’ve heard lately? BT: It’s f***ing sick. The coolest thing about it is (similar to TBU) it’s got one feeling and sound throughout. A lot of my records have been such emotional roller-coasters and they are exhausting to listen too. This is one feeling, and it’s beautiful. Lots of stuff for a dance floor, lots of jangly indy guitars and the songs, especially the lyrics are very proud moments for me. And no Brian Ferry Roxy music cover, and f*ck you for not understanding the toungue and cheekyness of that, you know who you are, lol. Steve: Other than yourself, who are some artists that we should be on the lookout for…who are you feelin musically out there? BT: Trentemoller is it man. He is my fav artist of the last 5 years, bar no one. Steve: You’ve played them all both big and small. What are your favorite shows to play, the huge arena shows or the smaller intimate shows…or better yet, pool parties? BT: Both. One of the best gig’s I’ve ever had in my life was in a bar in Ecuador with 75 people. Singing with Tiesto in front of 100,000 this summer was awesome too. I just love to connect with a group, that is one of music’s most important and greatest strengths, to unify through sound. Steve: Speaking of pool parties, Winter Music Conference is right around the corner. Do you have plans on attending in March? Do you approach WMC as business, pleasure or both? BT: I went to WMC on a train and stayed at a youth hostel in 89’. I go every year, but it was really special then. I will always miss the altruism of that. Fake boobs and Prada shoes are not my vibe. Steve: First up for us is Wet Grooves Atlantic City on November 23. Thanks for the time and we’re looking forward to another high energy throw down from you at Harrah’s pool. BT: Word man, I will tear it up! B Thanks!
