Honed through his love of percussion, funk, rock, and a broad passion for world music, King Cobra's patch-driven house beats and high impact VJ collaborations are turning heads on the Winnipeg scene. Paired with live bass and electric guitar at this year's Winnpeg Fringe Festival, King Cobra - aka Tony Ustel, has already been featured in Sonic Weekly alongside VJ Mrghosty, and both will play the Supernova.com Break Your Band competition coming up on September 27th.
In addition to their upcoming Battle of the Bands gig, King Cobra and Mrghosty are also getting set to take over the Lo Pub in Winnipeg this Friday September 4th. In preparation for the show, which promises to be another trance infused visual throwdown, King Cobra took a moment to chat about what it's like to be a busy up and coming VJ collaborator on Canada's electronic scene.
Can you introduce your musical history, and how you got to where you are today?
At a young age, my attention was turned to the rhythm of music. First playing piano, I later picked up the drums. During High School I did the classics, got into bands and played drums in music class, and later I decided to move to the City.
Playing in Funk and Rock bands in Downtown (Toronto), I found it frustrating that the city was too big and too many other bands were doing the same thing; playing shows all over the area and not bringing in the crowds - so I quit the band thing for a bit. Still wanting to play, I found an African drum group that used to practice on Sundays in a park near my home. After a few visits watching the hand drummers move, I was hooked.
I played in this group for about three years, then My Master decided to fund me to experience the real life of African rhythm and sent me to Johannesburg, South Africa. I spent three months there, learning why these rhythms are played, and learned and loved a new appreciation for the culture.
Later in life I moved to Winnipeg, hearing about its great Art scene. Playing in drum groups and picking back up the band thing, I found that people in the Peg sure love music. It didn't take long to have the public support any Act I was playing in, they just loved it. I thought, since this city enjoys music so much how can I separate myself from the acts and do a solo career?
Enjoying all types of music, these electronic thing was starting make itself known to all the kids in the city. So I started listing to it a little more, rather then just when I was out dancing with friends. I did some research on how it was made. Most use software, but some were using hardware and to me, making patches with hardware was the way to go, while still using my experience of rhythm. King Cobra was now formed.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is best described as a Disco House, getting most of its sound from the Paris Scene which is coming to North America with a bang. King Cobra brings Kaoss pads and the same style patches as other great electro band like Justice and So French Records.
What has been the most rewarding thing about making music?
To me, whether it's playing on stage or busking on the streets with any style, I play knowing that those people are dancing to my grooves. It's what makes it rewarding; it's the best high.
You're known for setting up guerilla-style outdoor performances... Where is your favourite place to play?
There are some great venues in Winnipeg, but I think I enjoy The Academy the most. They have amazing sound tech and some awesome projectors, which make it easy to put on a show with my VJs. The capacity is large but not too big, so that filling the house is practical. I would recommend it to anyone out of town.
Describe your typical 'fan' - if that's even possible!
With King Cobra, the typical "fan" is not what is thought of as typical. Yes, there are some of the hipsters and even some of the old rave kids that come out to see the show. Then there are the other fans, the preppies who come out and even the hippies that enjoy dancing... Winnipeg just loves music and when there is an act that does well, everyone comes out to enjoy.
What brought you to Supernova.com?
Actually a friend in the city passed me your way, said this way more real then MySpace and that people will pay attention. So, I looked you guys up and made a profile to see the reaction. To my surprise it's had more hits in the last few months than my MySpace page has had all year!
For local acts and for those who are just getting started in their musical career, I would recommend Supernova.com to everyone!
What's your technique for music promotion?
Best technique in this harsh industry is to network, promo, network and promo; only you can sell yourself.
Who would you most like to tour with?
To me touring with any act is always a good time, but if I had to say any act - even the most mainstream - it would have to be Daft Punk or Justice. Other more Local acts I would enjoy tours with are MSTRKRFT, Vitaminsforyou, or even local act Lebeato.
If you had to listen to one album on repeat for the rest of your life, what album would it be and why?
Well, it's not electronic, but Afro-Beat. Anything by Fela Kuti, just love anything that man did. I would dance to that groove for life.
Is there anything else that new listeners should know?
To all you kids out there who are tired of watching electronic groups and DJs play behind a laptop, then you need to come check me out. Only using hardware, I have no choice but to interact and dance just as hard as the crowd does because of the lack of shield (the laptop) to cover what I do.
Later in life I moved to Winnipeg, hearing about its great Art scene. Playing in drum groups and picking back up the band thing, I found that people in the Peg sure love music. It didn't take long to have the public support any Act I was playing in, they just loved it. I thought, since this city enjoys music so much how can I separate myself from the acts and do a solo career?
