In at the deep end of the Hungarian hip hop scene since the mid-nineties, DJ Bootsie’s worked with the likes of critically acclaimed local acts Yonderboi and Zagar, being a founding member of the latter. Spanning far more than hip hop alone, his second solo album, Holidays in the Shade, is due for release in December. So, as part of our mission to keep you clued-up on local sounds, we had a chat with Bootsie, A.K.A Vilmos Solymosi…
When, why and how did you first begin making music?
I began making my own music from ’95; before that, I just used to scratch on the turntable. I began as a result of my encounters with hip hop.
When you began to experiment with music yourself, what and who were your inspirations?
I was inspired by some DJs, like Qbert, DJ Premier and Pete Rock, as well as authentic and contemporary jazz, old school funk, Pink Floyd and similar psychedelic music, and a little bit classical music, too.
And now; your music has its roots in hip hop, but what else inspires and influences you and the way you work today?
Almost the same influences remain, along with Hungarian folk and contemporary electronic music. I’d also say a fusion of Hungarian culture, poetry and literature plays a part.
And what music do you listen to at home?
It depends upon my mood. I listen to all kinds of music, except indie pop.
How would you describe the Hungarian hip hop scene?
It’s a small scene, like the population of Hungary, but many guys do rapping, DJing and producing. Mostly those involved help each other out, as the media doesn’t support the scene too much. Despite this, though, there are a few interesting productions emerging from it.
Do you prefer live shows or DJ sets, and why?
The two things are very different. In the band, I’m a musician, but during a set I’m ‘just a DJ’. I like playing in the band – The Bootsie Quartet – the best.
Who are the DJ Bootsie Quartet made up of, and what instruments are involved?
It’s made up of four of us: János Vázsonyi – sax, flute and clarinet; Gergely Kovács – guitar and keyboard; Tibor Lázár – drums; and me, Vilmos Solymosi Bootsie – samples, turntable and FX.
Most of your tracks are instrumentals. What’s behind the decision to use minimal vocals?
I use vocals as an instrument; vocals are not a main element in my music. Except for two tracks on my new album, which features two MCs from New York. O.C. and Vast Aire.
How would you say the title Holidays in the Shade relates to the album?
The majority of the tracks are epic instrumentals; it’s a long trip with many kinds of deep atmospheres. I called it Holidays in the Shade because, often gloomy, not entirely positive, music can also be uplifting. Which actually also reflects the mentality of the Hungarian people.
Visuals play a large role during your live performances. How involved are you in their conception?
The visual concept is absolutely Kemuri’s individual part. I trust him, and I contributed a few ideas.
You worked with Yonderboi and are currently a member of Zagar. Do you feel that you’re now establishing yourself as more of an independent artist?
Although I’ve found that I’m the only one who can realize my ideas, I’ll continue to play in the group as well, and I’m sure that my voice strongly exists in their music.
How collaborative is The DJ Bootsie Quartet; do you compose tracks together, or do you do it alone?
The quartet only performs live. I produced the tracks alone, except for three tracks which were written along with Gergely Kovacs from the quartet.
As well as the traditional instruments used by the other members of the DJ Bootsie Quartet, you seem to use the turntable as a kind of instrument in its own right. Can you speak a little about this?
I use the turntable as an instrument, but I don’t see it as at the same level as traditional instruments. The turntable is a monophonic percussion instrument.
Where are your favorite venues to perform in Budapest?
Merlin and the A38.
And where’s your favorite place to watch live music?
Trafó Theater, Merlin, the A38 and Toldi Cinema.
Where can we catch you performing over the next few weeks?
I’ll play with The DJ Bootsie Quartet at Merlin on December 4th – it will be my new album launch party. I’ll also play a DJ set at Toldi on December 11th.
Your album’s being released worldwide; do you see a growing interest in Hungarian artists from outside the country?
In this scene, just a few artists gain interest from outside of the country. This interest is growing more and more, though.
DJ Bootsie’s album, Holidays in the Shade, is available in stores and online from December 14th, 2009.