Mara Trax Talk
Mara Trax are a project combining the talents of Maayan Nidam (aka Miss Fitz) and Vera Heindel with a passion for old school house and a very similar attitude towards making music.
Ahead of their appearance at Rhythmatic's By Day By Night, we asked the duo a selection of the finest vintage Ransom Note questions;
Who are you, where are you and what are you?
Vera: I'm Vera, a female human being on the planet earth.
M: Maayan, a monkey.
If you could only play in one city for the next 5 years where would you be? And why?
Vera: I'd be in Berlin. Because of the variety of music club, record stores, like-minded people and artists that inspire me musically and that keep the scene interesting.
Maayan: Berlin, cause it's home and cause vera is there.
Vera: Oooh! That's my girl!
You obviously have a real bond with music taste, and are pretty relaxed with genres. Do you ever disagree about what vibe to go for before a set?
Vera: Sure, it happens, that we have different concepts or temporary affections. But if we haven't played together in a longer time,
we usually talk a bit before the gig discuss the situation or place and see if we find a common factor.
It can be very nice though when we are able to connect the different styles and create a more colorful vibe.
Is it difficult balancing Mara Trax with both your solo careers?
Vera: Yes, our separate DJ schedules make it difficult but also our private life and other musical projects. Maayan has been very busy lately with her band "The Waves & Us"
we haven't been making music together in pretty long time, but we miss it and plan on going back to the studio very soon.
What's the last thing you heard that made you stop what you were doing completely?
Maayan: I've been obsessed with a song from Soul Clap called I Want Your Love.
Also one BEAK album, I was sitting in a bar on my own and I couldn't leave until the album was done. It reminded me a lot of what we do with The Waves & Us.
What was the happiest moment of your life?
Vera: I think for Mara Trax it was a happy moment when we were signed for Perlon. And of course the moment we met.
What does music mean to you?
Vera: Well, let me try to say it like this: there are 4 elements. water, fire, wind and earth. And there is love. And music.
What was the first electronic record you ever heard? How did it make you feel?
Maayan: The Dark Side Of The Moon from Pink Floyd. It's not dance music but when recorded in the early 70's the band used advance technology like tape loops and analog synthesizers.
I heard it as a kid on my dad's stereo, sometimes with big headphones around my tiny head. I remember it was confusing and attractive at the same time.
Which of you is the more organised one?
Vera: What do you think? Isn't it obvious? I'm german.
M: next to me, anyone would be more organized!
V: I think Maayan was never actually looking for a music partner, she just needed someone to manage her stuff.
Would you say your tastes have changed over the years you've been in partnership? How have you affected each other?
V: We always had different tastes. That's what makes it interesting, especially when it comes to music production.
I wouldn't say tastes change, but more the affection towards a certain sound at a certain time is changing.
M: I think it's a seasonal thing. It comes in waves of preferred music that move and change and ,of course ,repeats.
If your sound was a visual thing, what would it look like?
M: Like the night sky.
V: No, more like something weird looking with really big balls.
What would be your ransom note?
M: If I would kidnap Vera I'd write: "Move all her records to my living-room or the stupid-bitch gets it!"
V: How would I be able to kidnap Maayan? She's always bossing me around, tell's me what to do, let's me run her errands. I got no time for this shit."
What’s your favourite place on earth?
Vera: My bed.
M: Her bed.
Are you a kick drum, hi hat or a snare? And why?
Vera: I believe we are both bass lines.
What are you obsessed with at the moment?
Vera: Collecting mushrooms in the forest.
What's your answer to everything?
Vera: Love.
M: Water.
How would you sum up the other in 3 words?
Vera: Maayan is loyal, funny and bossy
M: vera is deep, romantic and loves to eat.
First and last record bought?
Vera: first: Madonna – true blue, last: Woody McBride aka DJ ESP – Pscenario
Finally, big question: Zapp or Zappa?
Vera: hmmm….. Zip?
Mara Trax play Rhythmatic By Day By Night on 6th September, click here for tickets.
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