Q&A: Calamalka on his latest release, All the Way Up CBC Music - Free Streaming Radio, Videos, Songs, Concerts & Playlists

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A linchpin in the Canadian West Coast bass scene, Calamalka (a.k.a. Michael Campitelli) has just released his second full-length album All the Way Up on Vancouver label, Hybridity. With immaculate sound design, and his signature trippy rhythm, Calamalka fully makes up for the nearly eight year hiatus since his last release, Shredders Dub. We caught up with Michael this week.

Q: It's been nearly 8 years since the release of Shredders Dub in 2004, your debut LP. It seems like you've sort of kicked into high gear. What's changed for you since that release?

A: The biggest change would be the birth of my son 7 years ago.. I didn't stop making music (though of course I had a less time), but I was less focused on having releases. I did however manage to keep busy over the span of that time producing music for films, video games, online media and performing live p.a. and DJ sets frequently. Also my band Sorcerers had a vinyl album release and custom skate deck with Skull Skates Records and I toured Europe with "Lightning Dust" a band with members of Black Mountain. As of late my son has begun grade school and time has allowed me to get back into releasing records and getting out of town to play shows.

Q: Is there a story behind the sound of All the Way Up?

A: The sound came about when I was opening for a lot of the early dubstep shows. I wanted to be on the same level sonically as those massive tunes but I wanted to do it with a bit more soul. I also wanted to slow things down and explore my love for left field hip-hop and futuristic dub.

Q: Studio or performing. Do you have a preference?

A: The studio is where I pull my best mad genius routine but it wouldn't be the same with the inspiration having a show to play gives me.

Q: With festival season in full gear, is there anything coming up that you're particularly excited about?

A: Yes! I just played The East Village Block Party for Sled Island a festival based in Calgary. Now I'm looking forward to playing Basscoast on August 5th. Also shows coming up with Om Unit in Victoria on August 17th and Lunice and RL Grime at Fortune Sound September 13th.