Mashuptown.com: Mashuptalk with team9

[Mashuptalk is a feature on Mashuptown that puts the spotlight on an individual bootlegger, revealing their roots, their history, and their influences.]

Mashuptown: When did you start making mashups?

team9: In their current form I started probably about 2002. I think the first one I did was Shola Ama vs. the Pet Shop Boys, I’ve got no idea where that is now–long deleted. I used to mess around with mixing tapes into records though back in the '80s. I had a mate that was the DJ at the local skating hang out and I remember him mixing Nitro Deluxe and Michael Jackson together–it blew me away. So if we want to get technical my first mash up was Milli Vanilli "Girl You Know It's True" vs Bobby Brown "My Prerogative." Maybe I shouldn’t admit to that.

Mashuptown: Was there any other mashup producer, or producers, that inspired you to get started?

team9: Freelance Hellraiser, Richard X and GHP were the first that really stood out for me. I still love listening to the first wave of mashups. Some of them weren’t really that good in hindsight but it felt really fresh. I still admire those three though as producers. I think Richard X is up there with Trevor Horn as a pop producer—legendary!

Mashuptown: Have you had any legal threats or issues arise surrounding any of your bootlegs?

team9: I suppose the only one I had was together with Party Ben as a part of the American Edit stuff. Scary but exciting because of all the press and web coverage that it generated. I was slightly disappointed that nothing came of it. I wouldn’t have minded being the mashup poster boy. ;-)

Mashuptown: What is the last mashup you listened to that wasn't yours?

team9: Probably Copycat's latest with "White Wedding"–very nice. High rotation though would have to be Party Ben's MJ "Rock with You" vs. Nelly Furtado thing. My kids love that one and its on my summer playlist for this year.

Mashuptown: Who are your favorite bastard-pop producers?

team9: I’ll probably miss someone here: Earworm, Copycat, WFAH, Party Ben, Girl Talk, Go Home Productions, Dunproofin’. I’ll download anything new by them. I’m sure there are more I just cant remember right now.

Mashuptown: How many mashups do you think you've made in your life?

team9: Far too many.

Mashuptown: What is your favorite mashup of all time?

team9: I’ve got a playlist set up of my favourites. I’m crap with track names but Zebra’s "Come Together’" vs Nine Inch Nails and Earworm's PJ Harvey, Thom Yorke duet are the first two that come to mind. GHP’s Hendrix vs Beyonce, Freelance Hellraiser's Stars Wars vs Hatiris, Phil Retrospector’s U2 vs Marivin Gaye – all brilliant.