Electro seems to be having its moment right now, it’s the buzz word of the last two years and longstanding artists in that field have an increase in touring schedules. More and more artists are including the genre in their sets, I mean have you listened to a mix in the last six months that hasn’t included a single electro track? Everyone across the globe has welcomed the genre with open arms and it’s great to see these heritage acts being booked on bigger stages. One of those artists is Keith Tenniswood, otherwise known as Radioactive Man, who has been active since the 90s after following the free party movement around the UK as a passionate raver. Keith first made his mark on the scene with his collaborative project Two Lone Swordsmen alongside Andrew Weatherall, releasing on the likes of Warp Records and Rotters Golf Club. Since then, Keith has embarked on a killer solo career as Radioactive Man where he tinges electro with his acid house and techno roots. Releasing acclaimed albums such as Waits and Measures, Booby Trap and Luxury Sky Garden, Radioactive Man also meshes with the wider UK circle, collaborating with drum n bass legend dBridge for two EPs on Craig Richards’ The Nothing Special label (which went completely under our radar somehow!) Having previously played for the Berlin party Killekill, Radioactive Man will be joining their 10 year anniversary this weekend at the Cause, London alongside Neil Landstrumm and the Unbound crew. We caught up with Keith to discuss his relationship with Killekill, the current climate of UK’s nightlife scene and his favourite memories from the free party movement.
You’ll be playing at Killekill’s 10th birthday party next week at The Cause, how did your relationship begin with the label?
I think – can’t quite remember! was they invited me to play with DJ Stingray in a venue in Berlin that has been since shut down – it was a great night! We all got on really well and they’re super lovely people, they have a proper great crew around them. I’ve been back to Berlin a few times to play for them as well as released a track called ‘Addict’ on a compilation they did. The Killekill parties and also a festival they do called Krake are legendary..
The Cause is one of the new venues that have cropped up in London over the last few months. With specific councils inflicting strict licensing laws and rent prices going through the roof, what are your thoughts on the future of London’s nightlife scene?
It’s really full on for clubbers to go out – photo I.D needed, airport style security (sometimes worse) and if you’re a bit drunk they won’t let you in. Lets face it, of course they’re a bit drunk, they’ve been out to a pre party or pub and then go out late to a club.There’s obviously acceptable levels of drunkness / intoxication but I think it can be a bit harsh sometimes. When we go out after a hard weeks work, we wanna let go of ourselves a bit and dance and have fun with our mates… not much to ask really. I personally don’t think our current Night Czar is doing enough to protect London’s nightlife. It’s a major part of the attraction / culture of the city and it needs to be celebrated not watered down.
Is there anything you feel that promoters could be doing to help with the future of the scene, especially with the current discussion focusing on creating safe spaces for punters?
Again, I think the Night Czar should do more in this respect too, promoters have got their hands full already but I’ve seen a lot more awareness to be fair.
When talking about your musical upbringing, there was a stand out vinyl that you mentioned of a Beatles EP where they’re all dressed up as bunny rabbits. It’s clearly a very vivid memory for you, is visual identity something of importance to you when it comes to music?
Yes, absolutely. I work with an artist called Subway Lung, he’s pretty much done all my artwork. I try and point him in a direction then let him do his thing.
In the 90s you worked on a project called Two Lone Swordsmen with Andrew Weatherall – with the last release over 10 years ago now do you think you’ll ever revisit this project?
Probably not to be honest but I’m more than happy with the legacy of music we did. We pretty much explored most styles, but never say never.
You’ve mentioned in a previous interview that there’s a possible collaboration with dBridge forthcoming and you’re playing at his album launch in October. We’re really intrigued to hear the outcome of this, how will the two sounds collide?
We’ve already done 2 EP’s on Craig Richards ‘The Nothing Special’ Label, it delves into a few different styles but he’s really open to doing anything within reason, which is why i like working with him. It’s finding the time though. We have talked about doing some music remotely, swapping ideas over the net, but it’s really not the same as getting together. He’s a major talent / force and I’m really excited about his album launch in October.
We recently saw you perform at Houghton and there seemed to be a few unreleased weapons in there, are there any plans in the works to release these?
Yep it’s nice to test out what works in that situation. It has been a good couple of years for the live set and I’ve got loads to sit down and record. It’s all a work in progress and I’m aiming for a new album early next year if i can get my shit together 🙂
What are some of your favourite memories from the free party scene in the 90s?
1991 for the big outdoors ones, I drove a big blue van and used to fill it with party crew and off we went most weekends. Culminating in Castlemorton which attracted 50,000 ravers was totally off the scale amazing. But pre that, there was a really great scene where I grew up in Surrey and we used to go to the woods and have these little raves which were superb. Big sound system, one strobe light. 🙂 Shouts to the Fear Teachers.
Why do you think hardcore is having the revival that it is at the moment? There also seems to be more of an interest in free parties and illegal raves, especially being covered by the press
Well, it’s probably going back to the first question in this interview.. people want that freedom to go out and dance/go nuts and without any time restrictions or security breathing down your shoulder. People do look out for each other at the end of the day. I think Hardcore moved so fast in the 90’s it didn’t really have time to fully explore its potential. Add to that the modern production techniques and theres a lot of good bits out there.
What have been some of your favourite releases that have come out in the last few months?
Craig Richards – ‘My Friend is losing his mind ‘ on The Nothing Special
Akasha Chronicles – Akasha EP – on AHAAD
Victor Valiant – V is for Victor EP on Asking for Trouble 😉
and one for the dubheads – Eastern Star – Fikir Amlak – Akashic Recoreds
And alongside that, what records have you recently rediscovered in your collection?
Marc Twins – Under Cover – UMF
The Artificial arm – Armtronic action EP – Orson Records
Synapse – Gas – Seratonin
Catch Radioactive Man at The Cause, London on the 8th September, buy tickets here