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August 2008 Profile:
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By Nina Khachatourian
Matt Thomson and Joel Martinez have been djing and promoting in the Dallas area under various monikers since around 2001 when they hosted their first event as Deep Groove Productions. DGP was used as a platform to expose dancing crowds to talent like DJ Harvey and Jeno. They held a successful monthly at the Velvet Hookah, which was followed up by a minimal techno weekly at Limelight. And over the years they have thrown countless one off events at long standing Dallas clubs like Zubar and Minc. Lately though, promoting has taken a back seat to their first love - djing. Their latest project, The Cosmic Cocks, has been turning heads in the Dallas music since the beginning of the year and we caught up with these two space chickens to get the scoop on the haps.
When did you two first start collaborating?
Matt: Coco and I have known each other for many moons, but first started working together to bring fresh sounds in 2001 as DGP - Deep Groove Productions. Our first party was off Main Street in Deep Ellum and it was lots of fun with fresh beats and dancing feet. We've been working together ever since under many different names such as Furley and Roper and most recently, the Cosmic Cocks. Our styles and music selections have changed year in and year out, but we always keep moving and pushing new sounds.
Joel: I would have to say it started back in 2002 when a good friend, Jason Douglas, was coming back to town to visit for the first time since moving to California. He was looking for a place to dj while he was in town and asked if I could help in any way. I called a friend of mine (Nina K.) and asked her what she thought and she directed me to Matt. Since we were all mutual friends the three of us joined forces and did our first Deep Groove Productions event.
Describe the sound you bring to the dancefloor
Matt: As Cocks we bring a new twist on an old and beloved sound. We play a variety of forms of old and new disco, funk, punk, and italo. And I don't mean your everyday mainstream bellbottom disco, but deeper sounds that you wouldn't hear on any Disco Hits Album that you would find on a late night infomercial hosted by Disco Stew. It's all around fun stuff that will make you smile and move your feet. For the sake of time, I like to refer to it as nu disco.
Joel: I would have to just say its music we want to hear loud. We're playing everything old and new, blending them to a refreshing consistency that is unique to that moment.
Why do you think so many people are attracted to music that sounds like something from the 70s or 80s here in 2008?
Matt: Good question. I can only answer for myself, but it was a great time in the evolution of music. Lots of "infuences" were meshing around that time. There was quite a bit of groundbreaking material being put out. It's familiar to all of us. We have all lived through it and been touched by it on some level.
Joel: Familiarity of music or sound really just plays on your emotions. Certain frequencies hit parts of the brain that make you tingle inside and smile on the outside. Someone who is 35 years old may have already heard it or experienced it back when it was new but someone who is 19 or 25 for that matter may not have been around to see it the first time around. So it’s the first time for them. And no matter the time - it is all great. It influences us all.
What are some of the artists and labels our readers can check out in order to become familiar with your style?
Matt: A spaced out chicken never tells his secrets =)
Is there any chance we might see some original material from The Cocks in the future?
Matt: I'm not denying anything at this point, but we will see what hatches.
Joel: Who knows, we certainly don't. We just have fun with it all.
Anyone you wanna thank?
Matt: First of all I'd like to thank Jesus, Buddha, and Santa - I love you guys! Also, everyone I have met and all the friends I have made through electronic music. It really has helped to make my life a richer one. I would hate to think what I would be doing without it.
Joel: Salvador Dali, the Quay brothers, Gordon Ramsey, SPACED, and anyone who tries to bring back a style of music that never left to begin with.
