How did you two first link up? Were you aware of each other’s work?
Rob: We met on a porch in Eagle Rock that he was living at. This was right after lockdown. I soon moved into the commune shortly after that.
Dylan: We met as we cohabited at the same house for a while in Eagle Rock in Los Angeles, California, the homeowner had owned a club in Detroit and Rob was also from Detroit. We were aware of each other's work.
Dylan, as a fan, what is your history with electronic and rap music?
Dylan: I've always been into all kinds of music, especially dub and also as an American I don't think one cannot really be unaware of rap music. With “electronic” music during the late 90s, I enjoyed drum ‘n bass and jungle quite a bit. At the end of the day, all music is ultimately “electronic” in its current form as it all relies on some kind of technology.
Rob, as a fan, what is your history with heavy rock music?
Rob: I’ve been a fan of Earth for a long time. I remember going into a record store in Ann Arbor and buying Earth The Bees Made Honey in the Lions Skull and Cybotron Enter and a random sunn O))) record. This was 2008.
Could you take me through the process of the making of this project?
Rob: Dylan was getting ready to re-release the album and wanted to switch it up a little bit. He said he wanted to slow it down and chop it which blew my mind because of the original tempos.
Dylan: The original material reverted to my control as the licensing agreement was done (it was originally licensed by Sub Pop, then Southern Lord). The masters are no longer available as they were stolen by a former member of Earth, so we had Mel Dettmer make stems which came off the original pressings and various bootlegs, so the album was already not a pristine “document” or “perfect” copy. As the material had already been available in various forms over the years, I viewed this as an opportunity to do something different and more interesting with it. Rob is very busy and in constant motion, and I viewed this as a way to collaborate that worked with busy schedules. I also wanted him to be free to do his magic with minimal interference from me. If I like what someone does, I don't believe in micro-managing; if I work with someone, I trust their instincts and realize they will bring something that I cannot, and will reveal aspects I wouldn't see or hear.
These new versions really honor the DNA of the original songs. Was there a line both of you didn’t want to cross when it came to these reimaginings?
Rob: I wasn’t really thinking about honoring the DNA. Just think the way creation happens, it didn’t stray too far from the originals. Wasn’t trying to alter it too much. Just see how slow it could really go.
Dylan: I told Rob he had free reign, and he sent me it and it blew me away.
Is there an “inversion” that stands out as favorite for either of you, and why?
Rob: I think it’s a story in itself as a complete package.
Dylan: “Divine And Bright” and “Geometry of Murder” I was particularly chuffed with.
What is the ideal context to listen to this music?
Rob: High volume.
Dylan: I hope people will listen to it as a full album, I feel that the current way of listening to single songs and “playlists” has weakened the experience of music and led to its devaluation, take some time for yourself to experience it and then pick ones you really like.
Is rock and roll alive?
Rob: You can’t kill energy. Push air out of the speakers
Dylan: I hope so. It is still alive for me.
