Troy Pierce and Jesse Siminski aka Heartthrob are currently touring with their live pa performance “Square One” which also inspired their newest release on M_nus of the same name. We had a chance to talk techno, raves and live pa with Troy just a few days before the duos gig.

-How did you guy’s meet?

Through mutual friends in New York, if I remember correctly, could have even been Magda who introduced us. I remember thinking Jesse was a bit of a straight laced nerd, oh how wrong I was!

-When did you know you wanted to work together musically?

There wasn't really a defining moment, it happened naturally as our friendship grew I guess.

-For anyone not familiar with your sound, how would you describe it?

Dance music with a slightly darker edge and a big sense of humor.

-Both of you experienced some of the early 90’s midwest rave scene, could you tell me a bit about that?

A lot of driving around between Detroit, Cincinnati, Dayton, Chicago areas… dodgy parties and acid.  

-What are your thoughts on the Techno scene now compared to the early 90’s? What’s changed, what hasn’t?

At a basic level it's still the same I think, people getting together to hear a certain type of music and have a good time. The knowledge of the audience has changed for sure and now everybody is a dj, which is good and bad I suppose.

-What DJ’s or Producers have inspired you lately and why?

Bruno Pronsato and Maetrik are the first two names that come to mind. I hear something unique in their productions, a curious darkness that always appeals to me.

-What’s your favorite city or club to play in?

Any place in Berlin. It's been the same answer since I moved there seven years ago.

-Is there one gig you did where everything went wrong?

Not really, there were a few of the Contakt shows we did where there were problems up to the last minute but things usually work out.

-If you had an opportunity to throw a rave anywhere in world, where would it and why?

Iceland, the landscape is incredible.

-Can you give some words of wisdom to any aspiring DJ’s/Producers? What are some dos and don’ts?

Make/play the music that you like and moves you.

-What’s the last record you’ve bought for yourself?

Very sadly I can't remember.

-If you could go back in time and take part in any music scene/movement, what would it be and why?

Late sixties for the "scene" but the music was dreadful, I guess I would bring my I-pod.

-Do you believe there is “intelligent life” in outer space?

Not really sure if I believe there is much "intelligent" life on earth let alone in all the vastness of the universe.

-You have an upcoming gig at the Electric Pickle. Tell me about your “Square One” performance, what gear will you be using? What should people expect?

Jesse plays live using Ableton and Maschine, I use Traktor and both laptops are synced together. Expect to have a fun time and hear some interesting music (I hope). 

-What do you guys do to relax away from the music scene?

Hit the beach mostly.

-So, after Miami what’s next for you guys?

We are actually driving to Key West, take a break for the rest of the week then off to El Paso and Tijuana.