Hotcakes meets… autoKratz

London-based duo David Cox and Russell Crank are autoKratz. Their highly acclaimed first album Animal came out in 2009 and now they’re back with their sophomore effort later this year. Having done remixes for the likes of La Roux, Alex Gopher, Fischerspooner and Underworld and supported The Prodigy amongst others in between, it’s fair to say that there’s a great deal of anticipation surrounding their second LP.

We had a chat with them recently about all things music and here’s what they had to say.

Your first album was released on Kitsuné, how did that relationship come about? What’s it like working with a label that’s so well regarded and, let’s face it, so damn cool? How are you finding it on your new label Bad Life?
Russell: We did it the old fashioned way of sending them a demo. It’s great to know that still works. They are great guys to work with and releasing with them was really great for developing the band. Now we’ve got the opportunity to spread our wings a bit by releasing on a very exciting new label [Bad Life] – a label with different ideas and different energy; and having the opportunity to have input on what the label is doing is something we’re really in to. We’ve got the best of both worlds really.

You’ve supported the likes of The Prodigy and Underworld on tour and you’ve worked with Primal Scream and others on tracks… Is there anyone that you’ve worked with that particularly stands out in terms of their support or inspiration?
David: Primal Scream were a big influence on us in terms of mixing elements of rock and electronic so when we worked with Andrew Innes and Jagz Kooner from the Scream, it was amazing to see how they work. The passion and the attention to detail was very inspiring and fascinating to be around. I think the experience has bled into the rest of the album. Given us a new perspective for writing and producing.

We previewed two of the tracks from your new Opposite of Love EP on Bad Life recently and I’ve gotta say we were mightily impressed. Is this the sort of stuff we can expect from your forthcoming second album?
David: Yeah definitely. After our first album [Animal] we jumped straight into writing the next. As proud as I am of our debut, I feel we’ve surpassed what we wanted to achieve with the new album.

We’re bakers by trade here at Hotcakes. If we could bake you anything in the world, what’s it gonna be?
David: David Cameron’s head.

What’s next for you guys?
David: New album out this spring called Self Help for Beginners and then a world tour.

Quick fire three:

Last album you bought?
David: Caribou – Swim
Russell: Last week got sent new Cut Copy record [Zonoscope] – its AMAZING

Favourite track of artist right now?
David: Miss Kittin – ‘All you need’ (Gesaffelstein remix)
Russell: Cut Copy – ‘Where I’m going’

Best place to DJ? (place or venue)
David: Tokyo or London

Thanks again to David and Russell from autoKratz!

autoKratz – Opposite of Love (North Lights vs. Perseus remix) [alt]

Opposite of Love EP is out now
Self Help for Beginners is out in March on Bad Life.