Few artists have as distinct a sound as The Bloody Beetroots. Their stage name, pluralized, may cause confusion. Although the live shows sport more than one member, the production side of things is undertaken solely by Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo. After emerging onto the scene in 2007, he has managed to vault The Bloody Beetroots to the height of EDM in a mere 3 years. Gathering influences from Electro, Indie, Punk, Acid and a multitude of other sources, Bob has been able to create a unique style which escapes categorization. Characterized by an overwhelming energy, a thirst for audible exhaustion and a sonic representation of chaos, his tunes have been accepted across the world as soundtracks to numerous lavish parties, as shown in the music video for his song “Cornelius.”
The pair included in the video is comprised of Sir Bob, along with his partner in crime, DJ Tommy Tea. The live shows are unlike any other. Electronic music duos usually imply two people behind the decks, with one DJing and the other pumping up the crowd. The Bloody Beetroots’ are similar to Pendulum’s: they incorporate real instruments and vocals, which ties a closer bond to the audience. With Bob’s unorthodox style in the studio, his partnership with Tommy onstage and the sinister Venom masks they both wear, it wasn't long before the rest of the world took notice. Steve Aoki, owner of Dim Mak Records, welcomed Sir Bob to his prestigious label in 2008 with the release of Rombo EP. Being such a diverse production, Beatport was unable to qualify the songs and simply put it in the Indie/Nu Disco category, the spot where all of the indefinable tracks are put. In fact, nearly all of his releases are qualified as such, thus strengthening their uniqueness. Then came Warp.
The success of the track alone would probably have been enough to launch The Bloody Beetroots into stardom. The song was a monster hit the instant it was heard, garnishing support from DJs across the globe. Featuring a newly acquired friend, none other than Steve Aoki, the song was accepted by an unimaginable number of fans ranging through all popular genres. It is a perfect choice to do exactly what Bob’s intends his sets to do: connect with his audience through an artistic experiment with chaos. Still today, nearly 3 years after its release, crowds go insane at the sound of it. The tune blends Electro trends with those of Punk, creating a hardcore and digitized atmosphere. Like his previous work, Warp adds to the distance Bob tries to put between himself and mainstream trends.
In an attempt to demystify The Bloody Beetroots’ persona, The Hawt reached out to Sir Bob, who was kind enough to provide a short interview:
“What are some of your earliest inspirations?
- Punk 77, Classical Music, Old School Electro
What sets you apart from other Electro House producers? (Was trying to figure out the genre. Took a shot.)
- Schizophrenia
We’ve come up with 2 theories: either you’ve got a Spiderman fetish or you’re terribly ugly. Why the masks?
- I have a postmodern conception of the commedia dell'arte
What are some of your favourite producers and what makes their releases so great?
- Rick Rubin – it’s his touch
To which track would you attribute your breakthrough onto the EDM scene?
- The Whip “Muzzle No.1” Bloody Beetroots Rmx
Which song(s) has gotten you the best crowd reaction so far in 2011?
- No songs, I bet on the strength of chaos
You've traveled a fair amount. In which part of the world are the hottest girls?
- Iceland
We know you love coming to Montreal. How would you describe our city’s nightlife?
- Alcoholic
New tracks, remixes, world tours, collaborations; what can we expect from The Bloody Beetroots in 2011?
- Chaos theory becomes reality
What do you think about music blogs? In your opinion, are they helping or hurting artists? Do you follow any blogs? Will you read The Hawt?
- I can't generalize. They help and they don’t; freedom of information often becomes misinformation. Everyone should be able to discern. Yes, I read The Hawt.”
Evidently, Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo is a man of very few words. Although not all of Bob’s interviews are as short and sweet, they are straight to the point and this exchange still tells lots about him. Behind the well thought out speech and the onstage binge drinking is a man who is very comfortable with his inability to be read.
During the most recent tours, the usual name was dropped for Death Crew 77, a group consisting of Bob, Tommy and a drummer named Edward Grinch. With the added dimension of rhythmic prowess, it’s safe to say that The Bloody Beetroots offer one of the most complete live EDM experiences.
Apart from trying to realize chaos theory, Sir Bob started 2011 with the release of a compilation containing his most popular remixes. This one is also under Beatport’s Indie/Nu Disco spell and carries the very simplistic name: “Best of…Remixes.” Feel free to sample the tracks through the link below.
The Bloody Beetroots – Best Of…Remixes Released on Beatport on January 15th
Have a great week and stay tuned to The Hawt for the Super8 & Tab interview which should be up anytime soon.
Photos courtesy of Nacho Alvarez Nabscab
