RS: The b-side of "Brass in Pocket" is the live version of "It's Over Now," what
was the inspiration in the unique rendition for the live show?
Ultra: I was doing a whole featured night of performance with my band. Doing that cut with the human beat box was another context of presentation and just basically having fun with it and catching the heads off guard. That's the beauty of the dance music genre. You can just go all over the place with it.
RS: Was it harder to perform to a human beat box than a backing track or live
band?
Ultra: Absolutely not. Because weren't trying to be perfect. We just wanted to be spontaneous and fun. So no one cared if we made mistake. Mistakes are a lot more human and interesting.
RS: How did you choose the producers for your new album?
Ultra: I write to whatever inspires me. People send me stuff and my manager solicits stuff from various people. It usually happens pretty organically like that.
RS: You have worked with lots of clubland's best producers, is there anyone out there that you would like to work with but haven't?
Ultra: Daft Punk or Basement Jaxx. But there's a host of others who may not be dance specific.
RS: You work with a lot of great singers on this new album - N'Dea Davenport,
Jody Watley, Jill Jones, Lisa Shaw, Renee Neufville (formerly of Zhane'),
Rachid, Jay Williams, McKay and Elisa (formerly of Basscut) - what about
them have inspired you?
Ultra: They're all dope artists in their own right yet very giving as creative people. That can be a rarity these days. Everyone wants to be the "star". They're all amazing vocalists and writers, and I'm so flattered and grateful that they have worked on this record.
RS: 14 years in the dance music world has probably left you with a lot of stories, what is the strangest situation you have found yourself in?
Ultra: I'm not sure I have one, or maybe it's not strange to me because it's just my life. I think being home with my family and friends one minute and the next being on stage in Slovenia singing to a crowd of 2000 people who know every song and love the fact that I'm there. Is one of the strangest yet happiest moments I've experienced.
RS: Dance artists come and go, yet your fifth album is about to be released; how
have you managed to stay on the forefront of dance music?
Ultra: I have a lot of people around me who soulfully care about me.
RS: What advice would you share with the up-and-coming dance artists seeking to
follow in your footsteps?
Ultra: You've gotta work harder than the average bear. Don't be afraid of change and maintain your integrity
Check out a special promotional clips:
"Brass in Pocket" Real Media
"Desire" video Real Media
Special thanks to Claudia Cuseta of Maxi Promotion and Bill Coleman of Peace Bisquit Productions for arranging this interview. Special thanks to Dennis Petkosek for inspiration.
