Free the Robots is known world wide for their diverse take on Electronic Jazz infused Psychedelic music on top of Dirty drums, Layered synths, atmospheric grooves, and beyond. Recently, I had the chance to catch up with the man behind “Free the Robots”, Chris Alfaro.  He was nice enough to a break from his busy schedule to chat for a bit about his recent tour in China, the new album, The Crosby, Obey Records, and what fans can expect from him in 2010, as if his tour and new album were not enough.

1. How old are you?

27

2. Where did you grow up?

Jupiter

3. What originally got you into Djing?

DMC battle videos, the movie “Juice,” having older brothers and friends into the same shit, and working at Mrs. Fields Cookies.

4. How did that evolve into “Free The Robots“?

Started digging in the 90’s. As a collector in those days, my focus was on finding loops for simple, hip hop beats. The listening process is really what broke the mold on me. After awhile, digging wasn’t about finding loops anymore. It was the music as a whole that grew on me. I started to pick up more traditional instruments like keys and guitar. played in bands throughout high school, then I finally got a beat machine and a way to record everything…thats when it really went down.

5. I remember the first time I heard “Listen to the Future” I went completely bonkers and knew you were on to something special. Can you tell us a little bit about that song and the first EP you released back in 2007? I know it created a huge buzz around the world. How did that feel?

That song pretty much told the story of that Ep. The vocal samples cut together actually say “The Past is like Listening to The Future.” Since that record was more sample based, it was a metaphor about the re-invention of older music; taking it to the next level. I’m just stoked that theirs an audience. good to know people are listening.

6. This is a tough question considering you cover such a broad spectrum of genres but how would you categorize your music?

Depending on what song may be a variable, but its generally Psychedelic, Dirty Beats.

7. How was your recent tour in China? And how would compare the clubs in China to the ones back home?

China was pretty amazing. It was surprising to me that the scene was so diverse. People from all over the world showed up with a warm welcome. It felt like i was at home.

8. Rumor has it you’re working on a new album. Can you give us a little insight on what to expect and maybe a possible release date.

New Album is in the works and its expected to be finished by the end of this year, just in time to bring on 2010. Sound wise…This one is actually a lot less sample based, with more bass.

9. It’s no secret you work with one of the worlds greatest artist “Shepard Fairey” and have releases out on Obey Records. How did that come about? And can we expect further releases from you on Obey Records?

I’ve been DJ’ing special events for them, along with fromElsewhere, for a while now. When they started the OBEY Records program, I started to contribute to that as well. I did a mix along with Roam (elsewhere) called “City to City,” and helped with other projects such as GLK’s “I spit on your Grave.” Something new will be in the works early part of next year. details I can’t really give right now, but look out for it!

10. Can you tell us a little bit about the “The Crosby” and How the idea came about?

The Crosby is a restaurant/ bar I opened up last year with a some like minded friends. We came together to do something different in a county that really needed it. Gourmet food, cocktails, quality music & good vibes, pretty much sums it up (thisisthecrosby.com).

How it came about? Initially it was a result of dead-end job frustration and forward thinking. Orange County was not the most inspiring of places. In turn, that’s what inspired the idea of The Crosby. Constantly documenting ideas, and having the will power to say lets do this! (and actually do it) goes a long way.

11. The Crosby brings in big names such as Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Nosaj Thing, J-Rocc, Dam Funk, etc. Are you in charge of booking the entertainment? and how do you find the balance of running a successful restaurant & traveling the world as “Free the Robots.”

As for nights at The Crosby, I handle a good amount of the booking and marketing; granted much of the bookings are friends. As crazy as things get here, The Crosby is not even an official music venue. Its a restaurant. small, with no stage, intimate and always free. We have headliners who play here constantly and its never strictly about money or fame. Its really just about a good time. Call it a second home, or an OC get away.

The balance just works. The Crosby and Free the Robots is not a work situation I really have to separate. When at home, I’m at The Crosby, but when i gotta go, i go. Their is a great team behind the operation.

12. I must say I’m really inspired by what is going on in the L.A./West Coast scene. It seems like you have all grown together into amazing artists and have helped the music and art scene flourish out there. Do you have any advice for upcoming artists in different cities around the U.S. to help them grow like the West Coast?

The LA scene is heavy for many reasons. People are just open minded. Theirs not much of an Ego thing going on. Everyone pretty much has a mutual respect for each other and are always open to sharing ideas, connections, and what not. Its like a unit of folks who are all doing their own thing but directly or indirectly collaborating in some way. what keeps the synergy going is the fact that were all huge fans of each other.

13. What can fans expect from “Free The Robots” in 2010?

New music and more new music.

http://myspace.com/freetherobots

http://twitter.com/Freetherobots

http://thisisthecrosby.com/