o artist makes noise quite like the three bodies that make up Add N To (X). Their style is purely unexplainable (just ask them) and with each new album, they seem to delve even deeper into an abyss of mindfucking. Their new album, Loud Like Nature (Mute), is as interesting and challenging as 2000’s brilliant Add Insult To Injury. Steve Claydon of the trio shares his thoughts on why Add N To (X) are coming for your children.

Cam Lindsay (STYLUS): Recently, the electronic scene has become hyped up with the likes of acts such as Adult., Fischerspooner and Ladytron. You definitely have some elements that could tie you to that type of music. What's your reaction to this attention? Do you feel that Add N To (X) belongs with these bands or do you feel as if you're in your own?

Steve: I know Danny and Mira from Ladytron and spent some time in Berlin earlier this year, I think the new 'Electro Clash' invention is a press & trend led phenomenon. It's not as if there was no-one making this kind of music in the years prior to the hype. Peaches for instance; Alec Empire and ourselves. I know all these people I've mentioned however would (I'm sure)have no problem with us totally, denying any relationship with them musically. I think Add N To (X) have always had more in common with bands like Jon Spencer Blues Explosion than evolved versions of Kraftwerk or dance-based techno descendants.

STYLUS: What would you say is the major difference between Loud Like Nature and your other records?

Steve: The new record has all the elements and severed limbs of the previous albums, but we have become better at surgery and maxo-facial (lyrics).

STYLUS: On LLN the drums sound a lot harder and more programmed than on recent albums of yours, which seemed to be more about using live drums. Was this a conscious choice in selecting beats for the songs?

Steve: Not really it just seemed to be more appropriate to use programmed kicks with a live kit as a way of complimenting the tough little thugs in the machine.

STYLUS: The vocals are quite different as well. There are fewer songs with just the band and instead, there are samples and guests (Kim Fowley). Were you trying to make the record sound a little more unpredictable?

Steve: Vocals are more about character and history to us. In other words the sound of the voice overrides the narrative and the personality props up the moot lyrics. Guests have always worked on the albums but not to such an extent. It is not a tactic just an instruction from the Lord Hod.

STYLUS: There are a number of collaborators (like Kim and Richard Hawley) on LLN - was that due to the fact that you were all away from one another? What made you decide to invite them to play?

Steve: If Barry could sing and if I could play guitar like Richard there may have been a very different album. It seemed appropriate to employ vocals and other instruments. So we got the best.

STYLUS: What was it like with the three of you each living in separate cities? Were there any problems?

Steve: As problematic and exciting as everything we try to do. Another challenge to be overcome with varying degrees of success.

STYLUS: You've mentioned that kids like your music? Why do you think that is?

Steve: It appeals to them physically. No baggage. Nothing cerebral. No intellectual stuff. Just loud noises. I used to love bagpipes & short wave when I was a kid plop plop plop.

STYLUS: Your taste in directing promos for singles has always caught people's attention. What do you have planned for this record's singles?

Steve: It's as important to us to convey our aesthetic through the artwork & film as through the music itself. Our latest film is a testament to the glorious pursuit of nothing.

STYLUS: When I saw you play in Toronto last year, you had a lot of vintage looking equipment. Have or will you ever dip your toes into using computer software programs to make your records?

Steve: Computers are an integral tool in the post recording process they are incapable of giving us a full orgasm.

STYLUS: Do you think people misinterpret your music as more robotic than human? If so, why?

Steve: There is nothing robotic or sterile about Add N To (X). The music is a Frankenstein's monster of schizo components mimicking/parodying nature’s most disgusting attributes. Smash the robots servile noggins.

STYLUS: I saw photos of your fucking machine in an issue of SELECT 2 years ago. Have you seen the sex machine that was created in Montreal (it looks like a clear wall with all of the necessities to please both a man and a woman. It was featured in a back issue of VICE)?

Steve: Send us a plan diagram and we will see if we can meld the two.

STYLUS: Do you think anyone has or could ever properly classify your style or sound?

Steve: Our aim is to produce music that has never been heard before. That is our prime motivation. It would be the end of the project if we were to find ourselves doing otherwise therefore it would be difficult to align ourselves in terms of music. Perhaps we have allies in terms of approach.