I was a bit of a Fleetwood Mac late bloomer. Being raised on a strict diet of Miles Davis and Enigma, I wasn’t exposed to the Stevie Nicks brilliance until one frigid New York night when I wondered into A Night of 1000 Stevie’s. Gothic brethren shouting lyrics ripped from poetic masters – I finally understood (and openly embraced) the obsession. Friends of friends of friends heard about my new found love affair, subsequently filling my mailbox with re-edits and remixes and extended versions. I wanted to drown in Fleetwood Mac.
Apparently, I am was not alone.
Alex Oxley & Lisa Jelliffe are the founders of Fleetmac Wood – a “DJ collective and party dedicated to re-edits and originals of Fleetwood Mac.” Branded in the U.K. and making it’s North American debut tonight at The Short Stop in Echo Park, this often sold-out Nicks/Buckingham bonanza exudes a deep-rooted poignance and happiness emblematic of the Fleetwood Mac sound. Enter a fan. Leave an addict.
When were you first introduced to Fleetwood Mac? Were your parents fans of the band or did your love affair with Fleetwood begin in your adult years?
I was born in the year that Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined the band so I consider myself a child of the Fleetwood Mac era. Their music was always omnipresent growing up but I changed from being a regular fan to a big one after seeing them live in 2009 in London.
Have you always had a favorite Fleetwood track? What is your favorite remix of that track?
My favorite tracks are Silver Springs and Big Love but The Chain makes everyone go nuts. Antenna Happy has done the best edit of The Chain so far.
At point did you decide that Fleetmac Wood had party potential? And when did you decide upon the collective name?
I wanted to start the night about 5 years ago but I was always looking for the right venue. I never did find that magical yacht venue with peacocks wandering aboard so decided upon a good ole sweaty East London basement for our first party in 2012. The name was a simple remix in essence.
Can anyone’s remixes be featured in the lineup? If so, how does one submit a remix?
We encourage anyone to have a go. Some of our best remixes have been from up and coming and first-time producers. We sift out the ones we feel are not the right but we love to hear them all. Producers please send to fleetmacwoodparty@gmail.com or get in touch on our Facebook group.
You have had sold out shows in London and have played the likes of Glastonbury and Secret Garden Festival. What were the crowds like at each? Do you attract hardcore Fleetwood Mac fans?
What’s great about our crowds is that they are there for the music, which is the best reason to be at a party. There’s a ‘we’re in it together’ vibe at the event. It’s less like being at a club and more like being at a festival as everyone sings along and a lot of people dress up in the style of the band.
I never did find that magical yacht venue with peacocks wandering aboard so decided upon a good ole sweaty East London basement for our first party in 2012.
When did you move to L.A.? Do you think you’ll find just a solid of following here as overseas?
We moved here 10 months ago but we’ve been waiting to find the lay of the land so to speak and a cool venue to launch the night. We’re excited to do our first night in LA at The Short Stop which has a great dance floor.
Let’s say you get to spend 24 hours with Steve Nicks. What do you do? Where do you go? What do you talk about?
Well that would be fun! In my dream world I’d start by playing dress-ups with her with all her amazing clothes, then I would ask for a tambourine lesson. Hear some stories over a few wines and then beg her for some stems and we could work on a remix together. We’d finish the remix at dawn and then gaze into her crystal ball.
And I guess the inevitable last question is…are you seeing Fleetwood Mac when they tour through L.A. later this year? And if so, are you satisfied with your seats?
Yes we’re seeing them at The Forum – not the best seats but as long as we’re there, we’ll be excited. It’s all about the music.
For more information on Fleetmac Wood & other awesome remixes please visit https://soundcloud.com/fleetmacwood
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