Interview by John Wisniewski for MK ULTRA Magazine
Machine X (Robin Barbour) is a former EMI & ZYX Recording Artist. Recently he has been focused on techno remixes, working with bands such as Front 242, MCL & more.
John Wisniewski: When and how did you get together with Gigi Ricci of The Lords of Acid to form Machine X?
Robin Barbour: It is important to note that she is no longer with Lords of Acid. I believe she left the band in June 2024. My manager and promoter, Robert Ehlinger, runs most of the concerts for the legendary Numbers Nightclub in Houston.
He had an opening for the support act for the AND ONE tour in March 2025. He was the DJ for the Lords of Acid tour last May in Houston and met Gigi after the show. Once he heard about her departure, he reached out to her regarding the support act in March. He needed someone to provide music, and he introduced me to Gigi, and the rest is history.
JW: What has the reception been throughout the tour?
RB: We have our dress rehearsal in January in Houston, and the tour begins in March in Dallas, TX. So far, the reception to her return to the U.S. has been amazing.
JW: What are Machine X live shows, like?
RB: They are very energetic, with a mix of remixes (covers) by Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan, Erasure, New Order, Smashing Pumpkins, and more.
JW: What was it like recording with Front 242 and MCL?
RB: I worked with Patrick of Front 242 on two songs for the Numbers Covered Benefit Album: Version 1 and then collaborated with Jean-Luc on the Version 2 CD. It was amazing working with both of them.
As for Microchip League, one of the tracks I remixed with Patrick was “New York, New York” by MCL. Ralf of Microchip League sent me samples and other sounds to use in our remix.
JW: Any favorite recording artists?
RB: Alphaville
JW: Any future plans and projects, Robin?
RB: Yes, I can’t reveal the band’s name yet, but I am currently producing a new album for a band with over 20 years of history. This band has toured both the U.S. and Europe. I am also joining them for a potential tour in the summer of 2025, and we hope to play some festivals in Germany and Scandinavia. Once the album is finished, I’ll wait for the founder to officially announce my involvement.
JW: What is it like being in Machine X?
RB: Well, I am Machine X! Haha! I used to be signed to EMI Records in 1992 and ZYX Records in 1995. My band (a duo) was called Machine in Motion. I came out of retirement to work on remixes for the Numbers Covered Benefit CDs and decided to go solo as Machine X. After remixing so many tracks for the benefit CDs, I decided to transform my remixing work into a performing band.