words by Hannah Briley
* You have had a pretty hectic schedule over the last 2 years – do you still enjoy traveling all over the world or has it become simply a job to you now?
I love touring! I'm really thankful for this hectic schedule though... No way to see it as a normal job, it is always so exciting...
* With a schedule like that - How do you manage to find a harmonious balance between you’re gig schedule and your time in the studio?
I have to say this is the hard point.. really not easy all the time.. Especially, for my part as I spent the whole summer in Ibiza... This is a matter of organization.. Usually i succeed in spending 3 days a week in the studio... when I'm not in ibiza!
* Run me through your studio set up. What machines and tools do you use?
Until now I used only plug in.. Now I'm getting more involved in production I’ve just bought a prophet 8 and a drum machine... As i said i'm new with hardware, Future will say how it goes... i'm really excited though...
* Do you find inspiration for your own productions after a particularly successful dj set or equally after hearing someone else play an inspiring set?
Most of the time, i find inspiration when I hear someone else playing, or through all kind of music i’m listening to from Hip hop to soul music passing by indie music. Matter of fact I'm trying to go out as much as possible... & also to buy a lot of records !
* Do your set styles or playlists change depending on what country/venue you’re going to play at – is there any format that you stick to or do you play it by ear?
I never plan my sets, otherwise it would be boring.. But i have to admit the size of the club could orient my playlist !
* House music will never be over, but in terms of phases of popularity, I see techno coming back with full strength after a few years of a predominantly house phase – what are your views on this?
I think the music is really interesting at the moment...i like this mixture between house and techno, it has always worked together and it’s cool to see techno’s back under the lights these days….
* Reviewers and the media often describe your sound as warm tech/house – it’s so vague – how do you see your sound?
Hard to describe your own music, plus i ‘m not keen on adding a name to House… I like so many things in deep, minimal, Disco and techno style… Then how do i name my music? i would simply say "electronic music"… Is that vague ?
* Playmaker from Anthea and Cellar with your Cougar remix was a massive hit – when you produce or remix music do you do it with a mindset of musical longevity or for the moment?
I’m still very young in production & as a consequence I'm doing music with my heart, without asking myself too many questions at a time... For now ;)
* Let’s talk about Freak ‘n’ Chic. They seem to have established themselves as a really strong label that you’ve been a part of since 2008 – how does your relationship with the label work?
Freak ‘n Chic Crew is my true family. The whole story started with Dan Ghenacia and his legendary residency at Le Batofar. We were all there supporting him, and then became friends later. Later then he invited Shonky and myself to play still at Batofar but for another after-hours party, called Ultimate. It was our first gig there, nobody knew us at the time though. We ended up playing for 4 hours because Dan didn’t show up before noon. That was the beginning of our careers. All of these moments were the foundation and also what influenced my style. That particular mix of house and techno passing by minimal & disco sauced with that after-hour flavour has never left me then.Unfortunately Freak n Chic’s latest release ever came out last July But here is a scoop.. Dan Ghenacia has new plans in order to launch a label alongside Shonky and I.. We’ll be label partners in a short time.. More details announced early next year (2011).
* Would you prefer your tracks to be downloaded for free and heard, or only available on vinyl and not so broadly heard?
Recently I decided to go back to vinyl ! Don’t misunderstand I do believe there is good thing with mp3 innovation but also it appears to me too much like a huge supermarket… Meaning it is so easy to buy music these days that we’ve lost the pleasure of searching records.. Music should be accessible to everyone of course, but from my point of view i miss the old days when going to the record shop, meeting people and sharing, instead of being sat alone in front of the computer buying music online…
Happy me I can enjoy this pleasure again because i live in Berlin… Support your vinyl dealer !
* You’ll be playing at Murmur Presents...No Fit State later in the month with Geddes and The Revenge here in London. What can London and No Fit State expect from you?
I'm really exited about this party for at least one reason, the size of the venue… 500 hundred could be the right capacity to have a great party and vibe… Adding playing at some friends party is always a big pleasure !
* Circoloco at DC10 is something you’re hugely involved with and has had phenomenal success – why do you think that is?
When playing circoloco@dc10, you’re hit bY a really particular vibe you can't find anywhere else… In the whole world!! The crowd makes you feel at home and is so well musically educated.. all is pleasure there ! Undergound people wherever they are from all have a meeting there, everybody’s disguised, dressed like hell.. you can feel the crazyness in every cm2 and most of all freedom is the main word. Last but not least last the programming is huge.. at the closings this year the line up was just incredible !
* You worked with the late Aaron Carl on your ‘Naked’ EP in 2009. Aaron's death was a sad moment to all of us, to those who knew him personally and to those who knew of him through his extensive music career with countless labels, collaborations and his own ‘Wallshaker’ imprint. Aaron Carl was one of the rare artists who managed to sustain a long and successful career in such a rapidly moving industry. Would you share with us how your experience producing with him was, both at a personal and musical level?
I met Aaron last year, unfortunately i didn't have the chance to meet him physically… When i did naked, the idea was more about doing a bootleg and using his voice from the original track "dance naked" …
I sent the track to Damian Lazarus! He said we should contact him to do an official release…Honestly, I’d never expected he would like the idea.. But he did! I was so honored he said yes.. He fell in love with the track and wanted to sing something new on it…. we were chatting quiet a lot at this time… I didn't know him very well but he was really humble and a big music lover…
Last time i spoke to him was 2 days before he passed away…No need to tell you how i felt that day… I'm really happy that i had the privilege to share something with him.. RIP Aaron !
* Anyone you’re admiring right now as producer and/or dj you think we should know about?
There is a lot of DJs and producers i' admire, but if i had to pick only one, i would say Boris Horel… Actuallly living in London and he has released EPs on Eklo, Supernature.. You should definitely keep an eye on him….
* What drives you to keep doing what you do?
My love for the music, and the great positive energy people give me every week end...
* And lastly...What can we expect from you in 2011?
Im actually polishing a new ep for crosstown rebels.. also I’ve always a few remixes coming out, I’ve one for city fox, and another for Real tone Rec.. and a new label ill develop with my mates Dan Ghenacia and Shonky... More info beginning of 2011.. Last but not least I’ve also started to work on my first album....
CATCH DYED THIS WEEKEND FOR HIS LONDON SHOW WITH NO FIT STATE - FULL DETAILS
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