First of all, thank you for your time!
– Thanks to you 🙂
For the beginning, can you share with us some insights of your creative process and what triggers your inspiration?
– Hum, that is a though question to begin with… I think I do not have a clear and unique process of creation. It really depends of the project. For example, my first EP on Work Them Records has probably been influenced by twin peaks, the David Lynch serie I was looking at that time. For my last project with Hektor Oaks which has been released this month, he just told me that he was thinking to a driven idea for the EP: “Musica para discotheca” so I decided to work on something more clubby. Now I’m working on new tracks inspired by dissonant sounds… so it’s really different ! Generally, I’m also inspired by architecture, due to my studies.
What’s your favorite past time when you’re not touring the world as a DJ/ producer? Films, pets, extreme sports…what does relax and/or excites you?
– After my gigs, I often need some calm so generally the beginning of the week is linked to rest and Netflix ahahah. I also really like to cook, and to learn new skills on all Japanese food and particularly ramens ! I always try to visit architectural spots during my travels.
We used to call Techno an “underground genre”…What do you think about that in terms of present moment in electronic music? What does underground “label” mean to you?
– That seems to be the eternal questions nowadays. Honestly, I am not sure to know that this concept still applies. We are forced to admitt that techno is not clearly an underground genre anymore. Of course there are events which are more underground than others, like when I played last year in a manufacture in Kosovo or in Beirut this year. It was incredible to participate to the emancipation of techno in this kind of spots. But I also really like to play in other “techno cities” with people which are more used to this music. Underground or not, VIBE is now my reference criteria 🙂
What’s your perception of electronic music industry as an artist? What do you love and what do you dislike? (Including live performances, dj sets, music releases, festivals etc)
– I love my job and I really feel lucky to have the chance to evolve in this environment. I really like to spend days at home working on new tracks, to digg new music each week, to play every weekend in a new city, for clubs or festivals, in front of new people and to meet new cultures. But most of all, I really love that balance and diversity of things to do. The only things I do not like is the question of the place of women in techno, which is (or should not be) relevant to me at all.
Also, I really like good lights engineers, it changes everything.
What are currently your main challenges as a DJ? What is it about DJing, compared to, say, producing your own music, that makes it interesting for you?
– Producing is for me linked to djing, and vice versa. Each part is always feeding the other I guess. I love to produce tracks, to test it during gigs, and then to modify it if needed. Its not the same pleasure but it’s complementary.
Regarding my next challenges, I don’t know, probably to finish my first album and to play some of the big festivals I have not done yet…
Your track Acid train was No.5 tune of 2017 on eminent HATE YouTube Channel’s best list. What is the story/inspiration behind that track?
– Ahah, this track is the perfect representation of the “never give up” proverb. It was part of a pack of tracks I sent to various label and each time they choose another track. Finally the Anagram label guys listened to it and they choose it directly. Now it is approaching 1.000.000 views on YouTube, it’s amazing !
How much, do you feel, is the club experience shaped by cultural differences? When traveling, do you take these cultural differences into consideration – and how far did your approach as a DJ benefited from playing in different countries and in front of different crowds?
– Of course, each place, public, culture and dance floor is unique and you must adapt your set to it, while trying to be yourself and play your style at the same time. Sometimes, depending of the club, the timetable and the atmosphere, I play harder or faster. You have to feel what the public wants, to always listen and look how the scene responds, specially when you play out of your country.
Which tracks for you describe some of the strongest feelings like happiness, anger, melancholia? Can you try and give us one for every feeling?
Happiness: Carmen – Time to move
Anger : Vofa – PI01.2
Melancholia : Delroy Edwards – Love goes on and on
Thank you, we’re looking forward meeting you and hearing your set on March 10th.
– Heard a lot about your parties so looking forward to play for you guys too !