Headed by none other than Matt Van Schie (Van She / Du Tonc), Tear Council is not just an advisory body on tear control, but a full body performance authority. After having previously collaborated in 2009 with Michael Di Francesco (Touch Sensitive)to write “Journey” – from Van Schie’s “Balmy Nights” EP - the pair now join forces yet again to bring you Tear Council – a project described by Van Schie as an outlet for his “more emotional outpourings”. Taking you back to the rhythm of the 80s and “Drive”-esque memories from summer days past. Check our interview.
WHEN AND HOW DID YOU MEET?
We met the day Van She started. We (Van She) needed a synth man and Nick knew Michael.
HOW DID EVERYTHING START?
We began doing Tear Council style tracks when we were both in Van She, about 5 years ago. The first one was Journey, which ended up going on Matt Van Schie's Balmy Nights EP. Since then we've started other projects - Du Tonc and Touch Sensitive. But the yearning to put out some Tear Council tracks never died, so we decided to pursue it.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CREATE TEAR COUNCIL?
We both had a natural affiliation for the New Romantic vibes. And the music we wrote together didn't seem appropriate for our other projects, so we started something new.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOUR MUSIC?
Nu Romantic (Nu disco meets New Romantic).
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
The Reels, Kazino, Savage, Suicide.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
It usually starts with a beat and then chords. Then if a good vocal melody can come from it, we polish it up and finish it.
WHAT DO YOU USE TO MAKE YOUR TRACKS? WHAT IS YOUR SET UP LIKE ON STAGE?
We usually use a mix of Ableton and Pro Tools to write our music. We're yet to go live but we foresee a three-piece set up with MPC beats and synths played by Michael, main vocals and guitar from Matt, and a female backing singer.
DO YOU PREFER DJ SETS OR LIVE PERFORMANCES?
Live.
WE’RE SEEING A MODULAR SYNTHESIZERS REBIRTH IN THE LAST YEARS, ARE YOU MODULAR ENTHUSIASTS?
No, not yet. It seems like a can of worms that I’m afraid to open. I’ve seen what it does to people (as far as the obsession goes) and can see how easy it would be to get lost in them. So maybe one day - it does look fun though.
AUSTRALIA IS ONE OF THE HOTTEST PLACES FOR NEW MUSIC IN THE RECENT YEARS. WHO ARE YOURS FAVOURITE AUSSIE ARTISTS ?
The Reels, Midnight to Monaco, Ice House, The Bee Gees, Oscar Key Sung, Andras Fox, Seekae, Cut Copy.
HOW DOES THE PLACE YOU LIVE IN, INFLUENCE YOUR MUSIC?
Being trapped on an island definitely tends to give our music that tropical, summer glow.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO PLAY?
Mexico and Columbia are pretty fun. LA is always a blast too.
WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST AND WEIRDEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU AT A GIG?
Watching a band member get held up against a wall with a taser gun pointed to the back of his head. Cops are tops! We were just unloading after gig, probably having a loud conversation, and some undercover police officer decided to interrupt us.
WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS? YOUR REASON FOR LIVING?
We're goose bump chasers. Once you write a track that gives you goose bumps you just want to write more and more. Also, we like to have fun, that's very important.
WHAT DO TEAR COUNCIL, DU TONC AND TOUCH SENSITIVE HAVE IN STORE FOR 2015?
This time our special is with the super talented Parisian producer Guillaume Atlan (A.K.A. The Supermen Lovers), enjoy !
How was the beginning? and what are your tips for the beginners?
I started music when I was 7 years old with classical music. Then I moved to Acid Jazz- Funk in the early 90’s, I was playing clavinet and rhodes in different band. Than I came to House Music by listening to some great artists as "Chemical Brothers", "Daft Punk", "Basement Jaxx" and a lot of artistes from Chicago and Detroit. I started produced some electronic music under the name "Stan De Mareuil" on my own label "Lafessé Records". I just had a ASR10 and I did everything on it (Sample/drums/bass). Then I could buy (with the money I get from the first records) more machines as an EMU 6400/bass station novation and some other cool stuffs :)
Why did you decide to stop your previous projects and create The Supermen Lovers?
The records I did under the name "Stan De Mareuil" were based only on samples and I wanted to do another project with more real instruments as I could play piano, guitar & bass.
So I started the project "The Supermen Lovers" with the idea to do something closer to real Funk. I did several songs with always the feeling of doing "House Music" by using some little samples but with the opportunity to play real instruments and put real voices on it. So some track as "Starlight ", "Diamonds for her ", "Hard stuff" and "Family business" were born in this way.
"The Supermen Lovers" gave me also the opportunity to do some real live with it. Not DJ but to bring on stage instruments and sequencers. I played a lot in funk band before doing electronic music and I wanted to have that feeling again : play real instruments on stage.
* Your sound is obviously influenced by the late 70's/early 80's music (like disco and funk) . Which french disco/funk albums do you think everybody should listen at least once? Which are your biggest influences? What do you listen in your home?
When I was kid I used to be a Huge fan of "Pink Floyd" then I moved to funk and disco at the age of 14. The first Funk record I heard was a « Fatback Band » album. I think the one with "Keep on stepping" in it. I discovered black music with artists as James Brown, The O’jays, The Ohio Players, Parliement and Funkadelic and many others…. Then I went to a more "White Funk" with band as " Average white band", "Rinder & Lewis", "El Coco" and some others guys… They made me go to Disco Music. After that I went to house music. And I m still fan of all artists in this period. In France there are now some great electronic artists from the "French touch" period as "Daft Punk", "Etienne de Crecy", "Alex Gopher", "Demon ", "Pepe Bradock" and label as "Roulé ", "Crydamour" " Versatile" and many others… I think everybody should listen to their albums. They are the base of the "French Touch".
Now I m listening to a lot of Nu disco, electro, and still old funk.
* "Starlight" was a huge success, can you tell how you made it and how it impacted in your life?
I began to started on a loop with a sample in it and a drum beat I did on it. Then I found the bass line and all arrangements around as Strings and Rhodes. I was working with a few machines (That I mentioned before). The melody of the song came straight to me as I was listening to the instrumental of the track. The male voice and female voice came straight to my mind ! I will always remember that moment. Then I had to find the voice that could fit with the track. I began to record first the female vocal with Nili. then I met Mani Hoffman and he did the male voice.
The track "Starlight" became popular very fast. It was everywhere a few weeks after I released it…That was incredible. It gave me the opportunity to release my first album "The Player". Then "The Supermen Lovers" became as famous as the "Starlight" and I could begin to produce a lot under this name.
* How does your creative process work?
It depends… I can start from a beat drum or a bass line or a sample. I have no automatic process. If I have an idea which come to my head I m going to play it and build a track around it. Or I can listen to a song and hear a little detail that can be a sample…than I build a track too around it. No rules !!
What do you use to make your tracks? What is your favourite set-up to make your DJ sets and play live ?
I m still a huge fan of Analog machines. So I m using a lot of hard ware as a Mackie 32/8 to mix and DP4 ensoniq/ Alesis reverb for effects. I m not fan of soft ware for keyboards. I m using Nordlead3/Nordstage and moog. I have a gibson stander for guitar and Jaguar Fender bass for…bass. And I m doing all audio sequences on Ableton Live.
I m doing most of the time Live act and I m just moving my studio on stage ! That s heavy… but that sounds great :) I m not alone on stage. I come with a guitarist and saxophone or trombone.
I m doing to a lot of Vocoder and I have different ones : Korg R3 and a Roland SVC 350. But I just bring the R3 on stage. The Roland is an antiquity.
Which was your first synth an which is you favourite?
I used to be addict to ASR10 Ensoniq and EMU 6400. But now I m done with it. I m on Nord now. Nordlead/Nordstage/Nordrack !! Love what those guys are doing :) those keyboards are really funky. But I have to say that a moog is perfect for electronic bass line. I just discovered a few months ago the Virus Indigo access… and I have to say that it rocks !
In your opinion which are the biggest differences between today's production compared to when you started?
Everything has changed. When I began to produced music I used only MIDI. Everything was more simple because you get less choices. There was only one way to produce electronic music : You use sampling machine connected in MIDI with drum station (MPC or others) and you mix all that on a mixing table with effects.
Nowadays everybody can produce music at home. I don t say that it will be good production every time but everybody can try to do it. And that is a good thing because as there are more and more producers you always have to be better.
You already worked with great artists like Rick Bailey (Delegation) and Norma Jean Wright from Chic, what's your dreams collaboration/partnership?
To work with such artists was a great experience. There are so many artists I d like to work with. That goes from Sade to Boys Noise !! Kate Bush, Conann Mockassin , Beck , AC/DC and many others… I could do remix for them and why not make a track fro them !! ;)
How do you define your music?
Electronic funky disco Pop Music.
*Which are your favourites places to play?
I love all kind of venues. Small ones, big ones. I love little club where people are close to you when you play. I love big festival when you see a huge crowd banging on your music.
In fact I love places where people are happy to hear my sounds.
*How do you think the place you live in has influenced in your music?
What is favourite thing about Paris? And what do hate about it?
Paris is a special place. I m not sure I will have done the music I did and I m doing in another city. Paris is full of paradoxes. Full of happy people and full go edgy people. I m born in Paris, has always lived in Paris… and perhaps will die in Paris.
I know the all city ! Even when I m going far from Paris more than a week, I m always so happy to be back ! Paris is my town. Sometimes I hate it, sometimes I love it !
Anyway … I have Paris in my heart forever.
*What were the weirdest and the funniest things that ever happened on a gig?
Ouch !! yes I have one souvenir which is funny and weird. I played in 2002 for the MTV five night stand in London. The guys in backstage has put all my machines under canalisation, and some water fall on my machines. When we started the show and that I pushed the button "Play" on the MPC (Sequencer) the all mixing table Mackie 16/4 almost exploded and a big smoke came out from it. So I was playing in front of 4000 thousand people and on air on MTV Europe and I just got a hi hat going out from the Mackie… I managed to fix it in 4/5 minutes but you can imagine my feelings during this time. I felt minutes were years… After I fixed the problem by using another Mackie on stage the show has been perfect ! ;)
*What do you know about Brazilian music ? When will you come to Brazil?
I d looove to come in Brazil ! To play my music there would be so cool !
Those guys know how to deal with drums and percussions… We all should go one times there just to learn how to dance ;)
*What do you think about music industry piracy?
Now artists are getting their money from gigs and other stuffs like synchronisation etc… It didn’t destroyed the business, it has changed it. We have to focus on different things, to spend more time in working on our gigs etc….
For sure I d rather like that Artists still get money from records sales… But it s life and when you can not doing something else than music… you don t think about that.
*Do you think that services like Deezer and Spotify can kill the habit of buy music?
Yes. I think that streaming is going to kill the habit of buying music. To have a song or a track in your computer or in your cloud seems to be the same things for people. And streaming is less expensive.
And more than that, it won t take any place in their computer. Everything will be on the website.
But there will be still people who will keep buying music. That is sure too….
*How do you see the popularisation of music making, especially with mobile devices like the iPad and iPhone?
Everything that is making you more creative is a good thing.
But you have to keep in mind that you have to give good production quality to people.
*What is your motivation?
I want to see people happy when they hear my music. I want to see them loving each others, kissing each others on my music. I want them to be someone else on a dance floor when they heard my music.
I know how to make people dance, how to make them forget their daily problems. Perhaps one day I will know how to make them cry… ;) But for the moment I m better in making them dance !
*What do you think about the music future?
I ve always been someone optimist. I think everything is changing all the time and humans know how to adapt. Why we should think that bad things are coming..?? We have more and more artists because of the web, we have more and more kind of music, of style.
Yes the music industry is changing. Less records sales but more concerts, more contact with fans on internet.
Let s make music and the rest will come !
*What's next?
There s an album remix which is coming out the 17th of november called "Alterations". It s a compilation of remix I did for other artists : Donny Hathaway, S express, Jupiter, New Order, Bart & Baker, Spiller etc… That album is also including a cover from the belgium 80’s hit "Beats of Love" from "Nacht und Nebel".
I m also mixing right now the 4th and new album for "The Supermen Lovers" . That will be released in 2015. There will be a lot of surprise in it with great featuring !
I m actually doing a lot of live too and the next gig is in Paris the 15th of November at the Social Club.
I ve just signed on my new label "Word Up Records" 2 artists : Natty Fensie, a belgium girl who is singing too on the new TSL album. There s a new EP coming out soon for her. And a french band called "Leonard",their first single will be out soon with a remix from "Ness".
Today is the first day of 2014 in the Brazilian calendar (the 1st day after carnaval) and we have something very special to celebrate it, a new exclusive mix by our friend Duncan MacLennan (A.K.A DCUP). Enjoy and "feliz 2014"!
1. Sade - Nothing Can Come Between Us (Pomo Edit)
2. Ghosts Of Venice - Don't Stop The Music - WebQueawry Remix
3. First Choice - Love Thang (Genius Of Time edit)
4. CLASSIXX - Rhythm Santa Clara
5. William De Vaughn - Be Thankful For What You Got (FKJ remix)
6. Andre Crom - Body Dreamin
7. Justin Timberlake - Like I Love You (Justin Faust Remix)
This time our special is with the talented Canadian producer Mark Penner (A.K.A. Cyclist). With releases on Homebreakin', Continental Records, Punchout! not mentioning an array of remixes including his winner version of The Rapture’s "How Deep is Your Love", Shindu's ‘Just Go’, Heminghway's "Ace Neptune" and more recently Drop Out Orchestra's "Tough Love" (just to name a few) . Check out our interview and have fun with his new mixtape!
How was the beginning? Why you decided to leave Moses Mayes and move to solo carer? and what are your tips for the beginners?
I spent 10 or 11 years playing guitar in Moses Mayes. We got to do a lot of cool things... Released 3 albums, toured across Canada and the US and opened for people like James Brown, Herbie Hancock and Kool & the Gang. I learned a lot from playing in that band.
I started Cyclist while I was still in the band but it quickly became my priority. In 2011 I moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver so that's when I left the band.
A tip for beginners: learn piano.
Which are the biggest differences in playing in a band and play solo?
When you play solo you don't have to rely on anyone but yourself. There's no band members not showing up for a writing session or disagreeing with you on how a song should sound. But you're on your own and have to do everything! It's a lot of work.
Your sound is obviously influenced by the late 70's/early 80's music (like disco, funk and proto-house) . Which are your biggest influences?
I love synth based music from 80's boogie funk to new wave to 70's jazz fusion. I love four on the floor beats... Disco and house. And I love RnB and soul vocals. Put them all together and you have my favourite music.
How do you think the place you live in has influenced in your music?
Well my interest in funk, disco and dance music definitely happened in spite of growing up in Winnipeg not because of it. Living in Vancouver I got a lot more into house music because disco wasn't as well received when I played out. I'm living in Toronto now and there's a healthy love for disco and nudisco and a bit of a community of producers and DJs too so I've been able to really delve deep into disco.
How does your creative process work?
Usually I'll start jamming to a drum sample... Maybe a disco break, something with a good groove. I'll jam a bassline or synth chords.. Or lately I've been writing parts on guitar and then re-creating them on synth just because I write faster on guitar. It's all just jamming until I have enough ideas down that I can start editing together an arrangement. From there it's getting the mix right and adding the sprinkles.
How do you define your music?
Usually I just say nu-disco or if it's someone who doesn't know what that is I say disco or indie dance.
What are your dreams? Your motivation?
Touring around the world and buying recording gear
What do you use to make your tracks?
At the moment I'm mostly working in the box using ableton... Slowly rebuilding my gear collection.
What is your favourite set-up to make your DJ sets?
I use Serato mainly but I always have a USB ready as back up in case I need to hop on some CDJs. I do the occasional vinyl set at a local gig for fun.
Which are your favourite places to play?
At a monthly disco party I have with A Digital Needle called Beam Me Up here in Toronto... The crowd is very diverse and always ready to get down.
What were the weirdest and the funniest things that ever happened on a gig?
I played a gay bar in Seattle this past summer. There was a full on orgy right next to the DJ booth. It's amazing how quickly a 4 or 5 dude orgy becomes normal with the right surroundings... They had eased me into it with nudie pics on the TVs and then a male stripper, haha.. Wait a sec, not the orgy, they didn't ease me into the orgy, just watching it... Not that I was watching! Maybe I'll shut up now.
I know you already came to Brazil. What do you know about Brazilian music?
I got to see a group of percussionists, I think it was about 30-40 people... Some big drums, some smaller hand drums or tambourines. I can't remember what you call that type of group but it was great.
I also heard a lot of Baile Funk in the clubs but I didn't ever make it to a real Baile Funk party.
When will you come back to Brazil?
As soon as I get booked! ;)
What do you think about the music future?
I'm always optimistic about all things music. The future looks great from where I'm standing.
What's next?
I'm wrapping up a remix for Rogue Vogue, working on a new tune with Maiko Watson and I'm about to launch a new label with Karl Kling of RAC called MANI/PEDI Records.
This time our interview is with the talented Kristy Lee (A.K.A. KLP). This year she already released an awesome EP by DCUP's label Chookie Music and today her collaboration with Crayon is being released by Yuksek's label Partyfine (don't miss it!).
How everything started ?
I grew up in a musical family - so music has always been around me.
When you first thought about music as a profession?
I don't think it was ever a conscious decision I made, I have wanted to sing and perform as far back as I can remember.
In your early works (like ▶ Space In Between) you used Kristy Lee, why did you changed your artistic name to KLP ?
There were a few bands and artists out there who were using Kristy Lee. My friends already called me KP or KLP so it made sense to change it up.
In the last years we saw an avalanche of awesome australian music. How do you think the place you live in has influenced in your music?
I am a dj as well as singer/writer so I am constantly on the hunt for new music from all over the world - and thanks to the internet, it's so easy to get a hold of. So I don't think being in one place or another has effected me personally so much.
Which are your biggest influences?
It changes all the time. It can anyone from cutting edge new music to classic old school and then straight pop.
How does your creative process work?
I don't have any rules. It can start with a lyric, an idea, a heart break, a victory, a glass of wine, a beat, a loop… seriously every song is a difference process.
How do you define your music?
I try not to!
What are your dreams?
I had some crazy nightmares last night. There must be something heavy going on with the moon. But in summary, I guess deep down to stay happy and true.
Your motivation ?
As above, happiness and the process of day to day living. Although I LOVE goals, I also try to enjoy getting to them.
What do you use to make your tracks?
I use Abelton at the moment, but I really want to use Logic again soon.
What is your favourite set-up to make your DJ sets ?
I use record box to plan my sets
Which are your favourite places to play?
As a dj -anywhere that trust's the djs skills enough to let them play the music they want. To many venues try control the music down to exact songs when they really have no idea - it just results in every place/dj playing the same shit. As a singer - right now, anywhere that will have me
What were the weirdest and the funniest things that ever happened on a gig?
No lights (and for a drummer playing a drum pad that is insane) and then the PA cut out. NOT funny at the time. Funny now.
When will you come to Brazil?
I've never been to Brazil - but I would LOOOVE to come visit as soon as possible.
You already worked with great artists, what's your dreams collaboration/partnership?
Singing on a Disclosure track, or writing for Rihanna.
How do you feel about the mainstream music industry sexism? Do you think it make harder for a talented (and beautiful) girl like you?
Thank you for the compliment No, I don't think it's hard - as long as you're actually talented or skilled, then aesthetics are just a bonus. But if the core is right then it doesn't matter.
What do you think about the music future ?
I'm loving how new genres are blending together. I'd love to see that happen more and more.
You just released a new track on Yuksek's Partyfine records, what's next?
That's actually Le Crayons ep, but I co-wrote and sang on the track "Give You Up". I've just finished a whole bunch of solo KLP demos and I am really feeling them - I hope I can find someone else out there who feels the same way!
This time our special is with my dear friend Jerry Bouthier. For those who still don't know he's half of JBAG (Jerry Bouthier + Andrea Gorgerino), so is responsible for make you dance at the sound of some of finest remixes in last years, he's also the man behind Continental Records family and just released the second Kitsuné Soleil compilation with Gildas Loaec. We made a nice interview and he's giving you an exclusive edit, check it out and have fun!
How was the beginning? and what are your tips for the beginners?
“We’re still beginners as far as we’re concerned. You never stop learning and fine tune what you’re about. Our tip for beginners would be: favour emotion rather than trends, cultivate your difference and be patient, it takes a lifetime to master the different aspects of music writing and production.”
Which are your biggest influences?
“Musically? There are so many… it’s impossible to answer. We’re into all kinds of musicians, as long as they have passion, attitude and generosity. We like so much, from The Doors to The Clash, Factory records to Def Jam, Nile Rodgers to Johnny Marr, Air to Phoenix, Mozart to Vangelis, The XX to Ladyhawke… you know it’s about picking up what you like, we’ try to be open-minded… For fashion shows where there’s no limits, you can mix anything you like, it’s such a thrill… I’m trying to bring that feel in my ‘ Heart & Soul ’ mixtapes (https://soundcloud.com/jerrybouthier/heart-soul-jerry-bouthier), throw in all kind of tracks and try make it work. Break boundaries and fly to the moon…”
How do you think the place you live in has influenced in your music? Do you feel bigger France or UK influence?
“Naturally both Paris and London have had huge influence on me, i’m pretty much 50/50 these days. Gives me a peculiar outlook I suppose. Andrea’s almost there, I’ve witnessed him turn into proper Londoner.”
How does your creative process work?
“We lay melodic foundations we like, chord progressions that make you feel warm inside and that you haven’t heard a million time before, and then organize them in dj-friendly structure. Andrea’s exceptional with harmony, and second to none in the studio, top ears. Me? I’m good with editing and vibes, the dj and the punter, not as skilled for sure (although I used to program and engineer too)… but it’s more complicated than that really. We try a lot of stuff together, go through every little detail, it takes a while to get it right. That’s why we don’t do so many, we really get into it and don’t let go until it’s there.”
How do you define your music?
“We don’t think about it too much, we do what feels natural to us. We don’t have a plan, we like to make music together, we understand, respect and bounce off each other, we’re lucky to have that musician bond between us where everything else is secondary. Then again we’ve been a studio couple for a long time, although we have an open relationship, we’ve kept coming back to each other, just like brothers really… Guess we don’t make it easy for ourselves by not strictly sticking to one sound. We like rockin’ and funkin’. It’s It’s gotta have a bit of black and a bit of white. Only one or the other isn’t as much fun we find. We’re influenced by many things: pop, rock, funk, disco, house, italo, punk-funk, euro, electro, soul, bits of hip-hop… and what have you. Is that balearic? I reckon it is, that’s how I remember Ibiza when I first discovered it almost by luck. An eclectic mix of good stuff played by music lovers in clubs and bars… Why should it be any different? It just seems alien to us to be stuck in one genre anyway, as djs… and producers. That’s what we love most about 2 Many DJs, their audacity at mixing genres and for doing it with humour too. For sure we don’t live in the past, we always look forward to new music and get a lot of energy from the new stuff around.”
What are your dreams? Your motivation ?
“Living off music is the best dream of all - whether you make a lot of cash or not. Now we’re quite selfish too, it’s only finished when we’re happy with it.”
What do you use to make your tracks? What is your favourite set-up to make your DJ sets ?
“Tools are important but no more than imagination. It’s like the old debate, vinyl vs cds. Is it any good? That’s the real question… We use a combination of analog and digital machines, guitars, gadgets, percussion… anything that can work really. But you know you can get any sound you can think of in a computer now, so you’re basically free to try out anything you fancy. The results are essentially going to be down to your ideas and creativity, not so much what equipment you use.”
Which are your favourite places to play?
“Any night with a crowd into music is a pleasure to play to… Could be Japan, Beirut, Singapore, Paris, London, Buenos Aires… It’s an universal feeling that needs no words to express itself. We’re looking forward to visit South America cos you guys have the funk! ”
You spend many hours at airports, what do you do to spend time while wait your flights?
“Sober up on a jug of English breakfast tea, read the papers and if i’m sitting down get the lappy out and re-edit tracks for my sets, my fave hobby… Andrea loves nothing more than learning stuff, he’s always reading few books and manuals at once.”
What were the weirdest and the funniest things that ever happened on a gig?
“I guess one of the weirdest was probably me and my late brother Tom (bless him) deejaying before David Guetta (!) at Manumission, Privilege, in Ibiza. Although by then we were used to play to UK crowds, 7,000 people embracing your music felt quite impressive but Tom did great and rocked it solid with our party signature set. That was sadly to be our last ever gig together and that’s what makes it a little spooky in retrospect… well, at least those aren’t memories of some toilet in the middle of nowhere but of the biggest club in Ibiza if not the world, a place we partied in only a few years earlier and which meant so much to us… Now the funniest has to be going on a day trip to Brighton (on the beach) for a Family gig (our club before BoomBox and Ponystep) with a coach of trannies and club kids. Most of it couldn’t even be printed, hilarious.”
What's the biggest difference that you feel playing on fashion event and on a club?
“It is different, fashion parties are a bit random, people are invited for free drinks you know. So sometime they’re crap, sometime they’re amazing cos they can gather some fun, creative people and suddenly it goes off. Difficult to tell in advance. Clubs are more predictable, but that’s usually in a good way. In good places, people come to hear (your) music… so as long as you deliver an entertaining set that you’re into, you’ll have a good time and they’ll have a good time.”
I know you're a music lover. What do you know about Brazilian music ? When will you come to Brazil?
“Soon hopefully. We love baile funk, which we’ve used a few times for Vivienne Westwood shows, some of these bootlegs are funny man. And the romantic 70s folky stuff our mums used to listen to… Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, Jorge Ben… how can you resist it? Particularly as a child :-) ”
What do you think about the future of music?
“It’s not looking great to be honest, at least in the charts. Machines and softwares have replaced performances and emotions. Musicians are badly needed back in studios to bring some feeling… just djs and computer programmers won’t be enough to keep music meaningful. In our opinion electronic musicians should have more band mentalities and stop isolating themselves. It’s the interaction of several good writers/musicians that makes the best tunes. Not everyone is a genius like Prince, union is strength. It’s so easy to get stuck on your own in front of a computer and believe you can cater for everything… It’s good to have different sensibilities cohabiting in the same tune, it’s often a little crazier, less expected or simply more pleasing melodically. People should see music as scents of beauty which make you feel good and alive, not an axis to become rich and famous. Celebrity culture’s killing people’s sensitivity.”
Continental is a digital label, why? Do you have plans to release vinyls in the future?
“Not in the short term. People can hardly be bothered to spend 1$ on an mp3 these days, so trying to get them to spend 10 or 12$ on a 12” vinyl seems very optimistic. You have to embrace the new age and go along with it. There’s no point resisting technology, it’s here to stay.”
As label owner what do you think about music industry piracy?
“Music isn’t free. It’s like books or films. Many professions live off those art forms, and if these people don’t get paid anymore, you won’t get art for much longer, all that’ll be left will be consumer products. For sure the record business got greedy and shot itself in the foot when it repackaged lps as cds and sold them with a 90% profit margin or so. No wonder people don’t want to spend money anymore… Now it does feel wrong to have those shops in Sri-Lanka or else selling exclusively bootlegs of cds and dvds. I exchange music with other djs, occasionally burn stuff for friends, that kind of thing, to me that’s ok, it’s my job to spread the word. I see it as supporting bands by attracting people’s attention to what they do, so that more and more play and listen to interesting music rather than the same old chart pap… Obviously Continental is a business, but it’s really all about the music. I’m lucky to have a very efficient team around me who gets a lot less out of it than it gives, but thanks to their talent and trust we’re building a little family and taking each step at a time. It feels nice you know, music mates, people you like the work of, encouraging the younger ones and giving full artistic control to the more experienced ones. It’s a real honour, we hope Continental can help them develop into consistent long-term artists while doing great singles with us.”
Do you think that services like Deezer, Spotify and Google Play Music can kill the habit of buy music?
“I’d say yes to a certain extent. But at least royalties are being paid to artists now, 80% like iTunes I hear… so it is yet another mutation that seems to be working… I don’t really use it personally cos u know i’ve got so much stuff to listen to all the time, between what I get given and what I buy… but it’s great idea to be able to discover stuff like if you walked in a public library.”
After working with amazing labels like Kitsuné, Gomma… why have you decided to create your own label (Continental Records) ?
“So I could complain about music and show how it’s got to be done in my opinion haha.”
Continental is a new label but already released tracks by amazing artists like Reflex, Shindu, Fancy, Rüfüs and of course JBAG. What's next?
“Lots of stuff, honestly it’s not like there aren’t great musicians out there. We have more singles coming from France, SE Asia, Berlin, Sydney, London, Belgium… The way the charts are going we believe underground pop has sunny days ahead. People need to feel stuff you know, music is about emotion… I witness it at most of my gigs. Djs should give crowds more credit, not everybody likes boring s**t.”
No, not yet. It seems like a can of worms that I’m afraid to open. I’ve seen what it does to people (as far as the obsession goes) and can see how easy it would be to get lost in them. So maybe one day - it does look fun though.
