On Monday, March 15th, 2021, New York-based DJ and producer Francis Mercier will release his remakeof the profound composition, “Premier Gaou” by the globally renowned Ivorian music group, MagicSystem. The original which dates from the late 90s is one of Africa’s biggest records, gaining notoriety ona worldwide scale. Mercier breathed new life into the record by disseminating his Afro House renditionalongside Dance Music powerhouse Spinnin’ Records and we’ve had the opportunity to talk to him about his life as a producer and his influences…
A huge welcome to DMCWORLD Francis! What inspired you to get into music the music industry in the first place?
Great to be here! It was Tiesto’s ‘In Search Of Sunrise’ melodic deep compilations from the early 2000s that drew me into the electronic music scene and after seeing him perform in NY in 2006, I decided I wanted to give DJing a shot.
Who inspired you to start making music?
Artists like Tiesto, Armin Van Burren and Paul Van Dyk. They were at the top of the electronic music scene when I first started attending concerts in 2006. I then was influenced by a vast list of artists from Classic House, to Afro House and Melodic Deep. I of course carry sounds and energy from my original Haitian and Caribbean roots.
How would you describe your musical style?
Very diverse, experimental at times, but most importantly full of energy and feelings.
What inspired your latest release?
My love for African Music! I was raised in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti where Caribbean, French & African cultures are very present, and I was exposed to artists like Magic System, Salif Keita, Mory Kante, and others in my early teens.
EP Buy link: https://bit.ly/3eGg5cm
How did your relationship with this label come about?
I’ve been a fan of Spinnin’ since their launch. They’ve released all of my favorites artists ranging from Bob Sinclar to Martin Solveig and Camelphat. I’m happy to be working with them!
What does your average studio session look like?
Chords, then Kick & Bass, then top drums, then vocals. That’s my formula 🙂
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Gorgon City, Rufus Du Sol, Sam Divine, Da Cappo, Black Motion, Black Coffee
What would your ideal lineup be?
Gorgon City, Black Motion, Sam Divine
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
A whole lot! It has given all artists access to different styles of music and has pushed creativity forward. Music now has no boundaries.
Which skills do you think are essential to focus on when you’re first starting out as a music producer?
Understanding different genres, knowing what is in the tracks, and having an overview / global vision.
*****
FIND FRANCIS MERCIER ONLINE:
