The Robsoul Recordings main man live and direct gets set for Magna Carta’s 3rd Birthday
Phil Weeks is a bona fide French house legend. He mixes old skool Chicago with new school house sounds and as a DJ and producer knows exactly how to work a crowd. His label Robsoul Recordings has been at the top of its game for years and is a breeding ground of new talent as well as showcasing plenty of legends along the way. A purist in all the right ways, there isn’t anything Phil doesn’t know about house music. On New Years Day he plays at Fire and Lightbox for Magna Carta – the three year old promotion that is coming off the back of a great season at Sankeys In Ibiza. The NYD party sees Phil play with the likes of Jordan Peak and East End Dubs and here we talk to him about his life in music to date, as well as about what to expect from him in the club right now…
Interview by Rob Chadwick
Hey Phil welcome to DMCWORLD. How has summer been for you, do you prefer it to winter in terms of the gigs you play?
“Sure I prefer the summer – for the sun and the warmth, but in terms of gigs, I like it as much every other season. Sometimes it can be very cold outside but so hot inside!”
What have been some highlights of your year? Musically what goals have you achieved?
“I’m very happy with everything about this year to be honest, I had a lot of fun being very creative with my music. I’m at a current state that allows me to be fully free in everything I want to do, this is the dream for me…to be able to do my own thing without compromise.”
You’ve released a lot this year, do you feel in a particularly good creative patch or are you always writing lots?
“I’ve been writing a lot these past years but I also feel very creative at the moment, I’m always excited to try new samples, making beats is my first passion. I have a good team around me which helps a lot to get more time for the creation.”
After establishing the label, how hard is it to keep it fresh, relevant and at the forefront? Is it something you have consciously done?
“No, I don’t think I really planned anything. It’s just again all about my love for this music, just releasing the music I really like, with the sound quality I like. It’s still some work to have it all organized.”
How did you come to re-issue the Gemini records? Did or do you have contact with him? Is he well? Reports are to the contrary…
“No I ‘m not in touch with him actually. I only re-issued two records from Gemini, it was that simple. However I licensed all the tracks from Cyclo Music who bought the master to Gemini back in the day. That means that he owns the music and we both thought it was great to bring back his dope music. Now we got all the kids knowing about Gemini which I think is great and I know not everybody thinks my way, but I don’t really mind since everything is clean. I like to share good music.”
What sort of sound do you look for the label? Can you hear it in your head or are you more open than that?
“I’m honestly looking for anything I really like. If it sounds more down tempo, jazz, instrumental or hip hop it will be more for Robsoul Jazz. But anything House I like (a lot), I will take for Robsoul. Sound quality is also a big part of my choice.”
Is there a French house sound do you think? Are you interested in repping the French scene at all? Is it in a healthy state in 2014?
“For sure you can feel our French culture in our scene, it’s always a part of your inspiration. And yes I was very proud to represent the French scene. It’s one of the best scene in my opinion worldwide. Our parties in Paris are next level.”
How have your own tastes and styles changed and evolved over the years? How hard is it to stay ahead of trends and not follow them?
“I really don’t care about trends since I don’t like them 90% of the time. If I like, then all good. I can take from it as I go along. I can’t really explain the way I evolve since I started but one thing is sure I still like the music I used to like 20 years ago, this is all natural for me.”
I understand you like smoking pot – is it good for creativity do you find? Do you smoke it before DJing and producing?
“I can say I ‘m high all the time. Yes it’s amazing for my creativity and I perform my best when I’m up there.”
What should people expect at Magna Carta in London from you? Have you played the night before?
“I’ve been rocking Magna Carta nights all summer in Ibiza, but this will be the first time with them in London. I feel it’s going to be crazy. You can expect to shake your ass ’cause I will make you dance.”
What are your aims when it comes to DJing – to amaze, educate, edify, entertain?
“Hmmm, to make sure everybody is having a good time. Playing some top music. No bullshit. Then if it can educate people also, then that’s great too.”
What else you got coming up/are you looking forward to?
“I got a lot of music ready and a lot I m working on. You can expect a new EP on PW09 for December, then an EP in collaboration with D’Julz coming up on the upcoming Rex label (we will do the 1st release). Also a nice remix I made for Defected, should come soon and probably soon some music for Magna Carta label.”
What do you like to do outside of music? How do you like to spend your money?
“I like to spend time with my family, doing sports with my friends, testing the best restaurants as well. We have a lot. About spending money, my wife does it all!”
If you could own one track no other DJ could ever play, what would it be and why?
“I like to share good music, so that’s not something I could do.”
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Phil will play Magna Cartas 3rd birthday this weekend with Livio and Roby, Jordan Peak and more – https://www.facebook.com/magnacartalondon
