The German titans always on point bring us another stormer
Piemont are a German duo who have been creating great house and tech music for over a decade now. With their latest offering ‘To The Point’ out on Lapsus Music soon, we caught up with them to hear more about the release and their plans for the future…
Interview by Rob Chadwick
How is it you first became involved within electronic music?
In our youth, we weren’t much into dance music at all. Rather, we were listening to all kinds of non electronic alternative music and were playing in bands as guitarists and singers. We both found, however, our way to electronic music in early days via French House-acts as for instance Daft Punk, Propellerheads and Chemical Brothers. Over the years we got more and more inspired by other electronic genres. The major influences for us as Piemont have been the sound of labels such as Playhouse, Poker Flat and Kompakt.
Your upcoming EP ’To The Point’ is out soon on Lapsus Music. How did your relationship with the label begin and why do you think your music is suited towards this imprint?
We have been following Lapsus music for many years and have always wanted to release an EP on the label but we just felt we didn‘t have the suitable tunes until now. Earlier this year, we spontaneously sent the guys of Supernova (the owners of Lapsus Music) the first demo tracks as we thought that the track could fit the label‘s philosophy. They picked our tune ‘Behind the curtain‘ which they released just a few months later. What we like is that the label always had an open minded release philosophy. Their releases seem not to be limited to club tools or certain genres. Instead, they put out innovative club music they like.
What is it you set out to achieve with these two original tracks, how do you want it to make people feel?
In fact, we didn‘t have a particular musical idea in mind before we started to produce these tracks. We usually never have a clear picture of what the track should sound like. The rest just ended up like that!
The release also comes packaged with a double helping of remixes from Mihalis Safras and Stefano Savoretti & Big Ma.Mi. What do you think made it right for these guys to be handed the controls?
Mihalis is a good friend of us and we have known each other for years. He is a really talented producer. In terms of remixing, his strength is to reduce the track to the essential elements of the track. His remix of ‘to the point‘ is a perfect example. Stefano Savoretti & Big Ma.Mi are part of the Lapsus family and are very ambitious producers as well. Glad to have the guys on board.
Alongside this release what do you have in store for us over the coming months, what can we expect to see from your sound and how do you think it will develop in the near future?
We have some really exciting releases coming up the next month. First of all we have signed our second EP to Glasgow Underground, where we are going to release a rather melodious track which is a result of a collaboration with a great vocalist. We‘ve also a track on their Amsterdam compilation which they are going to release via Toolroom in October. Moreover we‘ll release an EP on Materialism, which is a sub label of Mihalis Safras‘ Material imprint. Soundwise, we have always been digging different kind of danceable electronic music. On one hand, we are really into jackin’ and housey Stuff. On the other hand, we have a preference for emotional techno and old school deep house. Our goal is to present different sides of our musical diversity on every EP.
Have you had the chance to road test some of the tracks from this release?
Yes, we have been testing our originals of the EP for half a year now. Almost in every set to be honest.
What has the reaction been like and is there one track that really goes off more so than the other?
At various times, both tracks of the EP do work very well on the floor. Especially ‘to the point‘ was extremely well received at peak time. While ‘one evening’ is a tune we usually play at the beginning of our set due to its calm atmosphere.
Keeping on the topic of live shows, how has you summer been regarding gigs? Any ‘pinch yourself’ moments?
We played a lot of unique Berlin gigs this summer. For instance, our gig with Dave Seaman at Watergate Club. The crowd was just outstanding! Moreover, we played a really remarkable 4h afterhour set at Berlin‘s ‘Kater Blau‘ on a Sunday morning. At the sunrise, the vibes were incredible as there were people dancing from all across the globe on Berlin‘s hottest summer day.
Where would be your number one venue be in the world to play at?
Let‘s say ‘Sankey‘s Ibiza, ‘Cavo Paradiso‘ Mykonos and ‘Verboten‘ New York.
Looking back who has been your biggest inspiration for the music you make, and who would be your dream collaboration and why?
We both found our way to electronic music in the early days via acts as for instance Daft Punk, Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim. For us as Piemont we have been inspired by the sound of DJs like Gabriel Ananda and Stephan Bodzin but also Luciano and Ricardo Villalobos. It’s difficult to name any artist who would be our dream collaboration as there are too many of them around. Let‘s say ‘Stereo MCs‘ and Röyksopp as we are huge fans of these artists for years. Also, it would be an honour to work with Kolsch who is one of the most remarkable producers at the moment.
Where would you like to see yourself in a years time, is there a major goal that really stands out above the rest?
On one hand, we are really satisfied with Piemont‘s recent development. According to our opinion we have some of our best tunes coming up on a lot of acclaimed labels. On the other hand, we have more ambitions and higher goals concerning productions and creativity. But these ‘complains‘ are, however, just part of the dream we are already living. That‘s why we have no specific goals for the future. We just want to continue the way we have been going for a couple of years!
Piemont’s ‘To The Point’ is out now on Lapsus Music
https://www.facebook.com/Piemontmusic
