After topping Spotify’s Viral 50 charts globally with summer anthem, “Bella Ciao“, HUGEL unveils another remix of one of El Profesor’s finest records. The French DJ and producer is acclaimed for amping up top Billboard tracks, and his latest remix comes after remixes he did for Tiesto, Post Malone, Preme, Dzeko and more.
“Ce Soir?” is based on Lady Marmalade, a song originally written in the 70s that has since been covered in several internationally acclaimed versions. With a knack for turning classics into dancefloor bangers, HUGEL’s remix does just that…
Interview by Dan Prince
A huge welcome back to DMCWORLD young man, where on this crazy planet are you today?
Hey DMCWORLD! I have just woke up in my flat in Ibiza.
We have been lucky enough to be checking you out at BIG in Ibiza this summer with David Guetta, what have been some of the season highlights for you on the white island?
Ushuaïa is my favorite club in the world to play. I can start a house set and get harder after 45 min. I really can express myself how I want, and I love it. Mambo and Pacha were also amazing with all the friends.
Where are some of the club nights and DJs you like to check out when you are not working in Ibiza?
Would you believe me if I tell you that I don’t go out when I’m not working?
Boom! You are back smashing up the dancefloors again with a piece of Hugel production, this time round with another El Professor remix, ‘Ce Soir’. Please talk us through your rework…
Yes, I grew up with that song as my mom had the vinyl of Patti Labelle « lady marmalade » then I used to listen to the version of Christina Aguilera & Pink, Mia. As you know, I love to produce records to make the girls dance, and when I realised the last cover of this song was 17 years ago I was like “maybe I should do my own version of this song”. And O did. So now we got this mix between RnB and house which is exactly where I wanna go artistically.
Okay, let’s rewind for a moment and see where this musical merry-go-round began. You were born in Marseille and grew up loving up Rap and Hip Hop. But I believe it was your mum who first got you into music by playing her funk collection. Who were the artists she was spinning for you?
Earth Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, Bee Gees but also soul and jazz stuff like Al Jarreau, Timmy Thomas or Bill Withers.
What were your first steps into the music industry?
I think my very first step in this industry was finding the right manager.
What was the early musical ambition back then?
I have always been fascinated by songs. My idol is Dr Dre, and like him, I wanted to create beats with sample and stuff. So I think when I was around 10 years old I knew that I wanted to produce music.
True or false? You doubted your own success in the rap game because you had ginger hair?
Not only hahaha! I was born in Marseille as a French guy. If you are not born with the international language, it’s complicated to write in English. So I decided to become a DJ and a producer.
What are the big 3 tunes in your box this weekend, please give us a few words on each…
Kanye West & Lil Pump – I Love It.
I love this song, it’s funny & simple, but it turns everyone into a party mood in 3 seconds.
Gucci Mane & Bruno Mars – Wake up in the Sky
As a big fan of Bruno Mars, his last song is a banger. I love the lyrics and the sexual vibe of the beat. That’s the kind of record I’d listen to with a girl.
El Profesor – Ce Soir? (HUGEL Remix) feat. Laura White
My favorite record to drop on the dancefloor at the moment. All the ladies sing and shake their ass. That makes me feel proud of my job.
So I give you the phone and fuck me it’s Dr Dre on the other end. What do you ask him?
Ahah! First would be how did he have the idea to sample the legendary French artist Charles Aznavour? As he was living in LA without internet back in the days. And also I would ask him how they did ‘Still Dre’ with Scott Storch. I would like to hear the story.
Your remix of ‘Bella Ciao’ was huge. What’s the story behind it?
I grew up with this Italian song. It has always been played in Corsican bars and restaurant in my hometown. When I saw the series I was thinking it would be cool to do an edit with this to make the people sing this summer in my DJ set. So I did and I put it as a free download on the internet. Then we know what happened.
What was the last GREAT…
Film / Netflix show you saw
Ozark season 2
I love it.
New DJ you checked
I’m not going out enough! Lol
City you discovered
Faro in Portugal was nice it was my first time this summer. Also, Milano Marittima was super nice.
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
I got a lot of songs ready. I can’t wait to share it with the world. Also, I’m doin’ a lot of remixes. I just released one for Tiesto Dzeko, Preme & Post Malone. And I got new remix coming for Ofenbach, Jonas Blue…
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