Be Crazy at Ushuaia Tower in Ibiza this summer…
Interview : Dan Prince
Welcome to DMCWORLD, a very exciting time for you right now as you prepare for your Wednesday night residency at Ushuaia Tower. Last year you wowed the island with your parties at Lio, you must be excited about the ‘step up’ to the new venue. When did the discussions to move over begin?
“Hey Dan! Well during the whole winter we were talking to other venues for our event, at the end the new Ushuaia Tower convinced us the most that it was the place that we should be.”
Tell us about some of the artists you’re inviting down to ‘Be Crazy’ this summer…
“There are a lot of artists I personally appreciate as DJs and producers and of whom their sound and productions I really like. Each of them are special in their own way, but fit great in my Be Crazy music concept. Artists such as Tiefschwarz, M.A.N.D.Y. (Philipp Jung), Radio Slave, Betoko, Blond:ish, Phonique, Lopazz, Los Suruba, Sharam Jey and Re.You will play – just to name a few.”
There are perhaps 4-5 brilliants different nights on every day of the week in Ibiza, what sets ‘Be Crazy’ apart from your competitors?
“Our audience are from the 20 – 40 year old market – open minded music lovers who have a very broad musical taste. We are neither underground nor commercial. People who are attending our events also love going to Cocoon, Luciano, Music On and SHM – this is what we think sets us apart.”
Great answer. At what age did you know you wanted to have a life in music, what were your first steps into DJing and production?
“I grew up in an artistic family. My father was a painter and musician so I started really early playing the piano. When I was 17 I bought my first Akai sampler and computer (an Atari with Notador program) and started to produce my first tracks. Three years later I had my first major deal at Virgin Records and immediately entered #1 in the Club Charts.”
You have sold over a million records worldwide, had number one hits and remixed some giants of the record industry. What piece of production are you most proudest of?
“That´s hard to say as I´m not good judging my own music. Of course ‘I Begin To Wonder’ was my first huge worldwide success and was totally new and outstanding for me at that time. It´s imprinted as a great memory in my mind as many doors suddenly opened for me.”
You lived in Italy, based in Munich for some of the year but spend your summers in Ibiza!! What is it about the island that first captured your heart – you are a true nomad!
“I´m half German, half French and I grew up in Italy by the ocean. I always wanted to live by the sea again as I spent a wonderful childhood there. Ibiza gives me both; the music plus the wonderful weather and beaches that I had in Italy.”
You made your DJing debut on the white isle a few years ago playing at some very cool places such as Blue Marlin and El Ayoun. How does your musical selection differ from DJing at intimate venues like these and at Ushuaia?
“In smaller venues you have to play more deep with slower tempo. At places like Ushuaia to get lots of people moving your set has to have more energy and drive. But it doesn´t mean, you need to change completely your style of music, just play more uptempo, more dynamic and a bit more anthemic…”
You are no stranger to Ibiza, making your first visit there in 1994. What do you think are the biggest changes that have happened on the island since you first stepped foot onto this magical place…?
“I think the island has got a better infrastructure and order. The local clubs / bars and restaurant have a better standard which is good for the tourists. And of course the Ushuaia! day parties are the greatest, previously day time parties in Ibiza were very rare. I like the new way!”
Tell us about the night about ten years ago in Ibiza. I’ll give you a clue…you couldn’t find your way home…
“Haha, I was at a villa party up in the hills and I didn’t know anyone. It got to 11 in the morning, the people were still partying on and I just wanted to get home to bed. I was done in! I quietly went into a room and slept till midday until the guy came in to go to sleep. He was pretty pissed and I had to walk home. It took me 3 hours! I´ll never forget this night.”
What is the current top 10 you are spinning…
1. David August – Anthem – Diynamik
2. Thomas Gandey & Zeb Wayne – Breathe – Nervous
3. Admirali – Melancholia – Crosstown Rebels
4. Clayton Steele – Passion – DJ T Remix – Nr. 19 Music
5. Jaymo and Andy George – Remember – Moda Black
6. Blond:ish ft. Thomas Gandey – Voyeur – Jay Shepheard & Martin Dawson Remix – Get Physical
7. Affkt and Los Suruba – Goonies – Amine Edge and Dance Mix – Suruba
8. Luis Leon – The Love Without You – Nasty Funk Records
9. Vanjee & Nadav Vee ft. Mark Alston – No More – Lopazz Remix – Be Crazy Music
10. HVBO – Jack – Nicone & Sascha Braemer Remix – Stil vor Talent
What is coming out next from the label…
“A remake of ‘Someday’, a classic from my own productions. But before that we have ‘No More’ from Vanjee & Nadav Vee ft. Mark Alson which has a great Lopazz Remix and will be released on Be Crazy Music May 24th and exclusive to Beatport.”
So you have a night off. Whose night would we find you in Ibiza on the dancefloor…?
“Probably at DC10 ‘Paradise’ or at Amnesia ‘Cocoon’…but mostly ‘Danceathomewithme’!!”
What is the greatest record you have ever played to a dancefloor?
“Wow, that´s hard to say. But one of my favorite records is Satoshi Tomie – ‘Love in Traffic’.”
It has taken a while, but people are starting to love vocals on the dancefloor again. You must be so happy about the way music is going right now…?
“Yes, that´s true. I think it´s great but on the other hand there are lots of cheesy vocal production out there since deep house is so hyped. Lots of stuff is referred to as Deep House but it has nothing to do with it. I think it depends on the mixture. Too many vocals in a club can also be stressful.”
And finally, to all of the thousands of aspiring Jean Claude Ades’ out there, what advice can you offer to people wanting to follow you into producing and DJing…
“Try to find your own music, your sound identity and try to copy as little as possible. Inspiration is important, we live by it but try and translate it to your own language. Let nothing convince you. Let your belly and heart decide as music has to do with feelings and emotions and not calculation. Amen.”
