The next French superstar DJ…
A massive summer for the next French superstar. After a busy season on the white isle rocking Ushuaia, Erick Morillo’s Subliminal and the Swede’s Masquerade Motel at Pacha, Norman joined forces with legendary US imprint Strictly Rhythm to unleash his latest single ‘Kalifornia’ combining a classic disco vibe with the sound of the underground. Now Doray unveils his new compilation ‘From Ibiza to Amsterdam’ on the back of a big US tour…
Welcome to the DMC world Norman, an incredible few years for you and you have just completed a cool US Tour hitting the likes of Las Vegas, Miami and Hollywood – tell us about the tour…
“It was my second big tour in the US but this one was really special. Everytime I go there, the scene is growing up and the people are really into my music.”
How would you describe the US electronic scene to what is happening in the UK and Europe at the moment?
“I think they are like us in Europe 10 years ago…they are discovering dance and electronic music, its complexity is new for them so the scene is on fire. In Europe it’s the opposite now.”
We love your attitude at DMC to your thoughts on your job: “we are just DJs and we are just making and playing music…it’s no big deal.” – not many DJs have such down to earth egos as yourself…
“Aaah thanks, but it’s the truth. It’s only music and music is created to make people dance and smile.”
You have recently released a new Strictly Rhythm compilation, as a fan from back in the day did you try and incorporate any of the back catalogue?
“Yes of course. I’ve tried to pick lot’s from the back catalogue including Todd Terry ‘Get Down’, Phunkie Souls ‘Da Music’ and Ultra Nate’s ‘Free’.”
What was the idea behind your mix – was your aim to go back to your roots of funk and disco?
“Totally and definitely on CD1. It was really important for me to catch the occasion, it’s not everyday you are asked by SR to do this. I just played all the music I wanted and have loved for years on the first CD and on the second I have played more big room Ibiza vibe tracks.”
Threer big tunes under your belt this year, ‘Chase The Sun’, ‘Tweet It’ and ‘Kalifornia’ – what’s next from the studio…?
“I’m working on many many projects at the moment seeing that the people are currently loving my tracks, it has given me so much energy. I have a new single with a new pop artist from the UK called Tawiah…this girl is amazing and her voice made me cry the first day I heard it. It’s on the One More Tune label.”
How would you describe your DJing style?
“From Disco tracks to progressive ones and tough tribal beats. I play a very wide selection to be honest.”
What did you want to be when you grew up?
“Firstly I wanted to be an astronaut, then a pro-surfer and finally I became a DJ. Cool heh? Lol.”
What did your family think of your career choice finally?
“They told me few years ago to finish my studies and then they won’t bother me anymore. So I did and now I can say they are happy for me.”
Who were your early DJ heroes?
“Daft Punk by far, then Junior Jack, Eric Morillo and Bob Sinclar – all the guys I grew up listening to.”
What is your all time favourite record you have played to a dancefloor?
“No hesitation – Stardust ‘Music Sounds Better With You’.”
You are one of the rising stars of Ibiza with gigs for the like of David Guetta, Erick Morillo and SwedishHouse Mafia and some brilliant sets at Ushuaia – what has been the highlight on the white isle this summer?
“I think it was Ushuaia this year. An amazing venue with a crazy vibe. I am still in love with Pacha though.”
What do you love about Ibiza?
“Nice beautiful people, the weather, the smell in the air, the Hierbas!”
You have rocked some big clubs over the last 12 months, Cocoon, Ministry of Sound and The Warehouse Project to name but a few, what has been the best club you have smashed?
“I think it’s Green Valley in Brazil. This place is amazing. 15 000 people outside in middle of the jungle…unreal! It’s such a unique place. How can you bring thousands of people, especially girls with high heels and short skirts to the middle of the jungle?!”
How did you feel when David Guetta asked you to join him on his entire UK Tour?
“An honor and a pleasure…I owe a lot to David and he knows it. It was a nice tour with special places like Brixton Academy in London.”
You live in between Paris and Barcelona, why did you choose Barcelona as home number two to live in and what do you love about it?
“I love this city because it’s the only one in Europe to mix the beach vibe and the city vibe, both really, really important to me.”
What one thing would you change about yourself?
“I would have loved to have trained to be a real musician, to be able to play the piano, the guitar or drums would have been great. It is so frustrating.”
It’s your birthday, which 3 DJs do ask to play for you?
“Morillo and Sinclar to play a disco set and Eric Prydz for the late set.”
What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers reading this?
“Take your time guys. There’s no rush and don’t chase success.”
Strictly Ibiza To Amsterdam mixed by Norman Doray is out on October 11th.
