Massive new ‘Tundra’ tune from another huge Montreal duo
Interview : Dan Prince
Hey guys welcome back to DMCWORLD, where in the world are you right now?
“We’re back home! Just got back from Chicago, the city is beautiful.”
A massive record has got the Buzz Chart team going ballistic at the moment, talk us through your ‘Tundra’ track coming out on Flamingo…
“We collaborated on the track with two talented friends from Italy Merk & Kremont. They sent us an email a few months back with a concept they had written and we decided to take it one step further by teaming up on the project. We then sent it to Sultan & Ned (our close friends) and they gave it to Fedde who then decided to sign it to Flamingo.”
Did you know immediately you had created something rather special?
“Both of us had a lot of faith in the track but believe it or not many labels turned down the track…as soon as Fedde played it at Ultra everyone was buzzing about it. Labels started e mailing us back, but by then it was too late! All four of us are happy with the overall outcome.”
So let’s rewind a little, you guys are relative newcomers to the scene but already you have made a huge impact. One of the things you admit is that “having a diverse musical background helps you create a wider vision when making a song.” So let’s talk about that musical background, who are some the artists you have drawn influence from early on that has helped you grow into the artists you are today?
“For both of us Axwell’s melodies are the greatest inspiration. We hope one day we could sign something to his label. Daft Punk’s earlier work never gets old for us…the groove in every track is perfect!”
Simo: “Other than electronic music, U2 has definitely influenced the way I write melodies.”
A lot of DJs start out by throwing their own parties and concentrate solely on selling tickets. You however saw the creative aspect as more important, because you knew “that’s where our strength was.” Can you elaborate on that comment…
“Every DJ starts somewhere; we were small local DJs even before making music. However we felt it was important to express ourselves to the world by creating our own music and playing it to people.”
I interviewed your good friends and fellow Montreal producers Sultan and Ned Shepard a couple of weeks ago, they realized they had to move to Los Angeles to keep the momentum of their career going. Is something you have thought about?
“Yes, they love it there! As for us we don’t know what the future holds…it’s great to be in LA and work with amazing artists in amazing studios but it’s nice to take a break and work from home.”
What is the best and worst thing about living in Montreal?
“Montreal is very multicultural, the weather in the summer is great but everyone hates the winter…it gets way too cold.”
You have played alongside some true superstars in the three short years you have hit the big time. Whose DJing style has really stood out for you?
“There have been many great acts! Madeon and Deadmau5 have stood out the most.”
What is coming out next studio wise from you guys?
“Bigger and Better melodies! We’re a lot pickier with everything nowadays.”
Where are some of the big clubs you are looking to hit this summer?
“We have signed to the Spin Artist Agency this past year and they’ve put a nice run for us in the USA. We play at Marquee in Vegas and Avalon in LA! Still working on being a part of the festivals!
Best ever festival experience?
“EDC Vegas is on another level of festival experience! The production is amazing…”
Who brings what to the studio set up, who excels where?
“Paris is great a picking and molding sounds, I write the melodies and develop the idea of the track. We arrange and finalize tracks together.”
Do you ever argue?
“Rarely but it’s completely normal to argue. We want to get the best possible result when working on a track so we really push ourselves to achieve great quality!”
What is the last great album you listened to?
Paris: “Jhene Aiko.”
Simo: “‘No Line on the Horizon’ – U2.”
What did your families think of your career choice?
“Fully supportive.”
What is on a typical gig rider for you?
“Water, Sushi and towels.”
And finally, what is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
“Be patient and work on the music, everything else will follow.”