Defected and Code Red superstar has become somewhat of a superstar of late with his string of great vocal tracks, but he’s also become one of the most in demand DJs around the world. DMC caught up with him to discuss the new mix and his favourite adventure in clubland…
Yo Yass, so is your new mix a typical Yass set?
“The way I worked the selection was inspired by my live DJ sets. I tried to imagine a Defected party, starting the selection with soulful and funky tracks and progressively getting a more pumping energy going. It’s mostly made up of upfront Defected promos and some classics I like. I edited a lot of tracks to make the mix more powerful and I also played around with some accapellas and did a few special edits of some of my own recent tracks. After first concentrating on listening to the tracks and making a rough tracklisting, I then did a first bed of selection and mixing tracks live using my studio CD decks. Then I reworked and edited some part of the mix on my computer on Ableton live and Pro Tools. The last step was to finalize a few levels and add some accapellas.”
You’ve played all over the world…any favourite venues or crowds?
“My favourite venues ever are Club Air in Tokyo, the ‘Deep’ Party (Vanguard Club) in Hollywood L.A and The Southport Weekender. For me they are a combination of the two most important conditions to feel good to spin – great sound system and a fantastic crowd and vibe. But also when I travel, I like to discover new places and love having mega fun and great parties in unexpected places.”
Best clubland adventure?
“I’m full of clubland adventures, so many stories as my DJ life is a real House music crusade. My best memory ever has to be playing at a big event on a beach on a small island close to Tahiti for a Full Moon party. All the clubbers had to take a boat to join the party; the atmosphere, with the crowd and wild partying all around is an incredible memory for me..”
Big standout tracks for you on the new album?
“‘The Ones You Love’ – a song from Frankie Knuckles and the Shapeshifter is one of my favourite tunes at the moment. I’m also glad to have included my latest release with Jay Sebag ‘All to Me’ and also proud to rediscover one of my classic first songs; Yass feat. Tori ‘Been Set Free’.”
What’s coming up in the DJ diary soon?
“I have this Defected In The House party on a beach in Dubai coming soon this November with Mr Simon Dunmore. It seems to be a massive event with 3000 people, so I’m really excited about it. I’ll be bringing my dad from Paris for the event…I’m sure we will have fun all together.”
What can we expect from you in 2010?
“I’m finishing a lot of new tracks at the moment, I have a new project for Code Red coming up at the beginning of 2010 and a new Yass & Jay Sebag follow up. Also a tracky collaboration with Marlon D and a few other great songs with strong vocals on it. I’m working slowly on my album, taking my time to cook it well. Also, watch out for the new upcoming Yass & Jay Sebag song called ‘Lonely’, I’m very happy about this new massive production.”
Clubland Adventures Episode 9 is out now
