I have jumped around too many dancefloors around the world to your sets, you are truly an inspiration. But tell the DMC world about the story about as a teenager you didn’t listen to anything to anything other than Deep House and was told you weren’t cool enough to go raving – you are now one of the DJs in the world!
“Actually it’s not totally like that. The main thing was that when I started DJing, I was into Deep House and I really wanted to bring this kind of music to the dancefloors. It was in the 90’s remember…
You spent a year in California getting into West Coast House and, what were the nights partying there like? Can you remember the records and DJs you were into back then?
“That was an amazing time. I used to go to a lot of very underground warehouse parties. My favorite DJ’s was one of the San Diego’s heroes – Mark E Quark. I am still very inspired by his style due to his ability in his art of mixing and jumping from one style to the other. Also, the wicked crew from San Fran, DJ Garth, Jeno and Solar. Last time I was in San Fran, I played with them for the Halloween boat party and 10 years after, it is still one of the best parties I have played at!”
Back in your home city Paris, you made your name at your infamous after hours party at your ‘Kwality’ night on The Batofar, which I believe means The Lighthouse Boat – what are your memories from there?
“Batofar was a really special time for me. I was resident at this first after party in Paris with this kind of music. It was just magic to see week by week more and more people get involved in the family…yes, it was a family affair with a lot of discoveries along the way as well new music which broadened people’s minds’.”
What have been the best clubs you have played at in the UK?
“Definitively Fabric in London.”
You avoided Ibiza for years until DC10 finally won you over – probably the craziest club on the planet – what have been the biggest tunes that became anthems for you there and what was the craziest thing you saw at the club?
“The first year (in 2000) when I discover ‘Circoloco’ I immediately fell in love with this party. Listening to ‘Enjoy the Silence’ by Depeche Mode at sunset on the Terrace was just amazing. The craziest thing is probably when all the crowd sit down and then jump up and down …you will never see that in another club !”
What are the biggest 10 tunes at the moment?
Anthony Collins ‘Prism’
Dyed Soundorom ‘Love Juice’
Alex Celler ‘La Palma’
DJ Aekmael ‘Headknod’
Shonky ‘Carnage’
Anton Zap ‘Ain’t got time
Miss Fitz ‘Woods’
Wasted Chicago Youth, ‘Love the Enemy’
Isolée ‘October’
DJ Wild ‘Jambon Beurre’
What other French DJs.Producers over the years and today do you rate, you have worked with the likes of Ivan Smagghe, David Duriez and David K – who has made a lasting impression out of this huge French invasion of quality people?
“At the moment I will say Dyed Soundorom. He’s rocking with his productions since last year. Also now, Anthony Collins made a really good job for his first artist album on Freak n’Chic ‘Doubts & Shouts’.”
Which is your favourite club in the world you like to play at? You have gigs coming up in Switzerland, Manchester, Mallorca, Milan – you are everywhere… which is the best you have played at anywhere?
“Of course, DC10. I really like my new party at the Djoon Club in Paris, we do Pure Freak’n’Chic nights, long sessions from the guys on the team, really cool. I also have really good time at Kama Kama in Italy.”
What has been the best tune that the label you are associated with Freak n’ Chic has ever released?
“David K ‘Western Journey. One of the best tunes ever for me.”
