French house music direct from Ibiza
Welcome back to the DMC Richard. Back on the scene with a bang after a long career carving up the dancefloor, however, not many people know that your first foray into the music world came courtesy of entering the World DMC DJ Championships. Well, you were born in Cannes in the south of France, brought up on your father’s ace collection of jazz, funk and disco and then were one of the unpaid entrants to the legendary MIDEM music conference at the tender age of 13 and had a chance encounter with Kevin from Nervous Records…
“Yes, he was the coolest guy there. It didn’t make sense for him to give a promo to such a young kid, but he did.”
Is it true that after a fruitless time trying to get a deal, you were down to your last few pennies and decided to make one LAST record to send to your favourite label in the world, Subliminal Records in New York city?
“Yes, the studio I was working with let me work there one night. I made an underground record and sent it to Subliminal, Defected, and Filtered. Filtered contacted me and said it was cool but needed more work, Defected never got back, and Subliminal sent a fax but to a friends place. I didn’t find out until a month later! I thought it was a joke when they called and said they wanted it.”
What was it back then what Subliminal were doing that captured you, so much so that you moved to NY!
“The sound Subliminal was doing was really influential at that moment. With the advance I received from my first record, I bought a ticket to NYC to meet them.”
Not many people know this, but Richard Grey is actually very good at…
“I’m really good at planning last minute adventures.”
You have remixed so many big names, Sebastian Ingrosso, Bob Marley, Armand Van Helden, Shakira – what has been your most satisfying re-work?
“‘Tainted Love’.”
Who would you say are your musical influences?
“David Morales, Daft Punk, Kevin Sanderson and C&C Music Factory.”
Tell us about the project for Ego, House Republic, a revamp of your Subliminal releases…
“It’s a revamp of my disco house time with sounds of today.”
If I could change one thing about myself, it would be…
“I would put my foot down a bit more often.”
What is your guilty pleasure song?
“Currently? Anything by Adele.”
You once said “I’m a shy guy who used to party a lot, or even too much back in my teenage days. I was a real zombie when I was younger.” – I’ve seen you in Ibiza partying with Tiesto, you seemed to be having er, fun! So is it pipe and slippers for Mr Grey these days?
“Replace the pipe with studio time and that’s pretty accurate haha…”
Best record you have ever played?
“Warped Bass (Tainted Love).”
Would you encourage your son to be a musician like his father if that’s what he wanted to do?
“Absolutely!”
What did your parents think of your career choice?
“They are proud that I am one of the few that can do what I love and still make a living.”
So we are Ibiza and head back to your gaff after Pacha. What are the Back To Mine tunes you spin us for a chill?
“Bill Withers ‘Just the Two of Us’, Al Green ‘Lets Stay Together’, EWF, Quincy Jones and some Michael Jackson classics.”
You have spent many a Summer in Ibiza rocking the likes of Pacha and Privilege. What are your best memories of this wicked white isle?
“My first gig at Pacha with DJ Falcon and Privilege with Tiesto.”
What is a perfect Sunday in Ibiza for you?
“A day at Blue Marlin…”
Who have been the biggest producers in your lifetime you respect?
“Quincy Jones and Chic.”
It may not be good for my image, but I love…
“I’m not too worried about having a perfect image.”
You are a prolific producer, what keeps you inspired?
“A mix between what’s on the radio and old school funk/jazz.”
What has the Richard Grey studio got planned for us all in 2012?
“My first album.”
