- Tue, 2011-08-30 16:40
French producer and DJ Breakbot was signed to influential French electronic label Ed Banger Records in May 2009 following an impressive stint of remix work which have long since continued since he joined the label's roster, which currently includes Justice, Mr Oizo, Cassius, Uffie, Mr Flash, SebastiAn and more...
Following the dancefloor smash of his debut EP Baby I'm Yours, alongside recent remixes for Justice and Metronomy, Breakbot rounds up the summer with the release of his Fantasy EP featuring the vocals of LA based vocalist Ruckazoid. I Like Music sent a few questions across to Breakbot to find out a little more...
ILM: When did you first start getting into music?
Breakbot: As a child, I remember spending a lot of time in my older brother's bedroom listening to his records. As far back as I can remember, I paid attention to music.
ILM: Who have been some of your biggest musical inspirations?
Breakbot: I've always been fascinated by the black american music culture. But I've always been very curious about white pop too, and I love electronic music. I couldn't say just a few names, there's too many of them.
ILM: How would you describe your process of putting a tune together? From initial idea to finished track?
Breakbot: Thank God there's no typical process, making music would be boring if there was!
ILM: What's your studio set-up? Software / hardware, what do you like to use?
Breakbot: My set-up is very simple : a computer with Ableton live and a midi keyboard.
ILM: What's it like being part of the Ed Banger family? Have you spent much time with other artists on the label?
Breakbot: I love it! I think they're all very cool in their own way. I often play at gigs by myself, I don't complain about it - but it's much more fun when we travel together!
ILM: For those who haven't heard of the label, what would you say makes an Ed Banger artist?
Breakbot: You have to be handsome and of course have some knowledge about fashion.
ILM: What can we expect if we come to see one of your sets?
Breakbot: A weird dude with a hobo beard playing songs that were released before 1984.
ILM: Out of all the shows you've played, which have been some of the most memorable?
Breakbot: I had a lot of fun the past few years, but I have to admit that I often think about the Ed Banger 7th birthday at terminal5 in NYC. Pedro knows how to create these magical moments, it is hard to pick one.
ILM: Out of all the shows you've seen by other artists, which will you never forget ?
Breakbot: Lots of them and for very different reasons, Prince, Phoenix, Justice, LCD Soundsystem, The Swiss, Late of the Pier, Club 75, and many many more...
ILM: Do you have a big record collection? Any hidden gems or records we may not expect...?
Breakbot: I buy a lot of CDs and a few vinyls but nothing very rare.
ILM: You've also made a big name for yourself with a number of great remixes. Out of all that you've done, are there any that have really stood out for you, that you have been particularly proud of?
Breakbot: I still listen to my Metronomy remix from time to time!
ILM: What music have you been listening to recently?
Breakbot: Fleetwood Mac, Atlantic Starr, John Morales, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Cheryl Lynn, Pointer Sisters, Justice, Ambrosia, Toto, Todd Rundgren, High Fashion, 10CC, Linda Lewis, Tony Cook, Hall&Oates, Sebastian, BB&Q band, Alan Parson Project, The Sparx...
ILM: What are your future plans?
Breakbot: Don't know. What about you?
ILM: Anything else we should know?
Breakbot: Yes, I have very big feet.
