Noir Interview - June 2008
What made you get into the music business?
- I love music, especially electronic music. And I've loved electronic music as long as i can remember. I used to get teased a bit in school cause I didn't like the usual child songs and radio music. Was really into Kraftwerk and stuff like that.
You've been in the scene for a long time. How do you think house music has evolved?
- It's become more detail minded. It's not enough to have a great groove or melody. It has to sound good too. And it helps a lot if you have great efx behind the production as well.
You produced quite a hit with ”My MTV", did it affect your career?
- Yes, my release on Toolroom helped a lot in the boosting of my name in the industry.
You and your label Noir Music got good support from many big DJs. How important is that for the success of a release?
- Support is always important. If John Digweed, Mark Knight and Fedde Le Grand all supports a certain track - that means a lot of people hear it, like it, buy it and play it.
Any new producitions coming out in the near future?
- Yes I've got a 4 track EP "Hits From The Dark Side" coming out on Noir Music on June 23rd. Think it's my best to date - so I'm excited to see the reactions.
What type of software (and/or hardware) do you use for making music?
- I mainly use Ableton and a lot of VST synths + I couldnt live without my Novation midi keyboard.
Can you tell us a little about your label Noir Music, what type of music does it release and what´s coming next?
- Next up is the "Noir - Hits From The Dark Side" EP. Then we got 3 exciting releases coming over the summer incl. artists like Moonbeam, Infinitize, Nicholls & Jones + the very first Danish signing on Noir Music by a guy called Sivesgaard. The main genre on Noir Music is Tech House, Techno - but we also move in minimal, electro and progressive.
Do you have a favourite producer that you really would like to see releasing a track on Noir Music?
- Gui Boratto, Shlomi Aber, Dubfire would all be great to work with in the future.
What is essential in a good club track?
- The groove/hook, the builds and the sound/mastering (has to be powerful and sound phat).
What do you think of Ibiza?
- I love it. Great atmosphere, lots of clubbers, sex and rock n roll. It's a good place for a DJ or any club-music lover.
What plans do you have for this summer? Any particularly exciting gigs to look forward to?
- I'm actually gonna take some time out to relax this sumer. Do some studio time and enjoy life. It's been kinda hectic for 1½ years now - so I feel it's important to relax and enjoy life. I'm looking forward to all the gigs I play - no favourites among them.
Vinyl has become a rarity these days. How do you feel about the almost complete digitalisation of music?
- It's all part of the evolving business. I still love vinyls and kinda miss the days where you spent shitloads of money on promos that no one else would have. These days music gets shared a lot, so it's dificult to have exclusive tracks for that long. On the positive note: it's much easier to travel the world with cds and laptops than having to drag vinyls with you.
How do you get new music and how do you find new talent for you label?
- I get most of my music via promo mailouts from labels, producer friends and new talents that sends me demos. I spent a lot of money buying from the digital stores as I dont mind paying for music and cause I still love to browse around and find unique pieces like in the good old vinyl shops.
You're from Denmark, are there any newcomers to look for in the near future from Denmark?
- Sivesgaard who is now signed to my label is definitley one to watch. His way of creating memorable melodies on techno productions is awesome.
Tell me about the best gig you've ever played? The worst?
- Think one of my best gigs were in Turnmills (before it closed down of course). I played the closing set and people wouldn't leave, so security had to line up and push people out. I wont let anyone down and tell the location of my worst gig. But the warm up DJ cleared the club with awfull electro before i went on.
Do you know anything about the music scene in Sweden?
- Yeah, I know it's much better promoted and popular than the Danish scene or any other country in Scandinavia. You got some great names and music coming from Sweden and a big portion of that actually breaks through worldwide.
Can you give me your current top 5?
1. Noir - Troya - Noir Music
2. Radioslave - Grindhouse (Dubfire Terror Planet Mix) - Rekids
3. Einmusik & Stimming - Magdalena - Diynamic
4. Rene Amesz - Ploert - TBA
5. D DUb - Deep Blue (Noir Punched Edit) - Takt Recordings
What´s your best advice to young people that want to get into the music business?
- Belive in yourself - dont give up.
Any shoutouts to your fans?
- It's all about house music - and it always will be ;o) Respect the artists - buy their music and do not share. Thanks for all your love and support.
