Having taken their name from the world's greatest heavyweight boxer, Parisian duo Zdar and BoomBass have exceeded their billing in every way, building an incredible portfolio of some of the finest house produced over the past two decades and scoring themselves millions of adoring fans in the process. As the names behind classics Cassius 99, Feeling For You, The Sound of Violence and Toop Toop, the Cassius boys have rightfully earned themselves a reputation among the dance music elite. Having essentially kick-started the French electro-house explosion, there can be few greater entertainers to show you a good time.
I was lucky enough to score an interview with Hubert Blanc-Francard, better known, as Boom Bass, one half of the French music duo Cassius. We discussed everything from the US number one hit to the new track Youth, Speed, Trouble, Cigarettes. After we finally got ourselves over the language barrier (Australian VS French) and the time delay (he was calling from Paris!) we got underway to a very funny and enlightened chat…
Matt: How is France at the moment?
Hubert: Very beautiful morning at the moment
Matt: I am very Jealous, I am stuck in Melbourne!
Hubert:Oh yeah? I love Melbourne!
Matt: Yes, me too, you have played in Australia before? How do we as Australians Match up as partiers?
Hubert:Definitely Top 3
Matt: Oh, you’re just saying that
Hubert:Everywhere we have crazy nights! I don’t say that to please you or the people.
Matt: I am looking at the dates here and you have Melbourne Better Days and Sydney’s Field day both on the 1st of January! How are you going to manage that?
Hubert:Well that is a good question… I just realized… how are we going to manage that?
Matt: Well I hope your not on at the same time?
Hubert:(Laughs) Yeah I don’t know! Maybe Phillipe will do one and me another… no, no just kidding! It’s an adventure we did the same thing three years ago and it’s pretty exhausting. But you get into a state of trance you are really tired and it get’s interesting cause you end up not knowing where you are, but it’s fun now and then but if you do that everyday of the year you will go mad!
Matt: You seem to love doing something that’s outside the box, could you say the same in your music?
Hubert: I totally agree, we don’t want to do things the normal way. We are not running after the huge success we are more about staying longer, to continue creating music. Good to go for a long time!
Matt: Well that kind of philosophy of been ‘Outside the box’ could also applied to your Cassius Workshop project, could you explain that more to me?
Hubert: Yeah we had a fantastic response to this, we released Toop Toop and five other A cappella’s and we had 471 remix entries. Something different!
Matt: Certainly something different, A cappella’s especially in dance music, are sometime so highly guarded by the artist, but you seem to embrace the kind of that ‘remix revolution’. It is a great way to get young people into creating and experiencing music, is that something you guys value highly?
Hubert: Yeah! When Philippe and me were young there was know Internet or access to this material. So this was great for discovering new kids and for the kids to work on something they like, it was great.
Matt: Listening to the original version of Youth, Speed, Trouble, Cigarettes it’s a bit darker than most the tracks on 15 again, is this something you guys were heading towards?
Hubert: Yeah, because I think we needed to do something new, the idea is, it’s like a rave track, new rave. I think for a big part of the youth now in the world they can be a bit on the darkside with all the crazy stuff they do, we have to keep up! It’s not that we are tired of the old stuff we just wanted something to reflect on the life of today, but it’s still Philippe and I.
Matt: Now we know Phillippe Zdar your music partner produced the new Phoenix album ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix,’ did you have a helping hand in that?
Hubert: I just did some remixes of the tracks. I came one or two times into the studio and made bad jokes, but that helps…sometimes!
Matt: I love Phoenix’s Lisztomania, it’s one of my favourite tracks.
Hubert: Oh me too I love it, one of my favourites of ‘09
Matt: Do you think that Producing would be something you would want to get more into?
Hubert: Yeah, maybe but at the moment I discovered I love making music more. When I was young I wanted to be a producer, but the more I make music the more I love being produced. To have someone telling Philippe and me what to do and not to do. I am more of a soldier then a general.
Matt: The sound of violence was one of your breakthrough songs reaching number one on the US dance charts.
Hubert: Yeah it was crazy!
Matt: Equally amazing is the music clip that accompanied it was that your personal vision?
Hubert: Yeah, Yeah, some close friends did the ‘Cassius 99’ music video and then ‘The Sound of Violence’ one and looking back on it now I think they fit perfectly. For us it’s one of our best songs, our favourite instrumental songs, we are very proud of it.
Matt: What inspires your album cover art?
Hubert:Our covers? We love art, we love to be around art, and we love good cover art! Since we don’t release many albums we want something to stand the test of time. It’s good to have something special. I think the cover is important it’s one of the most important parts; it’s part of the dream of the record. When I was a kid I would buy a record because of the cover! I would be like WOW! If there is a good cover you can be sure there is at least one good track!
Matt: What artist could you say that made you want to get into music?
Hubert: My father was a sound engineer so since I was five I was in a record studio, the first thing I remember was when the musicians took a break and I jumped on the drums and they all came back and played with me! They were like AH! little kid let’s play!
Matt: Were you good?
Hubert: Yeah I think! I don’t think so anymore, but I did have one of my first orgasms
Matt: Over the drum kit!
Hubert: Oh I knew from that day something changed! I loved Quincy Jones cause I wanted to be a producer and Michael Jackson, I know it maybe be a bit weird now cause everyone is talking about him but we loved him! Especially ‘Off the wall’ by Michael Jackson and ‘Diana’ by Diana Ross
Matt: You mentioned the Lisztomania track by Phoenix as one of your current favorites, what else is leaking into you Ipod play list?
Hubert: I am loving Van Morrison at the moment!
Matt: Really! What tracks?
Hubert: Wait let me get my Ipod. I am going crazy for it…
(Pause)
Matt: Are you actually getting your Ipod?
Hubert: Yeah, yeah I am, cause I have no memory anymore too many drugs! The track is Tupelo Honey. It is my morning music it gives me the cheers! I love dance music but you can’t listen to all the time! I have discovered a lot of psychedelic music now, as well.
Matt: Well I love David Bowie.
Hubert: Me too! That was last year I went out and brought everything of his, to me Bowie is as important as Lennon and McCartney.
Matt: And last of all, what would be your piece of advice for an aspiring artist?
Hubert: To discover what you a love and get people around them to help. It’s really important to know what you can and can’t do. And try to fight your Ego! It is the one of the most important things but can be one of the most destroying things.
Matt: Thanks so much for your time!
Hubert: No worries thank you for the great questions! I hope we meet in Melbourne and shake hands!
Keep your eye out for the full Podcast version of the interview coming out soon!
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As the security got tighter the crowd got looser
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Parklife Music Festival '09
PARKLIFE is one of Australia's premiere touring music festivals, with is iconic party image and the ability to draw amazing crowds and artists, Parklife Australia is a must-do for any partier. Or course this year’s Parklife was no exception! With a stellar line-up including TIGA, A-TRAK, LA ROUX, BUSY P, AUTOKRATZ, THE RAPTURE, EMPIRE OF THE SUN, THE COOL KIDS, EROL ALKAN and MSTRKRFT (to name a few) it was certainly going to be an eventful day!
Thanks to Fuzzy.com and Future Entertainment I received a VIP pass to this once in a lifetime opportunity. Speaking up close and personal with the artists and watching some of Australia’s best partiers going crazy for the worlds best party makers was an amazing experience. Fortunately I also had an amazing crew with me to share the experience - Deadly Photographer Ryan Wheatley (www.sirwheatley.com) and Melbourne underground videographers, Vivecoolcitys - Ryder Susman and Harvey Miller (www.vivecoolcity.com). Let’s start the day…
2:00pm - We begin the day with a few beers to relax, waiting with the other crews to gain access, the excitement builds. But before anything… we witness a spectacular feat: 40 fence jumping partiers run through a blockade of security guards into the closest dance pit, forever lost in the massive crowds… this was going to be a good day.
3:00pm - Vivecoolcity are working the crowd, interviewing and capturing the energetic fans going crazy for the balaclava wearing BENI (BANG GANG DEEJAYS). We were lucky enough to receive backstage access and were able to jump on stage to take this all in. wow. The highlight: BENI gets it all going with the crowd pleaser 'My Love Sees You'.
3:30pm - While the Vivecoolcity boys are hunting for interviews and Ryan is standing up on the photographers barrier contemplating crowd surfing, I am taking in the dance/electro UK rockers AutoKratz in there first Australian Tour. Amazing.
4:00pm - Ryan and I decide it's a good idea to get back stage, and thanks to our security friend ‘Armin’ we get to meet the dance music legend: Busy P. Waiting in the wings I approached him apprehensively not wanting to disturb what looked like a pre-show meditation. But upon getting within a close proximity he sparked alight and was more than happy to have a quick chat and photo. But of course I had to pull a stupid face (to hold my excitement in really). Awesome guy!
5:00pm - Busy P certainly rocked the day shift! The crowd was massive and growing hungry. While Ryan and I were filling my bag full of the artist's beer we decide to get the hell outta there and see what the crowd had to offer.
5:30pm - As the security got tighter the crowd got looser, right in time for the Canadian DJ masters (pardon the pun) MSTRKRFT. With their latest dance floor hits 'Vuvuvu' and 'Bounce' blasting, the crowd certainly started to get messy.
6:00 - As the sun began to fade over the Melbourne skyline it was only just starting for LA ROUX's front women Elly Jackson. Mustering one of the festival's biggest crowds so far, she and her four-piece let loose on the unsuspecting Melbourne citizens. With hits like 'Quicksand' and 'In for the Kill', it was a spectacular Australian debut for the UK icons.
7:00pm - Overcoming his fear of flying to play in Australia EROL ALKAN made the most of his time in Melbourne playing a show the previous night, he didn't seem to be slowing down, and neither were his supporters.
8:00pm - Now just hang on… this is what half the people at Parklife are waiting for... the long awaited live stage show of EMPIRE OF THE SUN. With Luke Steele taking up the sole responsibilities of the duo, (Nick Littlemore had prior commitments with PNAU) he certainly did not disappoint. With the largest crowd I've seen and a visually spectacular live show he was definitely one of Parklife's biggest and brightest. 'Walking on a Dream' and 'We are the People' sent the fans into a crazed dancing frenzy.
8:30pm How to finish up the day? Why not TWO of Canada’s best DJ’s? DMC World Champion A-TRAK and Producer/DJ dynamo TIGA… Done. The night was just beginning for some, A-TRAK on one side of the festival spinning tracks like 'Say Whoa' and this summer anthem 'Heads Will Roll' by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. While on the other side TIGA played his new hits 'What You Need', 'Shoes', 'Beep Beep Beep' and 'Mind dimension'. Fireworks in the background, A Ferris wheel spinning and the lights of Melbourne city buildings as a backdrop… it was the perfect way to end a brilliant festival.
Wolfcallowww!
All your exclusive Parklife media:
For Ryder and Harvey’s brilliant and hilarious take on Parklife check out –
www.vivecoolcity.com/episode/247
For all your Photo needs - www.sirwheatley.com
And for me! check out - www.myspace.com/wolfcallowww
Underground Melbourne Producer/DJ/Musician/All-round-good-guy has blown us all away again! With the release of his new single - ‘Sometimes’ (which is off his yet to be named/released debut album) already creating a lot of buzz, we just can’t wait for the Album! As you may have noticed from our home page link, Miami Horror’s - ‘Sometimes’ has already hit number TWO on the Hype Machine’s Most Popular Tracks… Things are certainly about to heat up.
Spearheaded by the young and talented Benjamin, who you may remember from his, Breakthrough Summer Remix of ‘This Heart Attack ‘ by Aussie rockers Faker. Also who could forget the 2008 EP ‘Bravado’ featuring the hit song ‘Don’t Be On With Her’. Supported by a sensational trio of musician’s, with Benjamin on Keys, Bass and Sequencing, Josh on Guitar and Vox, Dan on Synth and Bass, Aaron on Drums and Sampler. Miami Horror is getting prepared for another assault on clubs and festivals around Australia.
Although very tight lipped I spoke exclusively to the man himself, he had some very interesting things to say about the new album:
Tell me about the new album and single?
Ben - Well josh the Guitarist/Vocalist got heavily involved about half way through the creative process adding a lot of guitar to the tracks. We’ve ended up making an album that could be a completely different artist to what Miami Horror is known for. No tracks were made specifically for the club at all.
Not specifically for the club?
Ben - Well after getting a little disenchanted with where club music was heading I decided to go in another direction, besides some of the first singles for the album have taken a turn towards some of our bigger recent influences.
They are?
Ben - Well I love Air, Pink Floyd and Supertramp! We are creating a sound that is new and fresh for us, we wanted to create something we didn’t feel anyone was exactly doing, while still tying the music in with our original direction.
You had some awesome guest artists on the EP anything new?
Ben - There are some collaborations with ‘The Golden Filter’ on a 60’s influenced dance track and also with vocalist Alan Palomo from NEON INDIAN and Vega.
Thanks for the time, can’t wait!
Ben - Me neither.
(And then we high-fived our way outta there.)
Although still cooped up in the studio finalizing the new 12-track debut album, Miami Horror has still had time to put together an amazing music video for the new single ‘Sometimes’. With the help from iconic Melbourne Directors ‘Moop Jaw’ specifically Rhett Wade-Ferrell (www.moopjaw.com) and with special thanks to Ben himself, DJvibe.com and I have been allowed access to this spectacularly shot and directed music video! Please enjoy!
Wolfcallowww!
For more information about Miami Horror including all the original EP tracks and the new single ‘Sometimes’ please follow the links below:
Music - www.myspace.com/miamihorror
New Video - www.vimeo.com/6938463
Hype Machines Most Popular - http://hypem.com/popular
(Wolfcallowww - www.myspace.com/wolfcallowww)
RIP: A Remix Manifesto.
Elton John in a headlock on the war grounds of the Internet.
For any DJ out there whether they’re professional or amateurs the possibilities of a new, inventive and creative mix is almost mouth watering. But are we living in a world where the freedom of an artist’s creativity and ‘fair use’ is in jeopardy? This is what Brett Gaylor and his trusty band of music industry revolutionists Gregg Gillis, Lawerence Lessig and Cory Doctorow try to answer. This cutting edge and artistically insightful view on current copyright laws is ‘RIP: A Remix Manifesto.’
The documentary begins with Gregg Gillis preparing for a set, a set I have been fortunate enough to catch… twice. My accidental stumbling upon his stage name ‘Girl Talk’ at a New Years Eve party in Melbourne has changed my views on the remix culture. His Attack: a carefree, innocent but maniacal stage presence. His Armoury: some of the newest and freshest Hip-Hop, Indie and Electro remixes around… you could imagine, I was in awe. It turned out to be one of the best new years I’ve had and it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities their are in the new world of remixing.
RIP takes an interesting look into digital media and the copyright world. Brett Gaylor opens your eyes to the corporate media’s front to “force the idea in your mind that these superstars are untouchable,” a statement that he and Girl Talk cunningly defy. The message – “consumers are now creators, sampling is an instrument.” They ask the big question, is creativity limited? RIP answers this cleverly with brilliant musical montages, animations and interesting interviews. A definite must see for any Musician, Artist, DJ or Partier. RIP shows you the ugly side of the music industry and they paint a daunting picture of what lengths corporations will go to, to control the way you use and view the media.
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Parklife Music Festival '09
