You will find in this category each week, an interview or a biograhpy of a Dj or artist which is breaking the news. All styles are on the “menu” of this category: minimal, house, electro, techno or even trance in some cases.
The topic will be supplemented by other Djs following the latest electronic music news.
We are sure you have all heard of Kiko... Since his debut in 1992, Kiko is considered one of the very influential players from the French scene. The first important project was Phunky Data (duo with Oxia) during the 90's. This formation, in combination with some other artists, made Grenoble the French electronic city at this period. He has actively produced for several labels among which , Signature By Kiko, Material Series, Break New Soil, Great Stuff rec, Definitive Rec, Blu Fin ,Pias, Goodlife to name a few. Today we have a chance to interview one of the best French DJs thanks to Form Music. It follows notably the interviews of other famous French producers like Da Fresh, Muttonheads, Rodriguez Jr., Paul Nazca. First, I wanted to thank Kiko who answered our questions.
"Hello Kiko,
Some days ago you released “Monito” under the imprint Freshin Records created by Da Fresh. Could you please explain us how this project was born? Is there something special about it?
> I released a track in February called "Lucky number" who worked very well and notably ranked in the top 10 on the Beatport techno charts so Da Fresh asked me if I wanted to make a new track for his label and I accepted!
Following this track, what will be your next release now? Some of your own tacks or remixes maybe?
> I release 3 or 4 tracks every month on various labels! I’ve just released a remix for the legendary track « Phuture – We are phuture » which was rerecorded by Carl Cox & Dj Pierre aka Phuture! It includes remixes by Dj Pierre / Carl Cox / and me
Half of the year 2012 is over. What could you say about these 6 first months? A lot of tour dates and less productions maybe?
> Many productions, I have already released about 40 tracks during these first 6 months and I have played a lot in France and Europe!
After you give us these info about your music news we would like to go back to your musical roots. Could you briefly tell us how did you become producer and DJ?
> I mix since the age of 14 and I have started fiddled with the machines at the same time! At 21 years old I have created a record store in Grenoble "Ozone Records" from 1994 to 1998 and it is where I met Oxia / The Hacker / Miss Kittin! I had my own studio behind the store and in 1995 we set up the imprint Ozone Record with our first release.
At the beginning, did your family understand what you did for a living? And now are they proud of what you achieved along the years?
> Since the age of 14 I knew that I was going to be Dj and producer! It is the only thing I can do.
More and more people are asking us about the material DJs and producers use. How did you produce a track? Which softwares or instruments?
> From 1993 to 2000 I worked only with hardware like Atari 1040 ste + sampler Akai s950 + ensoniq asr 10 + tr 808 + tr 909 + different synthesizer (Juno/Moog/..........). From 2000, I went on with PC with Cubase that is to say fully software!
Besides your production schedule, you have worked tirelessly to bring the imprint "Signature by Kiko" to fruition. How do you manage all these tasks? You need to have a good team to help you I can imagine! When we interviewed Fedde le Grand some months ago, he was mainly help by his family. What about you? Friends maybe too?
> My label “Signature by Kiko” is managed by "Plantage 13" that also manages careers and labels of Oliver Huntemann and Stephan Bodzin!
Are there any artists signed under your imprint you would like to talk about?
> The deal with Plantage 13 is that “Signature by Kiko” is reserved for my own productions! By cons I can release remixes of other artists!
Kiko, the interview will be published on a website mainly read by French people. Are there some artists that you personally know or especially love their music like Oxia?
> Oxia / The Hacker / Citizen Kain / Gino's / Mihalis Safras…
You are part of the Form label, lead notably by Popof. What is your relationship with the other producers of the label like Noob, Julian Jeweil, Sebastien Leger, Alessio Mereu or Joachim Pastor that I interviewed some months ago? Do you exchange your works or ask for advice?
> Concerning Sebastien Leger we know each other for a very long time since our inception and I’m a good friend of Julien Jeweil that I follow since the beginning!
Besides music, what are your hobbies?
> Soccer and taking care of my girls.
Kiko, before we conclude this interview we have a few more questions. Sometimes one word is enough!
The track you advise us to listen to in your discography?
> We love sunrise”
An artist you would like to work with one day?
> Bobby Orlando
Three words to define your music?
> Sensual / groovy / emotional
Are you using vinyl or mp3 for your mixes?
> MP3
One privilege that being a DJ gives you access to?
> Free entrance
The software you use to produce?
> Cubase 5
Your favorite track these days?
> Phuture – We are phuture (Kiko’s Bunker mix)
Some words about the website I manage: Actualités Electroniques and where the interview will be published?
> Actually, I did not know the website before but I see that the reviews of the EPs are very detailed, and it's really good for us as producers to have this kind of support!!
Kiko, thank you very, very much for the time you devoted to Actualités Electroniques and particularly for this full and exclusive interview. We look forward to listening to your next productions and finding out about your live dates. A bientôt!”
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