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.
The French DJ and producer, Phil Weeks, is a house music purist in its noblest sense. His unique style is evolving in an old-school ambiance coming from Chicago, with a touch of nu-school French flair that goes from the deepest house to the techiest... His productions always sound as if they were produced in the early 90’s, thanks to the instruments he uses: 808, 909 and 606. Phil Weeks is a house music purist, dedicated to delivering his best, even in a world where the house unfortunately is dominated by electro, while leading with an iron hand his own imprint Robsoul Recordings. Today, we have the chance to offer you an exclusive interview with this French producer, one of the emblems of the French electronic music scene. It follows the interviews of other French producers like Da Fresh, Muttonheads, Lifelike, Rodriguez Jr. or Paul Nazca. First, I wanted to thank Phil who answered our questions.
"Hello Phil,
You have released a few days ago an excellent album under Rob Soul, "Underground Chronicles" with 3 CDs. As I understand, it's a best of of all the tracks that have been release to date under your own label. Could you please tell us a bit more about the selection you did? This was not easy for sure.
> Frankly, to make a selection of records or tracks, I'm pretty intuitive. I spent two nights to select the tracks and loop it in 3 volumes. Basically, the essential tracks of the label and my favourite tracks that rocks. Then I balanced the three volumes based on the artists selected.
And for the end of the year what can we expect from you?
> I’m currently working on my next album. I'm thinking of releasing it early 2012. It’s really a rough project called "Raw Instrumental" based on samples as usual. Otherwise, a lot of new videos (Phil Weeks presents Underground Chronicles) will be released soon on my Youtube channel (www.youtube.com/uprock3000). Otherwise, in the upcoming weeks, there will be a new Sneak EP (Bubba Beats & Kid Piston) for Robsoul, and some remixes as well (Lost My Dog, W records, Darkroom Dubs, Flatpack…)
If you look back to the beginning of 2011, what can you say about it? What is your vision of the couple past months, especially with the release of your second solo album "Love Affair" in February?
> For me the year 2011 was a turning point, following the success of "Love Affair LP." With this album (unlike what I’ve always done in the past) I decided to do the promo, to open up more to a world of non-super-specialist... and put forward my image and my life style. With videos, interviews, radio... And in fact, I seriously liked it. That's a lot of work, but I can control everything so it's cool in the end. Year super charged!
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 DJ and producer?
> Here are few words. School of Music (classical...) from the age of 6 years, violin as an instrument (then drums some years later) until the age of 14. I dislike, I hate it, but my father forced me. At 13 (1989), the first trip to London with my school, and there I discovered hip hop music with Public Enemy (Fear Of A Black Planet) and there I took my first musical slap. (Hip Hop Culture US). Around 16 y.o. music of clubs and soon I started to produce as home DJ between 1994/1996. In 1998, I know I'm going to live for it (DJ/producer). I created the label Robsoul in 2000 and I live entirely on my music since 2002.
And where does your nickname come from, if it is not a secret?
> It comes from a Snowboard game, there was an avatar named Phil Weeks. Which game? I do not know ... It was a friend’s game.
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?
> I am rather from the ghetto, my parents dreamed of something solid and quiet for me, such as teacher for example (I was destined to become a sports teacher), I dropped everything when I saw an opportunity. It was not my thing... lol. Now? They are super proud!
And what about your sources of inspiration? A lot of things coming from the U.S. I guess?
> I am inspired by everything around me, music, movies, parties and fashion... art in general. Rather US generally but not only!
I discovered your work in 2003, with a track released on an amazing compilation, After FG vol. 1, a remix of Dj Linus "Who Stole The Soul? " that you reworked with your friend David Duriez and that is probably the best track of this excellent mixed compilation. Did you remember this remix? I especially loved the vocal! Are you nostalgic?
> I am a super nostalgic guy and it scares me! Could we please talk about other things! Yes I remember this remix. David had work a lot with me in the studio. It was the first time I make him smoke weed! He was crazy for 2 hours!!
Unavoidable question about you imprint that you have created nearly 10 years ago. Initially, it was only to release your own productions, but thanks to the success of "Yeah I Like It" and "It Put Me Well" you broadened your scope and produced other artists. What about the label today? Have you already organized a party for the 10th anniversary? If not will you do so before the end of the year?
> 10 years... I have not done anything special. The label continues to press vinyl for each release with a rate of 2 per month. There were so many artists over the years, but now it is really hard to sign new projects or artists. The first album of Joss Moog is currently in preparation. Full of bombs!
From your perspective, what are the real changes that you have noticed over the past 10 years on the French electronic music scene. I know it's a big question, but if you could give us two or three key elements, it would be really perfect.
> I do not know if I am the expert to give an objective opinion in this area. For me, Paris is always amazing (for instance my parties "Get Underground" at the Rex Club). But there are less and less house parties in the rest of France (with some exceptions such on the North, which is always on the top). The other DJs of my generation will for sure say the same.
Are there a couple of French artists you would like to introduce us today and that you know, or maybe signed recently under your imprint or simply like his music?
> Joss Moog, DJ Wild, Yakine, D’Julz, Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom, GauthierDM are amazing and represents the worldwide France.
Besides music what are your hobbies?
> I love fashion, sneakers, jewellery. Good food and I have a passion for weed!
Phil, before we conclude this interview we have a few more questions. Sometimes one word is enough!
The track you advice us to listen to in your discography?
> "Love Affair" LP, extract from my last album.
An artist you would like to work with one day?
> There are a lot! Today, I would say Snoop.
3 words to describe your music?
> Samples, beats & soul.
MP3 or vinyl for your mixes?
> Vinyl and CDs, no laptop!
The software you use to produce?
> Akai MPC3000 – but it’s not a software. (Studio videos@www.youtube.com / uprock3000)
One privilege, being DJ, gives you access to?
> Travelling around the world, sleeping in great hotels.
Your favourite track these days?
> I listen to a lot of instrumentals of Jay Dilla (untitled) at the moment. Full of inspiration for the work of my upcoming album.
A few words about the site I manage and where the interview will be published?
> I really liked the interview. Your site is very very fresh and clean (as I love).
Phil, thank you for the time you devoted to Actualités Electroniques and especially for this complete and exclusive interview. We look forward to your next productions. We also hope to see you live soon. A plus! "
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