Exclusive Interview with Cedric Gervais
Cedric Gervais has had an extraordinary life. As a young teenager, Cedric, who is originally from Marseilles, headed to St Tropez. There he got a summer residency at the famed Papa Gaio club. He was only 14 years old, not even legally old enough to party with the people he played for. This quickly turned into a residency at Paris’ Queen club. Knowing the only path for him was music, Cedric pleaded with his father to take him out of school so he could concentrate on DJing. His father agreed, and, as is customary in France, went to the local courts to put Cedric’s case forward. Then at just 15 years old and not speaking any English he decided Paris wasn’t challenging him enough musically so he packed up and moved to Miami. This was at a time when an exciting movement within the club scene was happening in Miami; Big clubs were opening, the power of residencies were becoming ever more evident, Cedric saw this opportunity and jumped in. He secured residencies at the best clubs and parties Miami had to offer – Living Room, Nikki Beach, Crobar and Space. During this time it wasn’t just his DJing that excelled but his studio output too. His first big break came in the form of ‘Spirit of my Life’ in 2006; Pete Tong made it an Essential New Tune on his BBC Radio 1 show. Cedric followed with a string of high profile remixes for the likes of Dubfire and more ‘Essential New Tunes’ followed – namely in the form of 2009’s ‘Mauri’s Dream’ and most recently ‘Molly’.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Cedric Gervais, shortly before his performance at Levels Club on 30th April.
At the early age of 14 - not even legally old enough to enter clubs – you already had a residency at Paris’ Queen club. With 15 - not speaking any English – you left France and moved to Miami, where you had residencies at several of Miami’s top. How did you keep this time in memory? How was it to start working as a professional DJ at such an early age?
Becoming a DJ was a natural move and became an obvious choice for me at an early age. Being in these environments felt exciting and I was learning a lot from my surroundings at that age (both in Paris and when I moved to Miami). I knew that moving to Miami was the right progression for me to further build my abilities and let my aspirations grow…
How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place?
I was living in the South of France and I grew up on a diet of Rock n Roll, Daft Punk and local Raves. I think this all contributed in different ways to me finding a passion for a broad range of music, which then allowed me to develop a strong passion for electronic music.
Last month you played at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami. How was your experience?
For me this was a very special experience. Miami is my hometown so it was a huge privilege, and accomplishment to be part of Ultra and something I will always hold close to me.
Also last month you were at the decks for BBC Radio 1’s highly respected show “Essential Mix”. How was it and where can people listen to the set?
Again, this was also another great accomplishment for me. It is always an honor to put together mixes for such respected and prestigious shows like the Essential Mix. I love it as it gives me a chance to show who I really am and share the music that I am really feeling. People will be able to listen to the mix via my online channels soon, so keep an eye out for that!
You play and produce Electro- and Progressive-House. How would you describe your music in just a few words?
Sexy, F*@kable House Music
In 2012 your track “Molly” took the dance music scene by storm, it entered the UK charts at Number 26. Did you feel this song would be so successful when you were working on it?
No, I just did a record for the dance floor and never expected it to be that big. It was incredible to see the response it got and to see it get so well received around the world.
Out of all tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
‘Spirit of my Life’, it is an older track of mine. I feel that it may have got overlooked by a lot of people, so I would recommend people to check that out.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve been busy working on a variety of different projects. I’ve been producing a remix of Dido ‘End Of Night’ and also been working on a very special collaboration with Howard Jones. Expect more details on both coming very soon…
You run your own party series called “SHITSHOW!!!” and a monthly Podcast called “Miamication Podcast”. What can you tell us about their concepts?
The Sh!tshow parties are a night I created where anything goes. People can do what they want, say what they want and dress how they want. They have developed a crazy reputation. The only way you can truly experience a Sh!tshow night is to come and join me at one. The Miamication podcasts are a run down of what I’ve been playing that month in my sets and generally what tunes I am enjoying at that given time.
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
I miss my healthy lifestyle. I always take my gym clothes and I miss working out. I also miss the food I eat back home!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
There have been so many amazing gigs but if I had to say one that really stood out, it would be Pacha in Buenos Aires – It was insane. The worst was probably a club I played in Houston, Texas some time ago.
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
At one of my Sh!tshow parties, someone opened a makeshift dome in the middle of the dance floor and people started playing twister... that was pretty funny…!!
On 30th April you will perform live here in Bangkok at Levels. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
Yes, It will be my debut and I am very excited to be there.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
Yes, I can be adventurous with food. I love spicy food (...as long as it's not alive!).
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Levels?
A big and crazy party / Lots of fun. I can’t wait – See you there.