Exclusive Interview with DJ Crazy B
DJ and French composer, Crazy B starts its international career in the 80's with his many influences from soul, jazz, funk and hip-hop. He began some collaborations with the bands Rapsonic, Alliance Ethik and many others in the 90's, doing in parallel many DJ contests. He is 7x DMC Champion France and 4x DMC Vice World Champion. Now he is member of the famous electronic band Birdy Nam Nam, which became DMC World Team Champions in 2002. They won the highest french award "Victoires de la Musique" in 2010 for the best electronic album with "Manual for Succesful Rioting". They signed with OWSLA, the label of Skrillex for the world release of their latest album "Defiant Order". Now they tour the world with Skrillex, packing stadiums and festivals such as Coachella.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with DJ Crazy B, shortly before his performance at Sonic on 15th June.
You have been 7x DMC Champion France, 4x Vice World Champion, ITF World Champion and ITF Champion Europe. At what age did you start DJing, where did the impulse come from that made you start and how did you learn it?
My first impulse was discovering Hip Hop music on TV in 1983. I learned a lot while listening to DJ DeeNasty and going to hip hop gigs. I worked very hard.
How would you describe your music in a few simple words?
Simple and funky!
You are one of the four members of Birdy Nam Nam - which became DMC World Team Champion in 2002. How did you guys meet in the first place and what made you team up to produce music?
We met at DJ competitions and we definitly wanted to make music together apart from these contests.
At the Festival des Artefacts, in Strasbourg in 2012, Skrillex played after Birdy Nam Nam. You have left a lasting impression and as a result Birdy Nam Nam was signed on his record label OWSLA. What influence does Skrillex have on your recent productions and what can you tell us about the latest album “Defiant Order”?
It was a very nice meeting. He understood our state of mind and our wishes. He did awesome remixes and gave us great impulse for the LP.
Para One plated an important role in the making process of our latest album. I am convinced that he is the best french producer nowadays. He gave us total freedom and understood exactly what we were looking for.
At the latest since Skrillex remixed your track "Goin' In", Birdy Nam Nam’s popularity grew explosively. Which other tracks of yours would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I would recommend “Parachute Ending”, “Defiant Order” and “Written in a sand”
Birdy Nam Nam's declared goal is to use the turntable player as an actual musical instrument. Do you have the same objective as solo artist? How does your solo performances differ from the performances with Birdy Nam Nam?
When I play with Birdy Nam Nam, we focus on our music. I play more various stuff during my solo performances and that is the main difference.
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 often miss my computer and french food!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
I hope my best gig will be in Bangkok!
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
People making love during one of our shows…
On 15th April you will perform live here in Bangkok at Sonic. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
It is the first time… I am very excited to discover this city and thai food.
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?
Sure, I am open minded, even if I don’t really enjoy spicy food.
What can Bangkok expect of your performance at Sonic?
Energy, the new sound for clubbing and my beautiful eyes.