Exclusive Interview with Quentin Mosimann

Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Quentin Mosimann, shortly before his performance at Ztudio Live Hall on 4th September.

Where are you answering these questions?

In my studio, between two projects on Logic, I try to spend the most time possible in my studio to produce before leaving to tour dates.

You started DJing at the young age of 14. In 2008 you won the Star Academy (the French version of “Pop Idol”) as the first DJ-Singer and subsequent released 2 very successful albums on Universal Music. In 2014 you were elected “Best French DJ” at the “Fun Radio European DJ awards” and ranked #72 in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you get into DJing and music production?

Actually I’ve always been attracted by this kind of music: Laurent Garnier, Sébastien Léger, Trentmoller, James Holden… I was playing the drums, the piano, singing, because music was my shelter. And these artists made me travel out of my small bubble. Then when I moved from Switzerland to South of France, I met the French DJ John Revox (who appears to be my best friend today) who taught me everything for live performances. He was playing percussions live, I found it so cool, and I always wanted to propose something different live as he was doing! Regarding music production, I always composed my own stuff and I learned myself step by step. The more you do, the more you learn. And sharing with other artists allows also to explore many ways to work.

You play and produce Electro House & Progressive House. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?

I like it to be groovy, pumpin’, strong and powerful on the drops and with a big importance for melodies on the breaks.

What tracks, remixes or mix-sets would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?

Interesting question! I would suggest listening to my remix for David Guetta ‘What I Did for love’, my track ‘TUMF’ and my last summer mix 2015. Pretty good sum up of what I do I guess.

What is on your agenda for the near future and what are you currently working and focusing on?

A lot of tour dates as usual, I’m on tour all weekends all the year but I think I couldn’t live without being on stage… Then, a lot of studio time to prepare a new album for 2016, with more mainstream stuff. I will also be coach on “The Voice Belgium”. And other projects I can’t really talk about right now! ☺

Looking back on eventful and equally successful years, what were the best and the worst gigs you ever played and what were the funniest things that occurred during any of your performances?

Hard to answer… I had many amazing gigs. I’d say that this year, Tomorrowland and Summer Festival mainstage were really a big deal, I enjoyed it so much. Worst ones, I had some like every DJ but not so much as I have a very good agent lol! One day in Bali Indonesia, the DJ planned after me took my place while I was preparing my USB sticks, without even asking… I won’t say his name but he acted like a total douche. Funny things that occurred during a performance: I jumped into the crowd for crowdsurfing and my pants just tear apart between the legs… I had a big hole on my boxer shorts!

On 4th September you will make your Thailand Debut at Ztudio Live Hall. Have you ever visited Thailand before? What can the Bangkok crowd expect from your upcoming performance?

Yes! First time in Thailand! I never played there and never visited yet so I’m really happy to be here, first in Phuket, then in Bangkok. In Bangkok I will present my drums show with drums on stage I will play on my DJ set, so I’m usually really energetic but it’s gonna be one step ahead! I hope the crowd is ready to get crazy, I think we’ll have fun ☺