Exclusive Interview with Willy Monfret
Illuzion brought the international Model, Actor, DJ and Producer Willy Monfret to Phuket. He was voted as “Sexiest Man Alive” by GQ and played the lead role in Nicky Minaj’s "Right Tru Me" music video.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Willy Monfret, shortly after his performance at Illuzion Phuket on 28th November.
Where are you answering these questions?
In Phuket, Thailand.
You have a remarkable background. You have a Master Degree in Management, were running for the French National Team, worked as a model for international brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Vogue, Benetton, Carrera & L’Oreal, were voted by GQ as “Sexiest Man Alive” and had the lead role in Nicky Minaj’s ‘Right Tru Me’ music video. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music in the first place and how did you get into DJing?
I have always been surrounded by music. I have grown up with DJs and dancers in Paris. Part of my family are from Caribbean and there they live with music everyday. All those childhood influence make me start to be interested in producing and I have always wanted to have a mix of those influences in my music.
You play & produce House music. How would you describe your music in a few words, what is distinct about it?
Sexy - French Touch with some Caribbean flavor.
You are from Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, live in New York, but one of your first DJ residencies was in Hong Kong at “Club Volar”. How did that come about and how do you enjoy Asia’s nightlife?
Before moving to USA, I have been living in Hong Kong, Sydney and Cape Town. All those places had an impact on my production and I bought my first turn table and starry DJ in Hong Kong for my friends so that's why Asia has got a very important place in my heart.
Earlier this year you have released a 2-track EP called “Encore”. What other tracks, remixes, bootlegs or mix-sets would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
My mixes are available on Mixcloud and bootleg on Bandcamp.
What is on your agenda for the near future and what are you currently working and focusing on?
2016 will be way more music released and track collaborations with big names in the industry, so music is the main focus for next year.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played, and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
So far I have received great feed back from all around the world and my management really make sure everything goes well.
My best; It’s hard to tell because I have had so many good ones around the world but I would say Miami At Mansion club. It was incredible feeling.
My worst gig would be the one where I show up and it's not the right material and I can't play what I would like to and connect with the audience.
You have played in Bangkok and Phuket several times already. On 28th November you returned to Thailand to perform live at Illuzion Phuket. Did you keep your performances – and Thailand in general - in good memory?
Yeah! Illuzion is an amazing club and the team there is awesome. It's always a pleasure to come back. There is a great energy from the crowd :)