Aron Ottignon - The 'Monday Is Ok' Mix

Music

Aron Ottignon is a New Zealand-born, Paris-based piano virtuoso who deals in jazzy electronica.

Having released the 'Starfish' EP earlier this year, he's just put out another EP – 'Waves' – a collaboration with Rodi Kirk (Scratch 22) and Samuel Dubois. 'Waves' was influenced by a trip to Reunion Island and the Maloya rhythms that Ottingnon heard while he was out there. The EP acts as a showcase for his incredible improvisational piano playing, combined with Kirk's production chops and Dubois on steel pan drums.

Ahead of his new full-length, due out early 2016, Aron's kindly put together a mix for us taking in everything from David Bowie and R. Kelly to Ornette Coleman and some of his own remix work. Check it out below while reading our Q&A session with Aron:

Who are you?

Aron Ottignon.

Where are you?

Paris.

What are you?

New Zealander descended from Huguenots.

I saw you recently participated in a live recording session at Funkhaus Berlin, how did that come about?

We wanted to launch our first show together in style so Ableton at the Funkhaus seemed like a great way to start.

The 'Starfish' EP dropped earlier this year, what was the inspiration behind the music and how does worldwide music influence your sound?

Since leaving New Zealand I've never grown tired of different cultures and their accompanying music styles.

What makes Monday OK for you Aron?

Mundane Monday. The beaches are quiet.

Tell us about the Monday mixtape you’ve put together for us.

It's basically a small window into all the sounds & music I love from my adventures. Plus some little experimenting at the end, mixing some of my stuff with other people's stuff. Think electronic beats, Gnawa, West Africa, free jazz, throat singing, etc.

If it were to be drawn what would it look like?

A chameleon.

If it were a food what would it be?

Fruit salad.

What should we be wearing while listening to the mix?

A kaftan.

Are you on the same wavelength as The Boomtown Rats or do you actually like Mondays?

Mondays are mundane unless you're at the beach.

Who got you hooked on electronic music?

Doctor Jen.

Who would you say are your biggest influences, and what are you hoping to achieve with your music?

Thelonious Monk & Duke Ellington. I'm hopng to achieve a sound I can mine.

You just had a fight with the person you are closest to. Do you not speak to them until they apologise… or do you apologise first?

I don't like fights, try to avoid them.

If you were trapped on a desert island with one other person, who would you choose? How long would it be before you eat them?

That's a fucked up question. Can I eat Beyoncé?

Your doctor says you need more exercise… what do you take up for exercise?

Swimming & surfing or serious clubbing & dancing.

What was the first electronic record you heard and how did it make you feel?

Can't remember to be exact. Let's say Matthew Herbert live in Marrickville, Sydney, 2001 I think. The combination of Herbert's sampled bubble wrap and the pills made for a very euphoric experience.