Alan Braxe Talks

Music

Alan Braxe, to me he’ll always be the person that made the truly amazing pieces of French wax “Running” Intro/Most Wanted. Records that even in this ever transitory day and age still sound so very fresh. But I’m doing him a disservice to just attribute him to that. We’ll chat about that record with him shortly anyway. I’m assuming you knew he co-produced Music Sounds Better With You with Mr Thomas Bangalter so we don’t need to go any further down that line…

Releasing on Bangalter’s Roule Records he went on to set up his acclaimed Label Vulture and remixed the likes of Bjrk, Britney Spears, Kylie and Beyonc. He’s also written and produced material with MC Killa Kella. Vulture has provided a futurist, open and musically free space for diverse and talented artists such as Lifelike, Kris Menace and Fred Falke to write and produce some of their best material.

Ahead of his Vulture night next weekend where he goes head to head with the very excellent DJ Falcon we caught up for a chat about Intro / Most Wanted – yup I am still going to keep taling about it – the French touch and other less obvious stuff..

Hi Alan. Where are you from, where are you now?

I was born in Paris, in the 14th arrondissement (borough). now I live in Toulouse, in the south of France. I moved there 1 year ago with my wife and children.

What does Vulture mean to you?

The vulture is a pretty scary animal, a scavenger and not particularly beautiful. I like the symbolism… away from any notion of glamour so I decided to name my label after it.

It’s difficult to believe you and Falcon have never played in London together before. Any idea why?!

Yes, it’s strange because we play together quite often in France and abroad but this will be the first time in London – we are excited!

It’s 13 years since you created the two masterpieces on Runnin’ Most Wanted and Intro. They still get an absolute rinsing by DJ’s across the board. Intro’ especially is going through a bit of a resurgence of late. Did you have any idea these tracks would have the effect they did?

When we came up with the title we had absolutely no idea that people would stay interested in that track for such a long time. The track was produced in one day and the process was very natural. It was also the first 12″ made for Vulture.

What makes DJ Falcon so special?

Falcon’s sets are very special! He has been playing live with Ableton for 10 years now and this had enabled him to master techniques that allow him to make huge 2 hour mash-ups on the spot. His sets span everything from Techno, Hip Hop and Pop right across the musical spectrum and they are very dynamic and intense!

How did your love affair with him begin?

It’s a family affair as we are cousins!

What does French house mean in 2013? Do you hate the fact the rest of the world calls it ‘French’ House?

In the beginning I didn’t really like this name “French Touch” but over the years, I realized that there are some similarities amongst various French artists in their approach to electronic music production and composition so at the end of the day the term is relevant after all.

When did you last play ‘Together’ in a club?

To be honest, I play it a lot! It’s one of the classics and the public in general love the track. For the people who already know it and for the people who discover it for the first time, it’s a great one!

Please pick us 8 tracks that shaped and influenced the Vulture & Alan Braxe sound:

Joy Division – Disorder
Heaven 17 “Let me go”
Wire ‘Ahead’

Alexander O’Neil “Fake”

Nelly Furtado “Maneater”

Phil Collins “Against all odds”

Sheila E “Glamorous Life”

Snoop Dog “Get a light”

Where next for Alan and Vulture?

Tracks, beats, a new album or two, more parties, more everything!

Are you a kick drum, a hi hat or a snare?

A Snare, a beautiful acoustic snare drum!

What are you obsessed with at the moment?

Mixing snare drums properly with overheads and room mics.

What was the music of your teenage rebellion?

Punk and R’n’b … slightly schizophrenic!

First and last record bought?

The first I can’t remember… the last: Emmylou Harris “She”

Where is the strangest place you’ve woken up naked?

“Censored”

If Your sound was a visual thing, what would it look like?

A sunset on a summer day.

What’s your answer to everything?

Yeah, sure let’s do it !!

Alan Braxe plays with DJ Falcon @ Vulture Music special featuring Alan Braxe, DJ Falcon, Grum, Xander Milne & Steven Siegel on 22nd November. Tickets and more info here

Listen to a Vulture mix for the party from Alan below…