- Could you tell us about the theme or concept behind this DJ set?
Today I wanted to build my set mainly around records I’ve bought here in Japan, so I prepared my selection with that in mind. I’d say about half of what I played today was purchased in Japan. It was a bit challenging, but really fun.
In terms of sound, it’s a mix of danceable, groovy house and disco. In clubs in France, it’s quite common for DJs to start with older disco, boogie, and funk, and then gradually shift toward more kick-driven house later in the set. I wanted to bring that same vibe, so I created a flow from disco to house—from older sounds to more contemporary ones.
- How many times have you visited Japan so far?
This is my fifth time. I really love Japan—the people are so nice, and there are so many gems in the record shops. So I’m really happy to be back here again and to see different people and friends.
- Among the records you played today, were there any tracks you were especially excited to play or particularly wanted to introduce to the audience?
First, there’s a Japanese boogie edit I played for the closing today. It’s a 12-inch from the “Illegal Disco” series by Monsieur Van Pratt, released in Europe, and I absolutely love it.
Another one is “Feelin Who You Are” by Peven Everett on 12-inch. It’s one of my favorite records, and the version I played today was the “Original Drum Cartell Full Length Mix.” It’s an amazing deep house track—I like to use it to cool things down for a moment and then build the energy back up.
Lastly, there’s “Dubplate Jam” (B3) from a great EP called “Inner City Sound Archives.” It has this perfect in-between sound—somewhere between reggae/dub and disco—and I really wanted to play it today.
- You played one edit of a Japanese track today, and I noticed you also had other 45 records by Japanese artists in your record bag. What do you find appealing about Japanese music? Also, are there any Japanese records or genres you’re particularly looking for right now?
What I love about Japanese music, especially from the 70s and 80s, is that it tries to appropriate the conventions of Western music but elevates them and gives them a Japanese twist.
I really love City Pop, which truly reflects this energy, and I know we haven't yet discovered all the gems of this genre.
One of my favorite artists of this generation is Toshinobu Kubota, whom I discovered with the song "Dance if you want it", I was really blown away !
- From your perspective as a DJ, what do you think about Japan’s record culture and club scene?
I have a good friend in Japan, and thanks to him I’ve been able to connect with different people and discover great record shops and clubs. A place called 翠月 -MITSUKI- in Shibuya, which he took me to, was amazing. I think Japan has a really cool underground scene with a lot of great clubs, and I’d love to see it grow even bigger.
- On the other hand, how are the record culture and club scene in France, where you live, these days? If there are any differences between cities, please tell us about those as well.
Club music is still going strong in France, not just in Paris but in all the major cities.
Lately, house music hasn't been as popular as techno/hard groove, etc., but it's slowly making a comeback with increasingly cool events.
Paris is at the heart of many events in France; the city is home to a huge number of clubs, both underground and mainstreams.
Other major cities are often less well-served by underground clubs, but they do have plenty of underground events like small festivals or rave parties (often illegal)
- By the way, in the 1970s and 80s, were there many artists in France releasing disco or boogie music like the kind you played today with French lyrics? In Japan, when people talk about “French disco,” Cerrone is especially well known (although most of his songs are mainly in English), but are there any other artists or tracks you would recommend?
There are quite a few French disco or boogie artists who were popular back then, but today it's become a bit "old-fashioned" for some.
I'm thinking in particular of Claude François with the song "Magnolias for Ever."
I personally like the lesser-known tracks, but I also love revisiting the classics now and then.
For a slightly more underground track, I recommend :
René Cecaud - “Disco Dance”
Alec Mansion - “Dans l’eau de nice”
Silence - “Un Peu D'amour”
- What do you find appealing about DJing with vinyl records?
To begin with, I love the physical item, being able to hold it in my hands and know that it belongs to me.
It's not a digital file that I'll forget on a hard drive, for example.
And I also love that the mix is dynamic, that the transitions aren't just simple to achieve, that you need to know your track to master it.
Finally, I think a vinyl set demands rigor and careful selection. You have a crate of 50 records, and you can't afford to make a mistake before going to play somewhere.
- Besides DJing, what stimulates your creativity?
I can say that for me, cooking is an art that particularly stimulates me because it's another way to be creative in everyday life.
That's also why I love Japan; the popular cuisine inspires me. Sometimes I can eat a good bowl of ramen and suddenly be inspired by a sampling technique or percussion for one of my productions.
- What kind of mindset is important to you as a DJ?
For me, the most important thing is to please the people who came to listen to good music. I'm not here to play all my great records, but rather to create an atmosphere. That's why I love playing warm-up sets; it's really rewarding to see everyone dancing and enjoying themselves more and more on the dance floor.
- What plans do you have for 2026?
to finally be able to play for a club in Japan, and for the Japanese to discover me.
I also plan to release other albums; I have a few in preparation.
- Finally, how did you feel about playing at ELLA RECORDS today?
Actually, this was my first time doing a live vinyl set in Japan, and it was really cool. Thank you for giving me this opportunity—I had a lot of fun.
(In Japanese) I’m also happy to have done this interview here today. Thank you!
