20 Questions You Didn’t Know You Wanted To Ask…Number 9 (The Vinyl Selector)
An all round fantastic character is first up to answer the questions over here. Number 9 gives off an amazing and energetic vibe as you will see for yourselves. A musician in the band Penelope and a fantastic Dj in his own right. It was difficult deciding where to post this as his selections are so eclectic they would fit here or just as easily on Here Comes the Nice (as it happens, Adrian Holder kicked off the ‘20 questions’ series brilliantly over there). The problem was solved by simultaneously posting a mix over at Here Comes The Nice, so when you’re done reading click on over to hear more from Number 9 . You won’t be disappointed. As well as that, you really must check out his myspace player and dig his groove!
1. How would you best describe what you do to the uninitiated?
.
Since I was a teenager I’ve loved to listen to music and especially all that is turning around the MOD SOUND. Quickly I listened to a lot of music and played some bass in french mod bands. And all of those things made me want to give pleasure to people by making them dance and have fun at partys as a DJ.
.
2. Where would you say you are with regard to your career right now?
.
I don’t like to talk about ‘career’. I don’t see music like that. It’s just for fun but in a professional way.
.
3. Which song (not neccesarilly yours) best sums you/the band up and why?
.
What a difficult question. I can’t answer with only one song but…if I had to choose one I will say one of Nino Ferrer’s songs called Alexander but played by the german band The Boots. It joins what I like - french sounds and groovy hammond things.
.
4. Who would you say has been your biggest inspiration (musically or otherwise)?
.
I’m very inspired by movies and contemporary art like Ne nous faschons pas and Erotissimo (French movies) to Phillipe Parreno or Wim Delevoye and Christian Marclay’s works. And of course, lots of music but essentially stuff with some hard groove, great organ, drums and bass playing.
.
5. Is there anyone amongst your influences that you think would suprise people and why?
.
Yes, of course. But in particular a french funny band called Les Charlots. You know they were so stupid they make me laugh. And they play some sensational sounds too!
.
6. What are you most proud of?
.
Lots of things in life of course, but in music to play in different places and with some great bands that I was a fan to before. Like Brian Auger and the James Taylor Quartet. And I was so proud when those two guys came to see me behind the decks to congratulate me for what I’m doing!
.
7. In the quest to get the music ‘out there’ have you ever done or agreed to anything you’ve later regretted?
.
Yes. To sell some of my records HAHAHAHAHA!
.
8. What’s the most ridiculous request that’s been made of you/the band?
.
Oh yes, you know when someone comes to see you behind the turntables at a mod party you know, have you got some Abba? AHAHAHAAH
.
9. What do you think is the secret to a good working relationship amongst musicians?
.
I think between the musicians and between the Dj’s too, the secret is not to be too proud of what you do. If you do that, it’s not for success it’s for fun and to share with people to make them happy.
.
10. If you could have played on one song (that you don’t) what would it be and why?
.
Another great difficult question. I will say all the Corduroy stuff.
.
11. How do you make the balance between music and personal resposibilities?
.
Sometimes it’s hard but I have one thing that is important for me. I don’t accept too many dates because you bore people. And music doesn’t pay me, I have to live so the choice is easy sometimes. Ahahahaha. But one thing is sure - music is always in my life and everywhere.
.
12. In light of the internet and downloading do you feel that fans are missing out on the record buying discovery/experience?
.
I think the problem is not with the fans, the problem is with the industry of records. They make the cd, they made it too expensive. I think they don’t ask the good question of the law, they just want to win more money. Personally I prefer to buy some little company records and sometimes download some old stuff for my car.
.
13. Do you think that success is your motivation and do you have a preset gameplan for your music/the band?
.
Oh no, really no. I do that for fun, sharing my passion with people makes them happy and dance. HAVE FUN
.
14. DJ’s are now as famous as a lot of the bands they play, what are your views on this and do you think it’s deserved?
.
I think it depends, but as I say everytime because I’m also a musician, I don’t have to be proud to make people dance with the bands stuff, they are really the men to support.
.
15. To date, what has been your most memorable gig (either as a supporter or as a fan)?
.
My most memorable gig! Let me think, MAYBE the James Brown one when I was younger and I saw him in my town Avignon. It was sooooooo energetic, I loved that. And as a DJ, maybe the first time I played and made people dance with my selection. It was in Paris a long time ago and it was amazing. And as I think about that, one of my dates in Manchester was really great too.
.
16. How do you overcome pre-gig nerves (if you get them)?
.
At this time I don’t have any. LOL
.
17. When did you last write something?
.
As a musician it was a week ago and as an artist in the last hour.
.
18. Have you ever reached the point where you’ve thought about throwing the towel in and walking away (and if so, what persuaded you otherwise)?
.
Oh yes, of course. It was when some of my old friends got me away from the band. I was saying that I will never find another band like that, but I met some new people and that was a new beginning, and that’s what makes me want to play my records and continue my passion for being on stage.
.
19. What are your views on electronics muscling in and replacing live instruments during recording?
.
Holy Flypaper (like Robin said to Batman). It’s a shame to me. Electronics give all the musicians an easy way to record stuff and promote themselves and that’s great, but Ipod battles, CD spinning Dj’s, false gigs with two guys behind a computer on stage, makes me sick! I love vintage instruments, vinyl records with some great covers.
.
20. Lastly, thank you for your time. What made you agree to answer these questions?
.
Because you’re a great guy and that you want to share your passion and I think like you sooooooooo, we have to support each other in that incredible world of mod music. To conclude - LISTEN TO MUSIC, HAVE FUN, SHAKE YOUR BUTT and come and listen to my monthly selection on myspace or listen to my band Penelope.
BE SEEING YOU
Number 9
Another great set of answers - you should go pro Matt
many thanks ! man