MaJiKer is an English producer/songwriter living in Paris. He produced an album called ‘Le Fil’ with French singer/songwriter Camille. Then they went on tour around the world before returning to produce Camille’s latest album ‘Music Hole’. He has also produced material with several other singer/songwriters including recent collaborations with Sacha Bernardson and Melissa Laveaux. He is currently embarking on a tour to promote his own debut “Body-Piano-Machine”. It is out now on Gaymonkey Records. Below is a music video, interview, tour dates and an MP3. Check it out!!!
I love your taste in make up! Who are your favorite make up designers?
I tend to use paint on my face and body, more often than make-up. I’m into the effect that the colours create and the concept behind them, so although I think the result is playful and striking, it’s a actually way for me to explore the theme of my album. For this project, Body-Piano-Machine, the Body is RED (Blood etc.), the Piano is BLUE (melancholy, Blues) and the Machine is GREEN (like circuit board, electric live wires).
Why do you project such a glamorous image? What inspires you to dress to the nines?
Glamorous? Really? Me? I’m flattered! I think it’s fun to bring a bit of class into my kind of pop music project, and hence the suit and fairly formal styling for this project. It’s also a good contrast to the messy and colourful face paints, and helps to emphasis them. I started out as a producer and this is in some ways a production project (with all the guest vocalists and strong sonic concept), so the visual feel is like the smart guy, who is in control of the whole thing and is getting on with his creative business, rather than the crazy pop star who is running all over the place and dressed like a werewolf. I like the idea of organized chaos…
When you sing live what singer do you channel?
Only myself! I’m still growing as a vocalist – it’s very new for me, so I’m very excited to find new possibilities for my voice. There’s so much to learn and discover. I listen to 90% female vocalists and always have done, so luckily for me that makes it easier for me to avoid accidentally being too influenced by any one male singer.
What is your favorite record you produced?
I cannot pick a favourite: that would be like choosing a favourite child! I will always have a soft spot for “Le Fil” by Camille, which was the most beautiful journey, from a very private and secret creative space, to spreading all over the world and ending up in surprising places! It transformed my life.
But usually the music I am most excited about it whatever I am currently working on, so my newest productions. Loads of new stuff coming soon! Being creating some really fun new remixes for Jenny Wilson, Temposhark, and many more…
Why did you decide to create your own record after producing records?
It was a long path to end up there. I’d never imagined myself as a “singer/songwriter” but actually I realized that I did have things I wanted to explore, combination’s of sounds and ideas that I felt I had not heard elsewhere, and certain lyrical things that I wanted to express. I love both roles, producer and artist, and plan to continue doing both in the future. I’d also like to do more song-writing for other artists without necessarily having the responsibility of producing the tracks up. It can be really fulfilling to be very spontaneous just writing a song and then handing it over to other people.
What are your favorite nightclubs to hang out in?
I’m not really a clubber at the moment. I have had my period of enjoying Le Pulp in Paris, especially when my friend who DJ’d there would play Babooshka (by Kate Bush) for me at 5:00am! Nowadays, I prefer good food and sharing music for my friends at home. It’s almost impossible to find good music to enjoy out and about in Paris.
Your favorite country?
Britain, but that’s only because I don’t live there anymore: I miss all the good stuff and don’t have to deal with the bad stuff! Grass is always greener etc…
Your favorite cocktail?
Anything sweet. I love Baileys.
What party do you look most forward to singing your heart out in?
I loved performing this summer at the EQ club night at Underbelly in Hoxton, but sadly they have recently been kicked out along with all the other regular nights. I believe they started up in a new venue, so I’m keen to play again and see if it’s as much fun. EQ is a mecca for those who love fresh electro-pop, and it was really great to see these young kids performing the hell out of their songs, and people really enjoying them.
Tour Dates:
Oct 15 2009 6:30P Kaffibarinn @ 6.30pm Reykjavik
Oct 16 2009 4:00P Iceland Airwaves – Off Venue @ 4pm Reykjavik
Nov 3 2009 8:00P Hare & Hounds Birmingham, Midlands
Nov 6 2009 8:00P Brighton Unitarian Church Brighton, South
Nov 9 2009 8:00P ICA London, London and South East
Nov 27 2009 8:00P Protoclip – Centre FGO Barbara Paris, Ile-de-France
MP3:
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