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Introducing Popof
17 June, 2010 | 3.17AM
* Written by: Alex Hughes
* Filed under: Music News: introducing, popof
It’s looking like it’s Popof‘s summer. The French techno producer earned a coveted slot alongside the likes of Loco Dice and Dubfire on ‘Cocoon Compilation J’, the latest installment of Sven Väth’s annual State-of-the-Clubbing-Nation address. He turns up on Cr2’s ‘Space Ibiza’ collection as well as the last two volumes of their ‘Kings of the Underground’ series. And forthcoming remixes for Booka Shade and the Chemical Brothers are likely to introduce a whole new public to his spine-tingling midnight madness.
Rooted in the French free party scene via his involvement with the Heretik collective, Popof’s solo career really started popping in 2007, when Thomas Heckmann’s AFU Music released his ‘Alcoolic’, which swiftly got snapped up by Cr2. Since then it’s been one anthem after another, as he has gone about perfecting a sizzling sound somewhere between techno, classic minimal, and stripped-down progressive.
We figured now would be a good time to find out where this dark horse came galloping in from—before the summer festival season swallows him into its black hole.
How did you get started in music?
I have always been attracted by composing. When I was a teenager, I played drums, guitar, and the piano, and was already composing my own acoustic songs. Afterwards, I discovered rave parties and got into mixing, so I started blending my songs with my mixes. I bought a sampler and a drum machine, and later on started coming up with my first electronic tracks.
Who gave you your first big break?
Thomas Heckmann was one of the first to believe in me. Many labels refused my tracks, until ‘Alcoolic’ came out on his label A.F.U.
Popof, ‘Alcoolic’ [Cr2]
When did you first feel that you had finally discovered your own individual sound?
I do not really know, because I have always composed the way I felt without questioning myself. I do not try to have a trademark sound, it is up to the crowd to judge—but if it is the case, then it’s even better.
Do you DJ, play live, or both? How would you describe the sets you play?
I do both. I try to develop progressive dancefloor music through tech house, techno and electro House.
Where do you record?
I have a studio close to my place where I can really isolate myself in order to work.
Preferred piece of gear/software?
My favorite software is Cubase—I know it by heart. But I also have a soft spot for Reaktor, Sylenth and Microtonic.
Popof, ‘Blow Me Down’ [Mistakes]
Are you a morning person or night owl?
I try to be a morning person during the week and a night owl, for sure, during the weekend.
What inspires you when you go into the studio?
My day, my mood, my shape, my coffee, so many things…
Depeche Mode, ‘Hole to Feed (Popof Remix)’ [Mute]
Which record do you wish you had made?
Ha, there are so many of them! All the records I play, I guess…
If a tsunami were headed for your house, which *one* record would you rescue before the waves hit?
If this had to happen, I would have to think for a long time!
What’s the philosophy behind your label, Form?
The philosophy is simple. We produce dancefloor music which we enjoy. We have no limit or particular policies whatsoever! We simply need to like the music we make.
What was the best party you’ve ever played, and why?
Many events—at big festivals or in more intimate clubs—have been exceptional. The most important factors that determine the success of an event are the vibe of the place and the spirit of the crowd.
Popof, ‘Head Cleaner’ [AFU Limited]
When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to?
I love pop music and a little bit of hip-hop. And definitely jazz.
When you’re not making or playing music, what’s your preferred pastime?
Staying in with my family, managing the label, going to the restaurant with friends, art expositions, going to the movies…
Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases
Booka Shade, ‘Regenerate’ remix
Chemical Brothers, ‘Horse Power’ remix
Skunk Anansie, ‘Weak’ remix
Release on Cocoon Records
Release on Form Records
Main summer 2010 gigs:
12 Jun: Au Quart de Tour Festival (France)
18 Jun: Onzieme (Osaka)
19 Jun: Womb (Tokyo)
25 Jun: Row 14 (Barcelona)
26 Jun: Technoimpact (Marseille)
3 Jul: Inox Festival (Paris)
10 Jul: Old Zoo (Ghent)
11 Jul: Oxegen (Naas, Co. Kildare)
16 Jul: Melt Festival (Germany)
17 Jul: Monegros Festival (Fraga, Spain)
22 Jul: Les Plages Festival (Montpellier)
23 Jul: Beatpatrol Festival (Polton, Austria)
24 Jul: Grand Souk Festival (Riberac, France)
30 Jul: Audio Brighton (Brighton, UK)
31 Jul: Matter for Pryda (London)
6 Aug: Electro d’Uzes (Uzes, France)
14 Aug: Pantiero Festival (Cannes)
28 Aug: Creamfields Festival (Liverpool)
5 Sep: Electric Zoo Festival (New York)
10 Sep: Footwork (Toronto)
12 Sep: Piknik (Montreal)
18 Sep: Inox Festival (Toulouse)
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http://www.beatport.com/jonathan-rosa/
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