The French, Nancy based DJ and producer’s reputation is growing rapidly. From a music perspective, Mathieu likes to discover new inspiration by travelling around the world and working with different composers and musicians. He does not copy the current chart songs but intends to create authentic dance pop-songs with great hooks and melodies. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to do it this way, but it’s also more satisfying when it ends up in songs that you’re proud of and which you can share with your audience and followers.
Working together with international artists shows Mathieu’s curiosity for development and finding new perspectives for his life and career. Back in the days, he spent an entire year in Australia to find out what he wants to do in life with his talents. Mathieu used to be a highly-respected chef in a restaurant with opportunities to work in well-known restaurants in Paris, but decided for his other career: artist, musician, DJ, producer. So now he’s only cooking for family, friends and friended DJ’s, as well as sharing his secrets with his online cooking series ‘Cooking with Chef Koss’.
INTERVIEW
CR: Hello Mathieu, glad to have you on Canadianravers. How are you doing?
MK: Likewise, I’m doing great. I hope you are too!
CR: What other celebrations did you do on your birthday other than BBQing?
MK: Months ago I had planned to have a big BBQ party with my family and friends to celebrate, but since the virus happened I had to cancel. So, I spent the day by making music and I had a lovely dinner with my girlfriend.
CR: Growing up, who influenced the culinary skills that you have today?
MK: I would say, Paul Bocuse. He was one of the chefs I was following, I’ve even read tons of his books. Fun fact that I have never talked about: I was supposed to work for him in 2015 at his restaurant in Disney World Florida. But, I had to decide between music and cooking. And you know the answer now.
CR: What is the best advice you have received while pursuing your career as a DJ/producer?
MK: I would say ‘never give up’. So many times I wanted to stop and my best friends always told me to keep pushing, keep making music, and keep believing in my dreams.
CR: Are you still producing new music while creating new videos for your show “Cooking with Chef Koss”?
MK: I’m always in the studio making music; I barely can’t spend a day without making music. And, just before the lockdown, I bought some new analog synths to try out some new things and I’m having fun. So, yes! I’ve got a lot of new music coming, especially in July.
CR: Out of all the shows that you have played, which one is the most memorable?
MK: I think it has to be my show at the Nikki Beach in Saint Tropez, this place has such a good vibe. Most of the crowd is in a pool right in front of you and you’re playing during the afternoon, so it’s really special.
CR: How is the EDM scene in your hometown in France, and how did that influence you into becoming a DJ/producer?
MK: Nancy is one of the biggest student cities in France, the 3rd biggest one to be exact. So, you can imagine that there are a lot of clubs, bars, and big nightlife. Back in the day, we had one of the best clubs in France called ‘The Circus’. I remember having the best time in my teens there. We were going to this club with my friends every weekend and each weekend we saw different DJs playing there. The light show, the sound, and the ambiance was something else. And, I guess all of this made me start dreaming about being a DJ. I wanted to be that guy behind the decks who makes the people dance. I remember spending some nights behind the resident DJ watching him while my friends were dancing and having fun haha!
CR: Since you have all been in lockdown, what genres have you been listening to get some inspiration for your next tracks?
MK: I’m always listening to different kinds of music. For instance, one day I can listen to ‘Una Matina of Ludovico Einaudi’ then listen to some relaxing Reiki music, or Selena Gomez’s last album (which is amazing by the way). I’m a pretty eclectic guy. But, if I had to choose one song that has really inspired me during lockdown it would be ‘PRETTY YOUNG – Me & Hennessy’. Love the vibe of this song and the production.
CR: If you had the chance to open up for any artist around the world, who would it be and where would it be?
MK: That’s a hard one, but it makes me think about dreaming big so let’s says something crazy! Opening for Pharrell Williams because I’m a HUGE fan, in front of the Giza Pyramid. I love Pharaoh and Egyptian culture, and I still have never had the chance to visit this beautiful country.
CR: Some words of wisdom for our followers that are trying to make it in the industry?
MK: It’s a hard industry and you’re probably not gonna make it, but as long as you work hard and you believe in your dreams everything is possible.
Lightning Round for Mathieu Koss
CR: What is your favourite food?
MK: Green Curry Thai Chicken, actually made one yesterday.
CR: What is your favourite restaurant?
MK: Le Coin De La Rue’ in my hometown, if you come you have to try it!
CR: What is your go-to food when you are hungover?
MK: McDonald’s
CR: What is your go-to food when you are sick?
MK: Water and rice haha
CR: What type of food brings out a childhood memory?
MK: My grandmother’s lasagna, I actually share this recipe in my Cooking with Chef Koss show on YouTube ☺
CR: If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
MK: Wasa. Since my writing camp last November in Stockholm I’ve been eating this dry bread every day haha.
CR: What is a popular dish in your hometown?
MK: The ‘Pâté Lorrain’, and let me tell you, you guys have to try that. It’s a mixture between different meats with a marinade covered by a puff pastry and cooked into the bread oven. It’s juicy and so delicious!
CR: Waffles or pancakes?
MK: Pancakes mate! I can’t say waffles since I lived in Australia.
CR: Coffee or tea?
MK: Tea and tea from Mariage Frère.
CR: Hard liquor or wine?
MK: Red wine
CR: Cake or pie?
MK: Pie, I’m actually gonna share a good pie recipe on Cooking with Chef Koss soon!
That’s a wrap!!!
If you haven’t checked out ‘Cooking with Chef Koss’ you can do that below: