MATHIEU KOSS X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [BIRTHDAY, COOKING WITH KOSS, FOOD]

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’.

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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:

JUICEBXXX x CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [STORY BEHIND THE NAME, RECENT TRACK, POST PANDEMIC]

A Canadian based producer came out with his second single this year. It was great chatting with JuiceBxxx about all the recent things happening and what the future holds.

INTERVIEW

CR: First, we wanted to say hello and ask you how you are doing in all the commotion and quarantine?

JB: Hello. Thanks for the chat. I think it's great we can have this dialogue. @canadianravers was the first EDM page I started following. I remember sending my rave pics in and being stoked about a reshare! Day One OG’s. I myself am doing well. It’s been quite the transition into this quarantine period. But I'm out here making the best out of the situation. Hard times make strong people, and I think a lot of us will come out of this better in a lot of ways! self-growth yo!

CR: How did the Name JuiceBxxx come to be? Any story behind that?

JB: Great story. Freshly out of high school, I moved out on my own. Being so young, and away from home, my parents would frequently visit. Quite often bringing entire grocery runs and home cooking with them. Juicebox included. Love You Mom! So myself being a musician, and having my own recording studio. I had people coming through all the time recording and working on music together or just chillin. It seems to be the trend that every time the fridge got opened by a vocalist, a juicebox was what they grabbed. And so the name was birthed in the vocal booth by a friend ”JuiceBxxx”. I ended up getting my first tattoo in that house. Solid living room Tat of a Juicebxxx Haha.

CR: Who is your biggest inspiration and how has that impacted you as a producer?

JB: From a Musician standpoint. Vin Bogart is one of my favourite artists. Nobody is making music like he is right now. His sound is so authentic and his execution as a producer is not notch. Hearing his sounds have inspired me to learn techniques and play with sounds I typically did not. It opened up new doors, helping me find my sound. A Close Second would be San Holo. Stay Vibrant!

CR: Growing up did you play any instruments and how that helped you go in the direction of Producing?

JB: I Did, at a young age, my parents bought me a guitar, I taught myself to play and imitate the tones I listened to on hit songs. Playing by ear came naturally to me. I started my first band in grade 8. We rocked the hell out of our talent show to an original song ahah. I also had an old upright piano from the 1890s. I'd often just go play, finding notes that sounded well together. Playing my own vibes. They were probably terrible, haha. But it wasn't till about grade 9 or 10 that my parents got me FL Studio for Christmas. That's when the word of recording and production was introduced! I played with it off and on for a few years. But it wasn't until last summer, inspiration came, I bought new equipment and worked to create the sounds I wanted to hear. and ultimately the sounds you're hearing today.

CR: Tell us a little bit about your upcoming track ‘I’m So Free - Juicebxxx’?

JB: This is a big track for me. Your Second single is an even bigger deal than the first! so i'm definitely anxious to see how people react to this one! This vibe came from pure experience. moods of moving on from a relationship, and making big changes in my life. It represents a new chapter for me. Growth!

CR: Who is your biggest supporter as a Producer/ DJ?

JB: The ride or dies, the homies that have been around since day one, my family. always showing support, and spreading the vibes, i love you all!

CR: If you produced your first massive track which artist would you collaborate with and why?

JB: Vin bogart for sure. He songwriting and production skill are second to none

CR: What is your one go-to track that you will always put in the mix when you perform and why?

JB: Pretty much anything from Galantis. Bangers! Takes me back to soundwave!

CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

JB: I am usually with my dog! or friends and family, adventuring and just living. I love the outdoors, lake life, Powersports, hunting. raves/shows, just good times all around.

CR: With this pandemic what do you think about festivals after this? How will they be?

JB: I think it's going to be a weird transitioning back into socializing. It's always going to be on the back of people's minds. But we all want raves, they can't contain us forever! Love You All!

DANIEL DEJMAN X CANADIANRAVERS INTERVIEW [TECHNO SCENE, RECENT TRACK, LABEL]

Daniel Dejman, the Nis born, Chicago based Dj/Producer has gradually emerged this past year as a solo artist. Having spent years of migrating through the influential electronic scene, Daniel has settled in his musical realm. His latest EP release, “PRVI”, has cultivated his brand as an artist, climbing to #4 in the top 100 Hard Techno releases, and has gained support from world-renowned artists. 2018 has been a learning curve for Daniel, paving the way with new experiences, grasped knowledge, and the desire to grow as an artist.

Daniel Dejman navigated his way through the electronic music sphere before recently solidifying his prowess as a hard house/techno producer. Following the release of ‘SŃKRS OŃLY’, he returns to the studio to deliver a jarring three-track EP entitled ‘STTÆB’. The EP marks Daniel Dejman’s debut contribution to his own imprint Slow Dancing To Techno and is available now across all streaming platforms.

INTERVIEW

CR: First of all, how are you doing during these unprecedented times and how are you dealing with social distancing?

DD: I’m doing well, being very optimistic, and hoping this is all over soon! I’ve been keeping busy with my latest release ‘STTÆB’, planning the next release, and I’m slowly moving to a new studio.

CR: As techno fans, we wanted to know how is the Techno scene in Chicago, and how did that influence you as an artist?

DD: Techno has always been around, whether it’s been in the underground warehouse scene, or in the clubs. Some of my earliest influences have come from local artists, discovering it at an early age in the record stores in Chicago, and experiencing it at warehouse parties. I was captivated by dark, fast, driving elements of it, something that was completely different from what I had begun listening to as a kid.

CR: Growing up were there any artists who inspired you into becoming a Producer/DJ?

DD: DJ Funk, DJ Misjah, and Joey Beltram

CR: Who is your biggest supporter as a Producer/ DJ?

DD: My mom!

CR: Do you like playing in larger gatherings or smaller intimate gatherings?

DD: I honestly don’t have a preference, but if I had to pick, I’d say larger gatherings.

CR: Is there a track that never leaves your personal playlist because it has a certain emotional connection to you?

DD: Julien Jabre - “Swimming Places”

Fell in love with the track the first time I heard it during WMC at an open-air night party years ago. At that time there was no Shazam so I remember spending weeks digging for it on Youtube in hopes that someone “named the track” when I came across it. Lol 😂

CR: Can you tell us the thought process behind ‘STTÆB’ and how you connected with your fellow Chicago producer Rojii to do a remix of your track?

DD: I started it one summer evening in 2019 while I was in bed. I had the elements playing in my head, and I thought I had to lay them down in Ableton before I lost it. You’d laugh if you heard the things I’ve recorded on my phone in the past, just so I wouldn’t forget. Anyway, after I had finished the track, I knew that I wanted to release it along with a remix, so I reached out to my good friend, Rojii, who was more than happy to jump on it, and he absolutely nailed it!

CR: We know you recently did a podcast with Xceed, would you consider putting out your own podcasts to have some of the Chicago based Techno artists to showcase their music?

DD: I have thought about it and am definitely putting it on my list of things to do for the near future. Although some thought and planning will go into it prior to an announcement.

CR: How is it running your own label ‘Slow Dancing to Techno’?

DD: It’s great, fun, and a lot of work! In a way, it’s a relief that you don’t have to answer to anyone but your fans! Lol 😂

CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?

DD: I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, playing basketball, biking, watching tutorials, reading, hang with my pups!