Thrilling thousands of adoring fans via his European tour right now is Electro pioneer Vitalic. While Europeans are familiar with Vitalic thanks to their nights at the clubs, most Americans likely know his work by this kickass scene in Dredd. This week the extremely talented musician talked to us about inspiration, emotion, and what’s next for Electronic Music.
1.
FDRMX: This is an obvious question and one you’ve heard a million times I bet, but I’d still like to ask: Why the name Vitalic?
Vitalic: Yes, this is the most common question of course. Vitalic is just a Russian first name. I used to speak and love Russian language and I picked that name because I like its sound.
2.
FDRMX: You recently performed in Ibiza for the opening of Reverse the Privilege World Club. How did it go?
V: It was super. The club was packed and the people were very nice. I don’t have the classical Ibiza sound but it’s pleasant to play there.
3.
FDRMX: You’re scheduled to stop at Ibiza two more times on your tour including the closing performance. Do you have a special connection to the island?
V: I do and I usually spend a full week there, but not this year. My Ibiza thought is not the clubbing and hysterical one. I remain in quiet parts, I walk, and I rent a boat to go away from the noise and people.
4.
FDRMX: The music video for Poney Part I features a lot of dogs making hilarious faces while being tossed in the air. Do you consider yourself a dog person?
V: Kind of. Much more than a cat person indeed. I love dogs – the nice ones only. Living in Paris makes it difficult to have one, but I hope to have one again some day.
5.
FDRMX: You’ve said that the only thing you can’t synthesize is the emotion you put into your music. What are the biggest emotions of yours that you put in your music?
V: Melancholy. In fact I can’t put melancholy in my music like I add cheese to pasta. I must really have some feelings to express them in my music.
6.
FDRMX: You’ve remixed the work of many artists. Are there any new artists your looking at as future targets for remixing?
V: Not really. I never ask to make a remix, I did only for Sabali from Amadou et Mariam. It’s not in my nature to ask for things. Anyway I am producing my 4th LP at the moment and I make a few remixes only once the now LP is out, so it’s not on the map.
7.
FDRMX: The video for “Stamina” is a pretty unsettling look at a weight loss battle. Did you have any influence on the video? If not, was food and dieting on your mind when you created the audio for Stamina?
V: No, food wasn’t in my mind when I made this song but I thought the link between the idea of Stamina and weight loss and magic pills was very good. The video isn’t my idea but I orientated the cutting. This video talks about serious things with sense of humor! I was about to start filming another script when I received this one. At last minute I changed my mind.
8.
FDRMX: You joined the Electronic Music scene when it was relatively young. What was it that drew you to the genre?
V: I think I always liked electronic under all its forms. From Electronica to italo disco and then dance music and later techno. It’s about the textures of synthesizers, their mechanical way of working but the life you can put in them if you want.
9.
FDRMX: Your song “Poison Lips” was featured on the Dredd movie soundtrack. Its inclusion resulted in a burst of popularity for the 3 year old song (and it really added to the raid scene of the movie). Have you seen the film? What do you think of your song’s inclusion?
V: No I didn’t see the movie, but I was told it’s really cool. Now you ask this question I realize I didn’t and I will rent it for my next flight. Warner sent me the scene for approval though, and I thought it was mind-blowing. The point is that at the moment of watching a movie, I mostly turn to dramas rather than action movies.
10.
FDRMX: My favorite music video and song of yours is “Fade Away”. I loved how the message of the futility of killing to profit in life. The repetition of “You Better Run” added to that message. Was futility a big influence for that song? If not, what was?
V: I did like the idea of a loop and a kind of moral at the end alongside a real story without giving you all the keys. But I picked up that one because Romain has his own texture and photography that is really cinema, not music video.
11.
FDRMX: Like I said before, You’ve been around since the early years of the Electronic Music scene, well before it was as popular as it is today. What would you say is the biggest leap for the genre in the last decade?
V: I think it all changed around 2006 / 2007 when a new generation of kids got into it and then the sound moved from Hip Hop and RnB to EDM in the USA. I don’t know if it’s a leap or not as chain produced techno easy to dance and easy to forget, or EDM with sad girls complaining about love how love is tricky isn’t my favorite tapa.
12.
FDRMX: What do you think is the next big step for the genre? Do you see yourself as part of that next big step?
V: I think electro isn’t really moving. Diplo brought some new stuff for real, created a new genre. You have also people like James Blake who created something. Caribou or Pachanga Boys too. But 90% of the production is based on existing stuff I already know. It doesn’t kill my enthusiasm though.
13.
FDRMX: What are your top three favorite songs you have ever remixed?
1 – ‘Sabali’ from Amadou and Mariam
2 – ‘Who is it’ from Bjork
3 – ‘The Chase’ from Gorgio Moroder
A huge Thank You to Vitalic for taking the time to answer our silly questions. Best of luck on your tour! His entire Concert schedule can be seen on his website. If you are in the area, do yourself a favor and check it out.
While you’re at it be sure to keep up to date with his Facebook posts as he continues to blow the minds of Electro fans everywhere.