Gregori Klosman speaks to Skiddle on the eve of his UK debut at Gatecrasher

This Saturday sees Parisian DJ Gregori Klosman make his UK debut at Gatecrasher Birmingham, in support of the great Dutchman DJ Chuckie.

We caught up with the fast rising star to talk about French vs Dutch sounds,film soundtracks, and the upcoming release of his official Lady Gaga remix. 

Hi Gregori! How was your year been so far?

Hi. Pretty crazy and full of great releases and shows.

How did you first get into dance music? Was there a particular moment or artist when you were growing up that made you sit up and take notice?

I was born and raised during the dance music explosion. But 1997 was the beginning of a new era. Daft Punk released their first album. From that day, I knew back then I wanted to produce that kind of sound. I was not really aware of what a DJ is. First I loved the sound. Then I discovered the DJ thing. That was my goal.

Who were you influenced by on the French scene growing up?

Like I said Daft Punk, but also French acts such as Cassius, DJ Falcon, Fred Falke, Air, Phoenix, etc... Filter house will always be welcome in my House!

Are you still based in Paris? If so, is there another city in the world that you'd like to live in?

Yes I still live in Paris, but touring a lot leads me to think of a new place for the future. NYC, Amsterdam, London. Why not? But whatever, I can still visit those great cities during my gigs.

How do the Dutch and French sounds compare? How much have you been influenced by Chuckie's Dutch sound?

French sound is way more melodic in my opinion. Dutch sounds, in the other hand, is designed for the dancefloors. As I'm in love with making people dance, Chuckie's Dutch sound influenced me a lot. I can now combine those two sounds. That's what best describe my music.

You're an official remixer for Lady Gaga's 'Americano'; how did that come about?

Her US label, Interscope, touch based with me after listening to some of my tracks/remixes. They asked me for a remix and they loved it. Now it's due to be released worldwide on the Lady Gaga Remixes alum November 21st.

Hear a preview of the remix here:

 
What do you prefer; remixing others' tracks or creating your own?

Actually I love both. Producing an original track is a challenge with myself and the best way to express what I feel. Producing a remix is more a challenge with the original track. I always want to produce a remix that is totally different from the original.

You famously sampled the Jaws theme tune… do you have a particular interest in film soundtracks or was that just a one off?

I studied Cinema and have been in love with movie soundtracks for a long time. The tension of the 'JAWS' theme fitted House Music perfectly.

 
Would you ever like to make a film soundtrack yourself?

I have to admit this is one of my dreams. Daft Punk's Tron Legacy soundtrack, or people like Quentin Dupieux aka Mr. Oizo directing his on movie, is a good motivation. But my priority for the next years is to produce more and more club tracks.

You're playing at Gatecrasher Birmingham on 12th November with Chuckie… what can we expect from your set? Have you played in Birmingham before?

I never played in UK. This is my very fist gig. So expect from me new tracks/remixes and a set full of energy as I'm excited to meet the UK crowd for the first time.

What was the first record you ever bought?

Michael Jackson, History. But to be honest I had the single 'Everybody' from The Backstreet Boys (laughs). I was really young, forgive me.

What track do you wish you'd made?

Roger Sanchez, 'Turn On The Music' (Axwell Remix). Best house music tune ever.

What are you up to for the rest of the year? Any big shows or projects coming up?

My new single KAMEHA is due out November 28th on Spinnin Records as well as another original I have ready for Dirty Dutch Music. Also a remix for David Guetta's 'Titanium', due to be out soon and another remix for the Far East Movement. Gigwise, I will be attending Dirty Dutch Blackout in Amsterdam with Chuckie and friends. 30.000 people, all wearing black. That's something I'm looking forward to for sure! Will be returning to the U.K to perform at Ministry Of Sound, London on January 21st.

What's the best piece of advice anyone's ever given you?

Fuck the haters! (laughs). I mean never doubt you can do great things, and don't trust people who say you're not able to do it.
 
Thanks Gregori!

Gregori Klosman makes his UK debut at Gatecrasher Birmingham this weekend, with Chuckie.

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