Henry Lewis caught up with the French producer to talk festival essentials, dream line ups and his favourite bangers.

Last updated: 23rd Aug 2017

Originally published: 18th Aug 2017

Image: Martin Solveig (credit)

There's little doubting Martin Solveig's banger creating qualities. As the man behind EDM anthems such as "Hello", "Places", "Intoxicated" and plenty more, the Frenchman has enough arsenal to light the fuse of any arena he enters.

Whether he's tearing up Ibiza or whipping festival crowds into a frenzy, Solveig's sets come with a good time guarantee, and the DJ has an effortless control over his turbo charged tracks, dropping them at exactly the right moment to cause the biggest reaction.

His latest work, 'All Stars' has seen him team up with Finnish singer songwriter Alma, to produce yet another summer smash, featuring as Annie Mac's Hottest Record In the World upon its release back in June. With that and plenty more in his locker, Solveig's slot at this year's SW4 looks like a seriously tempting prospect, and ahead of the bank holiday festival we caught up with the French powerhouse.

Hi Martin, are you well?

I’m in excellent shape thanks!

What do you love about festival season?

Well I truly love almost everything about it, it’s summer time, people are gathering everywhere to party, energy level is at its top. Everyone is so welcoming, I feel blessed to be able to experience so many positive vibes.

What three things are essential for a massive dance music festival?

I’d say people are only one essential thing for a massive festival. Of course production level is also important but in the end that always makes the difference is the crowd. They are the key element. They bring the energy, the enthusiasm we are just a medium through which all this can be expressed.

If you could serve up a headline trio of DJs dead or alive, who would you pick?

Laurent Garnier the best, the legend. 2ManyDJs, the intellectuals, the teachers, they have taken djing electronic music to a whole new level, they're elegant in their choices and don't forget the crowd. Jax Jones, among the new generation he's probably the most skilled, great energy, fun selection. These guys make me dance.

You’re part of a massive line up at SW4, how much are you looking forward to the festival?

The United Kingdom is a very special place for me because I believe I have a very similar taste in music than my friends over the manche. I'm a huge fan of Mura Masa, Duke Dumont and Mnek and it's also an important and influential land of music. To me it's a bit like playing in premiere league so I'm clearly looking forward to it

Of all the bangers you’ve helped to write or produce or have featured on, which gets the best reaction at a festival?

'Hello' is the obvious one, it has a very sing-along top line and the energy that's needed to rock the crowd.

What was the first festival you attended as a fan, who played, and who was your stand out act?

I'm not sure but one memorable souvenir was the first time I attended Coachella in 2007, I remember Red Hot Chili Peppers show, I even think it was the last time I saw Bjork live, and thought playing in Indio would be a dream. It came true in 2012 and I still go there every year. Clearly my fave.

 

What was the first festival you performed at? Did it go well?

It was Field Day in Australia back in 2005 I think. I simply didn't realize what was going on, I thought wow the Australians are really into their electronic music and around Christmas/New Years it's summer time so parties were gigantic. It was absolutely amazing to play for 10.000 people. I didn't realize that kind of format was going to take over and revolution the whole game.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

I’m going to have a short break after this amazing summer season but playing all those sets gave birth to lots of ideas. I can’t wait to give shape to them so I’ll back in the studio very soon ! Stay tuned.