|
The House scene is a productive one. Labels from around the globe
feed us the most recent sounds. Well known artists as well as
new ones are part of the pleasure of the weekly new release discovery.
In the new breed of talented artists you can find Fred
Everything. Every release from him has that little soulful
touch you need in a solid house set. One of his latest track "Ostie
d'Funk" reached fourth position in England's DJ magazine. Fred's
sound is a blend of influences from England, New York, France
and Brazil. Imagine a Honolulu beach with plenty of sunshine,
a pineapple with half a bottle of rum in it and one of those cocktail
umbrella on top and you will be near of how Fred's sets and music
are all about: good vibes. He recently inaugurated the new Montreal
based label "In-Mix" with a mixture of his own and other favorite
house tracks (see DJSC's review in March's issue).
A cold Saturday morning; it's the only moment that we could find.
We are both half-awake in front of our "cafe au lait." This is
the result of our chat : it was a tough morning...
DJ Soul Sistah
April 1999
The following interview was conducted by DJ Soul Sistah in March
1999:
How did you begin? Did you play an instrument
when you were young?
I had a toy tape recorder and with it I cut and paste songs to
make new beats. But the things I really enjoyed doing was singing
over my favorite songs in a verbiage I thought was English (Fred's
native tongue is French). I had to wait until I was 14-15 years
old to own my first keyboard and experiment with that and my friend
Mike's toy drum machine, a four-padded little affair by Mattel.
Why house music instead of another style?
I'm not enough in clubs... (laughs) My club life began really
early, at the tender age of 13. At that time I was going to those
14-18 teenage disco. And by fifteen I was looking old enough to
go in real clubs. Aggressive music never caught my attention,
I always preferred soulful and funky stuff. I think it's essential
if you want your music to be played in clubs as well as being
appreciate in home setting. The sad side of my production now
is it's not lasting. We'll release 1500 copies of an E.P., it
will be charted for 2 weeks, it will be played for 2 months and
it will be forgotten. I would love that one day my music lasted
more than few months. This why I want to produce an album: so
that people can have access to my stuff hard to find releases.
What was the most difficult step in your career?
I think it's when you're pouring so much of yourself into something
and it's not working. At the beginning I sent dozens and dozens
of my tapes without ever getting any reply. Or when a label promises
you a contract and future releases but don't keep their words.
It's hard on self-esteem. But after all is said and done, things
were great for me. Being from a small town (Quebec City), it's
not always easy to make it, especially when there are people who
have been around for so long... the opportunities are really scarce.
Also, it's hard to deal with people who can't dig initiative.
What is your source of inspiration?
Other people's music; I'm always looking out for a new groove.
Right now, I'm inspired by the French crew for there inventiveness,
the English crew for there sense of production and finally the
American crew because they know what the basis of a solid groove
is: bass. But the forefathers of soul, funk and afro remains my
favorite sources of inspiration.
Has there been a mentor for you throughout those
years?
Not really. I met artists and producers that were more helpful
than a real source of inspiration. I'm thinking of Dino and Terry,
Ralph Lawson of 20/20 Vision and Back 2 Basics (Sub Club in Glasgow)
who have believed in me. But I think you have to be self-confident:
it is the most important thing. Having a renowned artist helping
you is a source of stimulation.
Who would you like to collaborate with eventually?
There are so many, especially British producers, with whom I'd
like to collaborate. But if I could chose only one, it would be
Ashley Beedle. But to be honest, I still have problems with collaborators.
Working in collaboration with someone is something of an apprenticeship
for me.
What would represent the achievement of your career?
Just continuing doing what I like and live for: composing house
music.
What are your future projects?
Maybe a millennium album with live musicians. I'd like my music
to be appreciated not only in clubs but at home also. So, I definitely
HAVE to produce an album. Eventually, I'd like to explore other
fields like Downtempo. One of my projects is to regroup my older
stuff that's no longer available, for a compilation.
If you had to bring ... to Mars what would it
be?
- an instrument: space echo (effect)
- a book: Philemon (cartoon)
- a vinyl: Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On"
- a CD: Massive Attack's "Blue Lines"
- an animal: cat
- a food: pesto sauce (because Martians are green!)
Discography:
EPs:
Use It "Feel EP" (DaGrooves)
Fred Everything "C'est La Vie" (Vinyl Peace)
Fred Everything "Diggin'" (DIY)
Fred Everything "Ostie D'funk" (Vinyl Peace)
Fred Everything "Delaroche Ave." (20:20 Vision)
Fred Everything "Watcha Gonna Earth"
Luc Et Fred "Monday" (Tag)
Frederic Blais "First Impressions" (Fair Park)
King Of Blues "Theme From..." (Electriksoul)
Afro Love Project "One Love" (Tronic Sole)
Fred Everything "Passion Pour La..." (Vinyl Peace)
Fred Everything "Under The Sun" (20:20 Vision)
ALBUMS:
Mix CD "Disco-nnection" (In-Mix)
REMIXES:
Random Factor "Broken Mirror" (20:20 Vision)
|
