SNOE welcomed the Paris based Filthy French to the family on the latest SNOEflakes #8. Their style is twisted and addictive, and their track “Ritmo” bears influences of Acid and Techno but with a modern take on the soundscaping of the genres. As the main synth twists and twirls it’s accompanied by the vocal elements, together creating an intense energy. We had a chat with them surrounding their studio habits as a duo, their background and of course their favourite Norwegian word.
Hei guys. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Your new track “Ritmo” is out on SNOE these days, what was your inspiration behind it?
We first found the vocal and found it so hypnotizing that we decided to go all in with a loopy type of techno beat and bassline to transcend it. It was working well but we realised that it needed something to break the monotony so we added the funk-infused breakbeat drop in the middle. We’re glad you guys liked it!
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?
Quirky club music 😉
And can you tell us a bit about your musical background and where you are from?
We’re both from Paris but actually met in London in 2011. Although we have different musical backgrounds, we quickly realised we loved the same type of electronic music. Clem grew up listening to a lot of rap and hip-hop while Pierre was more into rock and metal so we have a lot of different influences.
At which club or event did you experience electronic music for the first time and what memories have stuck with you from that moment?
Our very first electronic music experience is probably boring but what really defined us was a music discovery trip to Berlin we took together during the summer of 2012. We went to all kinds of clubs and parties during a whole week and immersed ourselves in the musical freedom that the city offers. From dancing to a vinyl-only nu-disco set at tiny Farbfernseher to raving at the Mobilee beach party before catching our flight, we got to experience a huge variety of vibes, styles and crowds. That eclecticism has stuck with us since then and continues to inspire us to make music to this day.
How much time do you spend in the studio?
A couple of hours every week. Really depends on the level of inspiration. We try not to force things but also strive to make music as regularly as possible, even if it’s just a few minutes every day.
What is your favourite toy for making music?
The microphone.
A successful partnership is generally based around balance and compromise; how do you manage these things within the Filthy French dynamic?
We love the same stuff and when we hear something we know what particular element will make the other tick so that helps a lot. We don’t really have to compromise musically as we both pull in the same direction.
Do you have different roles in the production process?
We tend to produce separately and bounce projects off each other’s for feedback or improvement.
What is the one thing you can’t be without in the studio?
Coffee during the day and beer at night 🙂
And what is the one thing you do not want in your studio?
Interruptions.
What are your guilty pleasures?
105 bpm slow disco ^^
How would you describe the scene where you live?
The Paris scene can be great and frustrating at the same time. There are tons of great parties but the crews tend to work like clans so you have to work on your own thing to be able to play out.
Any place you would like to play that you haven’t been yet?
Wow…so many! But Berlin tops our list for sure.
Have you been enjoying the festival season? Where have you guys been playing and what is still left on your festival calendar?
We actually never played at festivals but would love to. This year we played a lot with the Hello Tech/No! crew here in Paris, and will end the year with them at their NYE party. We’re also working on our residency for 2020. Stay tuned for more 😉
What’s in store for you over the next few months?
Increased studio time, custom recorded vocals, live recorded synths. We are also working on launching a series of free and legal street parties in the heart of Paris.
What are your corrent top 3 tracks?
- We love starting our sets with this one. The exotic vocal mixed with the acid synth really brings a unique vibe to the dancefloor.
- A great party-starter with both a happy and a dark side to it to set our vibe.
- Steve Darko’s vibe is right down our alley. A fat beat and weird synths is what we’re all about.
What is your favourite Norwegian word? 😉
Vi snakker ikke norsk :p
