Your "Back Again" track you released this summer on Toolroom was rather different from the big hits you are known for, more on the groovier side of house music. How did you get the inspiration to create this?
I started in 1996 making that kind of beat for DJs, and then step by step, I learned how to produce songs with musicians and singers. It's really my passion to share amazing moments with talented artists in the studio. Since "Love Generation", the scene has exploded around the world and a lot of DJs found the "holy grail" and started to produce a lot of pop dance EDM to feed the market. I think it's the right time in 2014 to go back to the roots where I am from: "beats for DJs only" :-) That's why i did "Back again"… I am searching non-stop for new colors of sound to fit into my productions and my DJ sets, i have the right background for that.
Will you be doing an album for Toolroom this year?
I launched "Back Again" on Toolroom because I love, love Mark Knight's artistic direction on his label, he has the hype and it was good to work with him. I have no plans for an album at the moment, maybe releasing a few more beats or vocals until next summer, working with Toolroom or another label. Toolroom did an amazing job also on the promotion side.
Throughout your career, you've been responsible for some of the biggest tracks to crossover onto radio, charts, etc. What are the most important ingredients you've found that you need to make a hit record? Are you surprised at how big some of your tracks have been?
The main ingredient is sincerity, just to be true in what you produce. Never try to follow anyone, you will always be behind. My inspiration is often to look at the past to create my future but you need to improve your musical knowledge. I was really surprised when "Love Generation" and "World Hold On" reach the top of the charts around the world because they were not in the color of the moment. They were pure inspirational tracks made with my heart, of course with big hooks, but always with a message involved.
Many of your fans don't realize that Bob Snclar is an alias. As a person, is there a lot of difference between "Bob Sinclar" and you - Christophe le Friant?
People always dream some fantasies about their favorite artists :-) But I am a simple person full of passion for music. I live, eat, sleep, dream music, and sometimes it invades my entire body to a point that I have to relax a bit. That's why I play tennis like a beast :-)
This Friday you'll be making your debut at Marquee New York. Tell us what we can expect from your set, and what does it mean to you to DJ in New York?
Marquee has a high profile reputation in NY and around the world, it's a great privilege to be a part of your DJ family now. i saw Dennis Ferrer a few months ago and the room loved it, the club's atmosphere is magic. It's my turn to challenge myself. I am ready. NYC is where the music I love is born, it's where I bought my first record, and it's where the energy is the best. If you succeed in NY you are ready for the world!