Exclusive interview Bob Sinclar: 'I'm excited like it's the first one'
Apr 13, 2016
It's coming, the official new single by Bob Sinclar! Looking ahead at the release of 'Someone Who Needs Me' we had a very special talk with the Frenchman about Spinnin', new dance music, Roger Federer, hip hop and reggae vibes.
First of all, what have you been up to lately?
"Life is amazing… I couldn't imagine even in my most beautiful dreams to be here, doing an interview about my music after 15 years of clubbing around the world. I work hard but the feedback of the energy I get is crazy. I always have in my head: 'Things are gonna end one day', and this day will be the saddest one of my life. But until now all gigs and studio experiences have been a high. This new experience and collaboration with the biggest dance music label on the planet is another gift, hope I will be at the right level for the music they expect from me. 'Someone Who Needs Me', my new single, is ready to be launched and I am excited like it's the first one."
You’re new single ‘Someone Who Needs Me’ (coming out April 18 on Spinnin' Deep) is getting huge responses. What can you tell us about this track?
I am not a classic musician. I came into music with the explosion of the hip hop culture in 1990. I just try to imitate my heroes, DJ Premier & Pete Rock, to create my own sound in recycling and sampling classic sounds from the past. It was just a hobby, making beats for DJs and this passion became my life. I didn't change my way of work since those years, but now I work with talented musicians who supply me new material to work and have fun with."
"As I was working in the studio with my young Belgian friend on some string hooks (with Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be' as inspiration), then The Hook came up. While my friend Bryan was playing the string loop, I was playing with the Motown acapellas I had in my laptop and bang! The Stevie Wonder classic 'For Once In My Life' started to explode in my face. Like a revelation. At +3 half tone the hook was there, let's play with it. And then 'Someone Who Needs Me' was born, a hammer for the club."
What does this record say about your musical evolution as an artist?
"The sound is bigger than ever haha! But it's still an elevated french vibe, a huge music hook which could have been sampled in a 80’s record and a catchy Stevie vocal hook… Always looking for the perfect beat.."
If music wasn't your priority, what would you be working on instead?
"I will be Roger Federer ;) I am a huge fan of tennis."
What has been the coolest thing in your musical career up till now?
"I had the idea in 2009 to make a 'Best Of' of all my hits, re-arranged with an accoustic reggae vibe. My dream was to do it with Sly and Robbie, two legendary reggae producers from Jamaica who have worked with the entire planet, from Grace Jones to Bob Dylan and from Serge Gainsbourg to Carlos Santana. I spent 15 days in Kingston town in a studio listening to them jamming on my track with their acoustic instruments like in 1979, something which will be engraved in my heart forever."
What artists/movies/books/art inspires you the most when creating music?
"Hip hop is the most creative genre of music since 40 years, all my inspiration is coming from that time when the DJs became musicians in recycling music. I am addicted to beats for clubs."
What is the most interesting/funny rumor about you?
"There is a rumor in the world that I could be a sex addict.. Untrue :) "
What do you think is the most interesting development in dance music these days?
"Since 10 years dance music has been a music experience for a mature audience, and since then become a billion dollars global music industry which worldwide excites kids and inspires pop stars from Rihanna to Coldplay. All the kids are inspired by their superstar DJs to become the next DJ idol. So many amazing talented guys are coming.."
What are your goals for the future?
"As long as I can play my beats in clubs around the globe, I will be happy. Hope to continue to supply the strongest music I can for Spinnin', making them happy to release it."
And finally, what would you advise the upcoming stars on our Talent Pool?
"Be yourself and not someone else. If you copy someone you are behind already. But when you are original and innovative, you will become the one who has created this sound and be respected for that."
Stay tuned for more Bob Sinclar!