French producer Joachim Pastor has unveiled masterful new single ‘Goodbyes’, out 4th October, via Hungry Music and is set to be the first track from his debut album, poised for a release towards the end of the year.
A measured blend of organic and electronic elements, ‘Goodbyes’ creates a rich musical tapestry – taking the listener on a 7-and-a-half minute journey steeped in emotion. It’s Pastor’s second release of the year on Hungry Music, the label that he co-runs, following on from April single ‘Eiffel Powder’.
Joachim Pastor’s musical journey began at the tender age of 4. He went on to study at the Versailles Conservatory and played in a number of bands before starting to produce his own music. His fast progression saw him stand out as a unique talent that became synonymous with pop and melody-infused dance music.
He then formed Hungry Music in 2014 with friends and fellow French artists Worakls and N’to, thus allowing him to produce music just the way he wants it – often with powerful vocals, coloured beats and a tactful touch of guitar. Most recently he remixed Lost Frequencies feat. Aloe Blacc’s track ‘Truth Never Lies’ as part of an expansive remix package for the single.
Looking ahead, Pastor will play LIVE at three Hungry Music showcases over the next couple of months, at The Steelyard in London (28th Sept), WesterUnie for Amsterdam Dance Event (17th Oct) and Warehouse in Nantes (18th Oct).
We had the chance to catch-up with the producer. Enjoy this short interview while listening to ‘Goodbyes’, an emotive, immersive track that demonstrates Joachim Pastor’s undeniable talents as a producer.
WWD: Your latest track ‘Goodbyes’ has just come out on Hungry Music – is there any process behind making a Joachim Pastor track, do you follow similar routines for making each one?
Each track making comes with a lot of pain, i think i spent about 100 hours on this one, i’ve made countless versions. the original track was called rapture, it’s something i played in my live about 4 years ago, i modified it because i wanted a more soothing and quiet feel, and also a less clean mix, some would say more arty. i don’t really have a set routine, maybe that’s why my tracks don’t sound the same each time. pros and cons.
WWD: What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment at the moment and why?
i love my Studer 903 console, i’ve changed 2500 capacitors on it to make a big maintenance on it, i just sounds amazing, the eq’s are worldclass, it’s just a real feeling to touch it, each time, i’m really lucky to have found one like that because it’s almost impossible to get nowadays.
WWD: Hungry Music is a direct French export – are there lots of promising artists coming out of France at the moment? Any ones to watch out for?
there is some really good upcoming guys like Elska, Aalson, and Mark Hoffen, but it’s a really hard job making music. Especcially with all the social media, some would think it helps, but it can be tricky. Now it’s not only the quality and originality of your sound that matters, it’s also your marketing skills, and i believe most true artists don’t have time or the heart for that. i admire people that are really good a marketing, instagram and stuff like that, cause i really suck at it. Watch for these guys cause they really have talent.
WWD: The Hungry Music crew is predominantly made up of five artists (Worakls, N’to, yourself, Stereoclip and Joris Delacroix) does everyone bring something different and unique to the label?
i think HM is predominantly made up of 3 artists : Worakls, N’to and myself, cause we have made 90%+ of the HM release. Stereoclip did two really good release, and Joris just released his first track in the last months. i think we all have our own musical views and style, there isn’t a big overlap with our styles, but there is a slight one : it makes it homogeneous and heterogeneous at the same time : we fit together but we are different.
WWD: You’ve got an upcoming Hungry Music LIVE showcase at ADE this year how is it balancing making music, organising your own parties and running a label?
For the ADE party, we have our partner in netherland (Pleinvrees) that does most of the organising and logistic, we are in charge of the musical side, lineup etc. i’m not running the label, we are just the face of it, and also doing the music, but it still matters a bit doesn’t it.
WWD: You’re known for doing more LIVE showcases than DJ sets – how do they compare?
i’ve don’t hundreds of live show and i’ve done 2 dj set in my life when i was 18, i don’t know if i’m qualified to really compare them. they both have they pros and cons. i always chose to do a LIVE cause i’m a music producer, people come to see me and listen to my music. i remember being disappointed when i was younger and i’d go see an artist i liked doing a DJ SET, expecting to hear his tracks, and hearing most of their set being other people’s tracks. I don’t want to do that to the people that come and listen to me.
WWD: How is the rest of the year looking for you in terms of releases and events?
The album is coming, new album analog live coming, parties and festivals every week end worldwide, so i guess it looks busy 🙂