Iconic French DJ and producer, Quenum delivers a trippy 2-track EP with Francesco Mami and Vander delivering their own interpretations for ‘Drone’.

A lover of music in all its forms, Quenum has an established 35-year career and has gained the respect of techno pioneers as well as the following of the younger generation. ‘Drone’ and ‘More Vitamin’ tracks are a ride into a minimalistic world. This hypnotic vibe unlocks a path to another dimension where you’ll meet Francesco delivering poignant synths and pads on a crisp groove and Vander with his sinister atmospheres, gloomy analog rumbles, slightly dark synths delivering a whirlwind of madness.

The Geneva-based producer will be also back in North America with a brand new agency, DETROIT PREMIERE ARTISTS. He talks about his 35-year career and future projects in the US.

WWD: What were your first memories of clubbing ?

I started going to clubs during my teenage years. At that time, my uncle was working as a security officer for the “Le Palace”, a legendary club, like Studio 54 in New York. He used to take me with him and that was my introduction to nightlife. I was fascinated by the DJ and wanted to do the same, to create those magical moments, that make people sweat, dance and smile. Deep within, I knew that I was going to become a DJ.

WWD: What does club culture look like now in comparison to when you started? What direction has it moved in?

When I started electronic music, the technology was more basic than it is nowadays. My opinion is that the motivation and desire to go clubbing is still the same. It’s just the way of consuming that has changed. I feel that the audience needs to experience peak moments all night long or else they get bored rapidly. Club owners, promoters and festivals have to innovate constantly to motivate their clients.

WWD: Can you tell us about your past as a dancer?

My dream was to become a ballet dancer, but for my father it was out of the question. For him ballet was a girly thing.
So secretly, I started modern jazz classes during several years with my mother’s permission. At some point, he discovered one day by reading a local magazine, a promo for a show where I was performing. He didn’t appreciate at all, and that I had a bad time. Hopefully, my mother was there to encourage me to continue.

In 1984, I got into the Hip-hop movement, and started with robot and Popping. My dream was to go to New York, so I did several little jobs to buy my first plane ticket. I remember, going there with only 300 $ in the pocket. That was my savings to spend one month over there. The first night, my friends and myself had nowhere to stay. So we decided to sleep in the bushes of Central Park. I can’t believe that we did that, especially during that time.

I was fortunate to meet and dance with the Rock Steady Crew, Mister Freeze, Afrika Bambaataa, Futura 2000, Dj DST and Herbie Hancock, all these legends in “Roxy Club” that have inspired me until now. I will never forget those epics moments.

WWD: In your London days in the 90s you were a resident at Carl Cox’s parties and you shared the bill with the Daft Punk. Can you tell us more about it?

When I arrived in London, I met a very talented musician from Portugal, Paulo Nascimento. We became good friends and together we started “Access 58”, our own label.

That’s how we got into the London scene. At that time, we started meeting a variety of musicians, artists, Dj’s, who were very influent. Such Colin Dale & Colin Faver. The protagonists of KissFM. We became very good friends.

I used to play the “Ultimate Bass” parties once a month at the velvet room club every Thursday. That used to be organized by Carl Cox. One of the best parties during the weekdays. I meet so many DJ’s during those parties, some have become legends.

The anecdote with Daft punk, is that we were on the same label Soma records. We played once together at the D. End Club in London. I played in the main room with DJ Brenda Russell and Daft Punk played a live set in the small room, they drove the audience crazy and without helmets. I think a few months later they signed with Virgin Records.

WWD: Before becoming a producer you were a DJ. What inspired you to compose in the studio?

My father was my first inspiration. Every Saturday, he use to take my brother and myself to the record shop in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Each time, we could chose a vinyl each, notably I remember choosing these breathtaking albums “Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants” by Stevie Wonder, a sublime and very rare album, “Natty Rebel” by U-Roy and “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton. These albums had a massive influence on my musical tastes.

When I moved to London in the mid 1990s, I started developing my career as a DJ, but in reality I wanted the audience to dance to my own tracks and that’s how I started producing in a small studio in Brixton, where I met Paulo Nascimento. Together, we decided to set up our first studio “Access 58” in his flat and after a long laborious team work, we got our first contract with Pacific Records. After sometime, it was obvious for us to start our own label and we moved our studio into a super nice place in Bethnal Green.

By the way, Pacific Records are restarting, so stay tuned for some cool surprises!

WWD: You were born in the mid-60s, you now have over 35 years of career behind you. How do you see the future?

I see myself living close to nature and to be able to continue to realize my path.

WWD: You recently signed with the Craig family agency. What are your projects in the United States ?

I’m very honored to be part of “Detroit : Premiere.Artists” agency. As a matter of fact, the whole Techno Detroit scene has been a tremendous influence for me throughout my career and I am grateful for that.
I am thrilled to have this opportunity to share my passion and my music with a new audience, as I havent played on many occasions in the US. This is great moment to convince this new public and share with them my musical sphere and for that a tour is really ideal.

One of my expectations is that, it would be amazing to meet some local DJ/Producers that I esteem and why not collaborate with them and share quality moments in each city where I will be performing.