344 – Christophe

Not as self aggrandizing as the London scene or as outwardly flamboyant as Manchester’s notoriously underground musical movement, Bristol is all too often Britain’s forgotten city when people are evaluating UK talent and we think that’s a massive shame as it’s discreetly a hotbed of creativity. So with Bristol in mind we welcome part of the city’s beating musical heart in Christophe to deliver this weeks podcast. Through his DJing, website, flyer and record sleeve designs, and edits done for his own and friends DJ sets he has already made his mark on many a party throughout the land and it’s now time for his own productions to do the very same.

His first release, suitably titled ‘Make a Mark’, came on the acclaimed Redux label, and last year was followed by ‘The Force’ on Futureboogie Recordings (who he incidentally designs for), and was swiftly backed up by the ‘Maison De Cheval EP’ – a collaboration with fellow Bristolian producer Lukas. This one tipped the scales, and got many chart place and spins on Radio 1, with Pete Tong being such a fan he enlisted them for a remix on FFFR.

His latest track The Scene, also on Futureboogie Recordings is a distillation of all the elements that make up his music and his DJ sets – an inexhaustive knowledge of disco, boogie, Italo, house, and 90’s rave culture. Old school principles with new school dynamics. So with an increasing back catalogue packed with underground hits growing behind him and a busy tour schedule ahead of him including performing at Futureboogies Random Magic Halloween special alongside Omar S we thought now was the time to shine a spotlight on Christophe before the hype train well and truly takes off.Sum up this podcast in 10 words…Boom Chck Boom chck beep beep beep Boom Chk Chords.What’s your personal favourite track on it?Has to be degrees of Motion – Shine on (Junior Style Dub) I remember seeing Sasha play this at Universe in 92, proper euphoria hands in the air scenes, cemented my love for House music and parties forever.What’s the special ingredient in this mix?Just a mix of old and new, I love how you can dig out House music from years ago and it still sounds as fresh as anything.  A few tracks from some close friends too… which makes me feel very privileged. 

What’s the best gig you’ve played recently?This summer has been full on but amazing. There’s so many to choose from… the Boat & Club at Garden festival Croatia, The Drop at Secret Garden Party, playing the last set at Love Bullets at Glasto and 4000 people dancing to us at Wilderness festival… it was bonkers, there were people crowd surfing!What have you got coming up?Release wise I’ve just finished a remix for a cool new band called Face & Heel. A new release under Futureboogie’s sister label, Boogiefuturo and an EP with Hypercolour. Also, working on an album for our band ‘Sure Thing’ with DJ Die amongst others. 

Also playing at one of my favorite clubs in the World, Salon – Zur Wilden Renate, Berlin in October. Rio in January which I’m very excited about and Futureboogie in Motion Bristol which has a ridiculous line up (Dixon, Crazy P, Horse meat disco amongst many others)

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?Thanks for listening and see you at the front. Reach for the lazers xx

Tracklisting1. Spirit Catcher – Sedona (Andre Lodeman Remix)2. A Man Called Adam – Love come down (In Too Deep) Charles Webster TC Baur edit.3. Groove Motion – You Give ft. Lifford4. Mr Fingers – Can you feel it (Jakobin & Domino’s Pump up the Jam Rework)5. Lukas – Basoon6. Shanti Celeste – Need Your Lovin7. Cell Broco – Little bit in love (Club Version)8. Galen & Justin Martin – Dust Devil9. Waifs & Strays vs Lukas – Gimme Luv10. Steve Bug – White Times11 Huxley – Let it go (Christophe Remix)12. Degrees of Motion – Shine on (Junior Style Dub)