As he prepares to release the full remix pack of last summer’s slow-burning hit ‘Sunset’, Maxime Firket takes on our quick-fire questionnaire. Find out why he still has nightmares about getting requests for Britney Spears and why a kiwifruit represents ‘permanent art and beauty’.
Why music?
Because you don’t choose it. It really comes to you.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Cooking, experimenting with food. It’s the same kind of vibes as music.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t think too much about the sound theory. Just trust your ears.
What inspires you?
Other people’s music. Nature.
What’s the next big thing?
For me, playing SXSW in Austin, Texas. My first time in the US.
Best club experience?
Razzmatazz, Barcelona. The Loft room. It’s an amazing huge room with such a great energy from the crowd. Last time I played there I finished my set with ‘Idioteque’ by Radiohead. Magic.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Cleaning in cheap restaurants.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When I feel it. It’s hard – I can’t really describe with words. Pure feelings matter.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
‘Jaguar’ – The Aztec Mystic.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
A lot of images! Take pictures, post them everywhere. The virtual world is there. You are like a virtual shop every time you go online.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
I try to release only the tracks that I really believe in. The trashcan on my computer is full of tracks I don’t want to ever release.
Recommend us a film.
The last one I watched was Layer Cake. It wasn’t bad. I’m in love with the Coen brothers‘ movies like The Big Lebowski and Fargo.
Recommend us a book.
Honestly I haven’t read a book for a few years now. Sadly a question of lack of both time and calm moments. When I did have a chance to read, I used to like Ken Follett‘s books.
What or who is underrated?
The permanent art and beauty that is always there inside nature. Just cut a kiwifruit in two and look at it.
What or who is overrated?
Technology. It will not save us.
What are you addicted to?
Nature. I need nature, fresh air, green landscapes, calm moments. I need to be able to rest in the countryside away from the cities.
What is your greatest regret?
You know I don’t think I really have a significative regret. Perhaps that there’s no sushi shop near my house for those lazy Sundays…
What one thing would most improve your life?
To have a child. But also a new Minimoog XL!
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
A cheap party out in the Belgian countryside. I’ve tried to forget everything about it. People screaming: “Put something on that we know! What is this music? Play Britney Spears!”
We used to organise a party in Brussels called ‘Don’t ask the DJ to play Britney Spears’. These bad stories can inspire you.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
I find that they’re always a rich creative experience. Collaboration is very important for me. You learn more about music, production techniques and life.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Bob Marley – ‘Could You Be Loved?’
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?
Art or money?
You need both. The first to feel good, the second to go to the supermarket.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
I worked on a track with Derrick May during the Red Bull Music Academy in Australia. It was like being in a dream. He was jamming on a 909 and I was on the synths.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
The end of real vinyl. Same for lots of DJs, I guess… Records were fragile and heavy to carry but so exciting to support!
I worked on a track with Derrick May. It was like being in a dream.
Favourite label?
What’s the worst thing about making music?
When you are not inspired, sometimes it’s hard. Inspiration is unreal, impossible to control and turn on at will, so it’s sometimes incredibly frustrating.
Art or money? You need both. The first to feel good, the second to go to the supermarket.
What’s your motto?
If you believe and work hard enough, you will always succeed.
The ‘Sunset’ remix pack is released via Beatport on Monday, February 4th. General release March 1st. Find Compuphonic on Facebook.