EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW


In the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music, few artists have left as indelible a mark as Fedde Le Grand. With over a decade of dominating the house music scene, his influence has stretched far and wide, shaping the genre and inspiring countless others. We delve into the mind of this iconic DJ and producer, exploring his journey from funk to festival stages, and everything in between. Fedde’s insights provide a captivating narrative, shedding light on the artistry, passion, and versatility that have propelled him to the forefront of the global electronic music scene. So, let’s embark on this musical voyage and discover what makes Fedde Le Grand a true luminary in the world of beats and rhythms.


Fedde, you’ve been a monumental figure in the house music scene for over a decade, who or what were your main influences when you first started in the music industry?


I think I never had one particular person or group. I’ve always tried to analyze what makes a particular artist or act interesting, learn from that, and adapt it to my music. But in general, I’ve always been drawn to more funky and soulful music. From James Brown to Etta James from Michael Jackson to Bruno Mars. To Timbaland and Dr. Dre. So it’s a wide scope of artists but usually funk-based.


With


to what do you attribute your and


success


consistently in


the electronic high rankings in DJ music landscape globally?


I have never had a narrow scope of music and chose to not choose a very formatted way of working. So I have always had a slightly wider field to work in, which allowed me to explore and experiment with what I feel comfortable with. And luckily fans have always been able to follow me on these journeys and support me. In the end - the only reason I’ve been able to be here has always been my fans and supporters.


Throughout your illustrious career, you’ve collaborated with industry legends like Michael Jackson and Madonna. Can you share any pivotal moments or learning experiences from working with such icons?


To be honest, it was amazing working on material with those iconic artists, but in the end, you’re not actually in the studio with them. So as amazing as it was, it was still a solo effort working on this icon material except Will.I.Am and Coldplay who I met and got to hang with. I guess the main thing I got from that is we’re all just people trying to create something that reaches out and touches people.


Your annual event at ADE, “Fedde Le Grand Presents DLR,” is highly anticipated every year. How do you go about curating the lineup, and what can fans expect from this year’s edition?


Yes, it’s one of those shows in the year I always look forward to. Every year I do a set that is unapologetic and without any restrictions. It has been like that from day one, and I always invite artists who can also play that way. It’s also always been more on the house side of things since those are my roots, so we’ve had a wide variety of artists over the years from the label of friends and artists I admire. This year we’ve moved to a new venue, Panama, and invited Mark Knight, my friend and esteemed colleague. It’s going to be an amazing night for sure.


2023 has seen a plethora of music releases from you, including “Elektro” and “All Around The World 2023.” How do you decide which classic tracks to rejuvenate, and what inspires your original productions like “B2B”?


During the pandemic, I’ve decided to just make music that I like, not thinking about its purpose, or whether a sample could be cleared—yes or no. I just go with anything that I hear, whether it’s in my inbox or however something grabs my attention. If it clicks, it clicks. After I’ve made something out of it, then I’ll decide what the next steps would and should be, and if it’s even release-worthy. This way, I feel free in the studio. I’ve noticed my output is way higher, stimulating me even more. I’m just making music as I feel it. So, there’s not any particular plan or plot behind it. It’s an accumulation of the past 3 years of me re-finding my absolute passion.


Your summer 2023 tour took you to major festivals across Europe and Asia. How do you adapt your sets for diverse audiences, and which of these festivals left a lasting impression on you?


I adjust slightly depending on who is playing before me and the part of the world I’m in. However, I believe the essence of what I want my audience to experience remains consistent. Think of it like arriving at a location with a pre-selected toolkit. You use the tools for the job at hand. Ensuring you always have more than what you need gives you the flexibility to create something amazing everywhere. One of my absolute highlights this year would be “Untold.” In my humble opinion, it’s one of the best festivals in the world right now. That said, Parookaville and “Palmesus” rank among my favorite summer stops. A pleasant last-minute surprise to my list was Lollapalooza Berlin this year.


In this industry, trends are continually changing. How do you manage to maintain your


while navigating through the evolving musical landscape? authenticity and individuality mixmagit.com 31 sustained influence Mag’s Top 100,


I believe you have to try to discover what is the part in certain genres that makes people excited about it. Then take that extrapolation and apply it to your music. It’s like cooking - you follow the recipe up until you think it should have adjustments to make it into something you would like to serve.


You recently launched a limited edition merchandise line, personally designed by yourself. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this collection, and why was it important for you to be personally involved in the design process?


It’s one of those things that just came about. My neighbor is a graphic designer and we were just talking and brainstorming something like this. A few days later, he came by with a bunch of actual designs derived from our


that we went from there and made it into what it is now. talks. I was so excited


Congratulations on the birth of your daughter this year! How has embracing fatherhood influenced your approach to music and your professional endeavors?


For me, it once again simplified life into things that are actually important. So, if anything, I think I have a better work-family balance and feel even more boldened to stay my musical course. And to do what brings joy. Her birth has been a blessing in many ways. 10. Your music has not only reached the masses but has also breathed fresh life into the house scene. How do you balance creating mainstream hits and maintaining an edgier, underground sound?


I think, as with all things, it’s about balance. If I compare it to food again: it’s fine to eat a hamburger once in a while. It can be satisfying and it’s easy to make. However, I wouldn’t want to eat that every day. Similarly, I don’t want an 8-course gastronomic meal daily. But I feel there’s a whole world in between where something can be neither overly complicated nor


satisfying on several levels. With major


val, too simple, and still be


Tomorrowland, and more, how do you keep your live sets innovative and engaging for


performances at Ultra Music Festi- your


fans?


You have to be excited about at least parts of your set yourself or edit your classics in a way that you can’t wait to play them out. Of course, you want to live up to some of the expectations that people have. But at the same time, you want to offer them a surprise as well. If you are excited about your set, chances are a few more people will feel the same way.


You have developed your own genre-defying show concept, GRAND, combining live theatre with dance. Can you share the creative process behind developing such a unique show concept, and are there plans to take GRAND to other countries?


Yeah, that was an amazing project to work on. It stemmed from comments I heard from people who attended concerts and came away slightly disappointed. I began to ask, ‘why?’ and probed about what they would have preferred to see. That became the foundation for creating a fully entertaining show that didn’t disrupt the ambiance of a club night.


You have been credited with nurturing new talent and pushing them towards superstardom. How important is it for you to support emerging artists, artists


that have caught your and are there attention recently?


Talent should always be supported. When I started, I hardly had any support. That experience drove me back to young artists, regardless of whether they would sign to my label or not. Currently, Costel von Dein and Tony Romera are two names that come to mind who are making waves.


Your remixes for artists like The Chainsmokers and Static Revenger have been widely received. What’s your approach when remixing tracks from different genres, and how do you ensure to maintain the essence of the original song?


In this, maintaining the essence is paramount, but once that’s achieved, you have to decide how to adapt it. Sometimes, there’s much you can incorporate or omit. However, at times, I feel it’s better


it to the present moment. It all hinges on what feels right.


Looking at your journey, from ‘Put Your Hands Up For Detroit’ to ‘B2B,’ how do you think your sound has evolved over the years, and where do you see the future of house music heading?


The funny thing is, for me, I’ve almost come full circle. B2B feels like a ‘back and forth’ to me, so I feel like a fish in water at the moment. As for what’s next, I hope people move away from all the labeling and pigeonholing. I believe that’s often for individuals who don’t truly understand but need to feel they fit somewhere. Appreciate each artist for who they are and just enjoy yourself.


to stay true to the original, merely updating any upcoming


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