Duke Dumont Interview

One of the biggest names in Dance music right now, Duke Dumont is a serious contender for DJ and producer of the past year. With floorfillers like ‘I Need U (100%)’ and 2014’s hottest summer track, ‘I Got U’, he is set to embark on a residency in the party capital of the world – Sankeys, Ibiza. We sat down with the man himself to discuss his upcoming gig, partying at Coachella and the greatest Dance record of all time.

Hi Duke, where in the world are you right now?
I’m sat on the Eurostar with my tour manager, heading to Paris for a show tonight with Kiwi and Friend Within. The sun is shining and it’s looking good.

Duke Dumont is a household name in the UK; can you put into words what the last year has been like for you?
Busy! I can honestly say I had no expectations when I released ‘Need U’ last year so everything that’s come since I’m grateful for.

When writing and producing songs like ‘Need U (100%)’ and ‘I Got U’, do you have any idea that they’re going to be smash hits or do you make them intentionally for chart success? Thoughts…
When I record I never set off to make a song with chart possibility. My approach is to build up a key element and expand on that. But since structuring some of my songs with more of a verse/chorus approach, it does give the track more chance in pop culture.

‘I Got U’ is a massive summer tune, what was your inspiration behind sampling Whitney Houston?
When Jax and I were working on it, we used the acapella as our starting point. The intention was to change it at the end and re-write the lyrics. But as we were going through the process, out of respect for Whitney we kept it as it was so totally different to the original song and offered a new dynamic.

Were there different versions and drafts of the track before the one we hear today?
Yes many. Over time it got more refined and we found sticking with key elements took us to the final stage and the track you hear now.

How do you celebrate getting a number one?
My role is to record the music, but there’s a lot of other work that goes into making it a success so I celebrated with my team. I appreciate what they all bring to the table.

Your return to Ibiza this European summer is highly anticipated. Are you looking forward to it as much as everyone else?
Very much so. The intention is to put on one of the best parties on the Island this summer.

You’ll be bringing the Blasé Boys Club with you to Sankeys. Specifically who will be joining you from the label and what can the crowds expect from each act?
Jax Jones and Kiwi will be making their Ibiza debuts. And you can expect different things as they offer very different music selections. The other DJs are friends or people I’ve played with before… Shadow Child, Jonas Rathsman, French Express, Waze & Odyssey….

As label boss, is there pressure on you to ensure each night is a success?
No, I have confidence in the DJs playing and I’ve worked with Sankeys for years. They’re all consummate professionals.

If you have a few days off, what will you be getting up to?
I’m definitely going to have a few days off. I might have a pool party at the villa, just kick back and soak it all in.

What’s the most random item you take with you on your rider?
Food supplies from M&S. That’s been a real lifesaver at times.

You had your first taste of Coachella in April, the US’s answer to Glastonbury; what was the atmosphere like? Is it really all celebrities, sandstorms and denim shorts?
With the exception of seeing Paris Hilton, it really is a fantastic event and seriously good vibes. I did see a small sandstorm too but as I was in an air-conditioned tent, it was great position to just see what was going on.

How do festivals compare to clubs when it comes to Dance music and working the decks? Do you get the same experience? Is it tougher to work the crowd?
You can’t really compare them because they’re totally different experiences and I like both. Festivals can be awe-inspiring because of the size of the crowds but equally you can’t beat an intimate club night where everyone’s in the zone.

You’re no stranger to Australia, having played at Listen Out, Stereosonic and Pacha Sydney; when will we see you on our shores again?
There’s a tour planned – I’ll be back after the summer season is done. I promise.

Where did the name Duke Dumont come from?
I wanted an artist name that made a distinction between life and music. A name like Duke Dumont seemed pretty far off the life I was living at the time.

What would you rather: a cup of tea or a bottle of beer?
Tea with two sugars please.

Were there many musical influences when you were growing up?
My dad had loads of records but I always preferred my mum’s Motown collection, it was the soulful vocals that did it.

In your opinion, what is the greatest Dance record of all time?
That’s such a hard question. There are many great records I could name but I’m going to go with Frankie Knuckles ‘Your Love’.

What was the first single you bought?
It was either Bones Thugs N Harmony ‘Crossroads’ or Cypress Hill ‘Black Sunday’.

Blasé Boys Club dates and line-up @ Sankeys, Ibiza

30th June – Duke Dumont, Jax Jones, Andy Baxter
14th July – Duke Dumont, Kiwi, Kidnap Kid, Andy Baxter
21st July – Duke Dumont, Waze & Odyssey, Andy Baxter
28the July – Duke Dumont, Jonas Rathsman, Andy Baxter
11th August – Duke Dumont, Karma Kid, Kiwi, Andy Baxter
18th August – Duke Dumont, Jax Jones, Waze & Odyssey, Andy Baxter
25th August – Duke Dumont, French Express, Andy Baxter
1st September – Duke Dumont, Shadow Child, Andy Baxter

By Charlotte Mellor