Yuksek Interview

The French electronic music producer, remixer and composer, Pierre-Alexandre Busson, otherwise known as Yuksek, established his career in 2006, after playing the piano for ten years at The Conservatoire. His electronic flow as a DJ has gained him some serious notoriety and respect from electro heads all over the world. Known for being one of the frontrunners in the huge wave of talented French electro, he is in demand for his remixes, which he has done for the likes of Lady Gaga, Gorillaz, De La Soul and The Prodigy. Yuksek has now returned to the studio in his hometown in Reims, France, before taking over the Australian club scene. After huge performances at some of Australia’s biggest festivals including Splendour in the Grass, Parklife and Field Day, he is promoting his new label, Partyfine, which he is bringing to the infamous Chinese Laundry this July. Touching down in Australia this winter, Yuksek spoke to BBM about what else we can expect from this year.

Before storming the scene, Yuksek said Jean Michel Jarre, Kraftwerk, the keyboards from the Doors and early hip-hop for sampling sparked his interest in electronic music. He has produced the first Juveniles LP and has worked with JD Samson, The Magician, Mausi, GetARoom and Le Crayon. On his debut album ‘Away From The Sea’, Yuksek was a one-man act, then on his last tour, Yuksek picked up some new collaborators on the way. With a crew of different inputters and sounds, he released the follow-up album ‘Living On The Edge Of Time’ two years after the tour. He said: “I’m lucky because every session I did went so well, Oh Land, JD Samson, The Magician, Juveniles and Brodinski are such nice people.” Before Yuksek started to perform as a DJ he took part in several bands, including Klanguage, so is no stranger to joining forces with other musicians.

His new label Partyfine aims to explore Yuksek’s diverse musical tastes. He told us if he could put together an underground electronic collective of producers to work with, James Murphy, Soulwax, Animal Collective, Thomas Bangalter and The Sparks would be in his ultimate dream team. The label was born to assemble unique artists like this, using their own background and desires to release fresh music. Yuksek added: “I’ve got many cool tunes waiting to release on Partyfine in my box.”

Since the launch of Partyfine, Yuksek has unearthed some new artists who are set to storm the electronic scene. He said: “I’m gonna release the first EP from Getaroom, two French guys, really talented, that have done incredible edits of French pop from the 60’s and 70’s. They are amazing disco and electronic DJ’s and they’re gonna make a crazy record!” We also wanted to get a taste of the kind of music Yuksek has on his personal playlist. So, we asked him to recommend a track we should be listening to at the moment. He told us to check out ‘Shit Robot’, the Marcus Marr remix.

Besides performing at our Australian festivals, Yuksek has a huge worldwide following and performs at venues across the globe. From China to the United States, he let us in on what festivals he would recommend for 2013 and which ones he will hit up himself. He said: “Calvi on the rocks is the coolest French festival. I’m playing mainly club shows this year and I’m having holidays in August.” After playing at one of Australia’s best festivals, he added: “I’ve had amazing experiences twice in Splendour in the Grass, hope they’re gonna book me again next year.” Yuksek’s presence at this festival is well known for bringing diversity to the stage. He brings his own sound to our shores and creates a fun and vibrant atmosphere as well as some energizing dance floor bangers.

Performing in DJ mode for the first time since 2009, his Chinese Laundry show is set to hot up the winter. We discussed what makes the Laundry so successful and Yuksek explained: “The roof is low, the sound is huge and the temperature is indecent. Yes.” This is the unique atmosphere that attracts massive DJ’s from all over the world. Yuksek starts his Australian tour on Thursday 11th July in Adelaide at the Rocket Bar, followed by shows in Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. On Sunday 21st July, he will round up the tour in style by performing at Chinese Laundry. We asked him whether he would get the opportunity to see the sights of Australia, he said: “Unfortunately not, it’s the sixth time I’m touring Australia and I only saw cities. It’s sad to say but no time again.”

On the debut release on Partyfine, named Partyfine EP #1, it features two new originals from Yuksek himself. Still maintaining his reputation for mind-blowing collaborations, he teams up with French electro-pop band Juveniles on the track ‘Truth’ for some unique chords. On top of that Club Cheval’s and Sam Tiba also feature on the EP. The vocals of Danish indie-princess, Oh Land, are featured on the album originals. It is the epitome of the creative freedom that Yuksek has pioneered through his new label, his attention to detail and precision does not go unnoticed when you listen to the carefully crafted beats.

Yuksek has an action packed diary ahead of him during his time in Australia this month. We asked what he had in store for us for the rest of 2013, Yuksek said we can expect: “Many records and great nights with Partyfine, and maybe a new album, or at least a work in progress and fun collaborations.” This guy doesn’t stop! So with a new label, new EP and a shed load of new tour dates, we have more to look forward to from this innovative and electrifying remix extraordinaire.

Yuksek’s Australian Tour Dates:
Thursday, 11th July – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
Friday, 12th July – Oh Hello!, Brisbane
Saturday, 13th July – Villa, Perth
Friday, 19th July – The Liberty Social, Melbourne
Saturday 20th July – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
Sunday, 21st July – Chinese Laundry, Sydney

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