Nice-Premium: This is not the first time you’ve been to the Côte d’Azur since you attended the Pantiero Festival (in Cannes) last year. What do you think of the local audience?
MDSLKTR: It’s not very easy to judge… I imagine there is still a difference between the people who live in the region and those who come here as tourists, to spend money in the casinos, etc. It’s always a good thing when you play outdoors like at the Nu-Ziq. I can’t say much about the audience, but overall it is very pleasant.
N-P: Do you enjoy the region when you come, or is everything centered around your set?
MDSLKTR: We have time to enjoy a bit as we stay for two days. Of course, we mainly enjoy the beaches; in Germany, it’s more difficult!
N-P: How long have you been making music together?
MDSLKTR: Oh, it’s been 11 years now! We’ve always played together. Sometimes we play with other artists like Apparat, who is from Berlin like us, but otherwise, we are a real duo.
N-P: What do you think of the Nu-Ziq festival?
MDSLKTR: There is good organization and a good sound system. The people here are very nice, so the impression is positive.
N-P: What do you expect from a festival like this?
MDSLKTR: Oh, simply to have a good time, without stress. That there is good organization, nice people… We play twice every weekend in different places, so we end up going with the flow and don’t have too many specific demands.
N-P: How would you define your music?
MDSLKTR: It doesn’t really have a definition. We make what is commonly called electronic music, but our influences are very diverse. They come from Hip-Hop, Rock, from England, the United States, Germany. We also have a good connection with French music, notably through our collaboration with TTC. We like the way people love music here, the way people enjoy themselves dancing. We’re not really into the “hype” and such things. The important thing is creation. We are not focused on the current French scene and all the movement that accompanies it, for example. It’s not our music, it’s another “game”. We try to stay somewhat “underground”. We won’t sell our soul to the devil, in this case, the major labels. Our priority is to stay true, for the “kids” to focus on life’s things, not on trivialities. Without trying to lecture, either! We try to be as sincere as possible. “Keep it Real”!
N-P: Since your last album Hello Mom! which sold very well, you are recognized and expected. Has this sudden fame changed the way you make music and live?
MDSLKTR: Not at all. We’ve been doing this for a long time now. We have reached an age where we can say “easy”. We do what we can do; we can’t do more or better. We found our way, our language, two years before this album. Making live music still remains the most exhilarating experience.
N-P: What are your latest news and projects?
MDSLKTR: We have a joint project with Apparat, an album together. We also have projects with TTC and a British grime group. And above all, our new album, Happy Birthday!, which is released in September, featuring contributions from TTC, Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Maximo Park, and Puppetmastaz, so a lot of great people!
