Anthony Collins steps up a gear: interview

Anthony Collins steps up a gear: interview

23 August, 2008 | 1.27AM

• Written by: Ben Raven
• Filed under: Music News: anthony, collins

Ask Anthony Collins what he’d be doing if he wasn’t a DJ and the answer is instant.

“The thought never even crossed my mind,” he says.

In only three years the French up-and-coming star has conjured up a discography of almost 40 productions — a staggering number of releases for a new relatively new artist.

In 2008 he’s rapidly crafting a name for himself as one of the brightest thinkers in the underground house scene.

His productions are known for their expert use of percussion and a knack for stylish funk and he’s released on some of house and techno music’s most prestigious labels.

Born to an American father and French mother he spent his youth traveling between France and the States.

His dad had a jazz studio in LA and was an early influence on the live instrument lead jazzy vibe that encapsulates many of his current productions.

After buying decks at 17 he became obsessed by DJing, gigging in clubs in the South of France before moving to Paris to play at clubs like the Rex or Le Batofar.

He’s currently working on his debut album for Freak ‘N’ Chic.

If the last three years are anything to go by, we’re expecting fireworks.

What is your biggest track so far and how did it come about?

It’s hard for me to say since I don’t think I’ve had a hit yet but they are a few that I’d say are more important than others like ‘Bricollage’ on Liebe Detail, ‘The Drummer Lost His Mind” on Safari Electronique, ‘Reeves’ on Curle, ‘Dé a Tricoter’ on Cecille and ‘Rabouine House “ on Freak ’N’ Chic.

What’s been your favorite DJ gig so far?

It was at Goa in Madrid recently.

Goa is a huge party for 10,000 people across three rooms with a giant open air area to chill which takes place once a month on a Sunday afternoon from 12 am to 12 pm.

All the Freak ’N’ Chic team play there twice a year.

It’s massive but always has quality music which is really rare in big events. 

I arrived at that gig without having slept for the last two days so when I got there I was in a bad mood! When I arrived on site however, the vibe was so amazing I was not tired anymore and partied till the last minute!

What label do you produce on most and how did you become close to them?

That would be Freak ’N’ Chic.

I am working on an album for them to release this winter and have already released an EP called ‘Rabouine House.’

I would say it’s my closest musical family but I produce on many labels.

There are so many great labels out there with great identities and style I could not see myself stuck on one label all my life.

Who is your biggest influence and why?

This is a hard one to nail down!

There’s most of the Perlon crew ( Villalobos, Melchior, Baby Ford, Sammy Dee, etc) for starters.

The Cadenza crew with Luciano and friends.

On the more classic house tip: Ron Trent,, Kerri Chandler, Brothers Vibe, Theo Parrish.

There are too many to mention.

Perhaps the reason all these people influence me is because they are all able to make timeless music that is different from everybody else.

That’s the hardest thing to achieve.

How did you learn to produce and DJ?

I started DJing after spending some time with a DJ the summer just before I turned 18.

Then for my birthday I got myself a pair of decks and spent entire days going to the record store and DJing instead of school.

My parents hated me for that for a long time but now that they see I am living a normal life (well, almost normal, as normal as life can get for a DJ) everything is cool.

I started to learn to producer with Ludovic Vendi.

My first productions were released as a collaboration between Ludovic and I under the name Vibe Dealers for labels like Players Paradise ( Dirt Crew’s sub label).

Then after a summer working with Ludovic I bought my first ever computer at 21.

I didn’t even know how to use MSN so from there on I spent days in front of the computer learning and learning which I’m still doing to this day.

What’s next from you?

I am working on my album for Freak N Chic for some time this winter.

I’ve also got an EP on 100% Pure’s new sub label called BangBang and I’ll be touring all around Europe, South and North America to promote my album.

Tell us your top five records on Beatport?

Dilo ‘The Kittycat Track (Tolga Fidan’s San Pedro remix) (Einmaleins Musik)

Kuniyuki ‘All These Things’ (Theo Parrish remixes) (Mule Musiq)

Dop ‘I’m Just A Man’ (Eklo)

Anthony Collins ‘Reeves’ (Curle)

Anthony Collins ‘Sol –Rhythm’ (Mixx)

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• Check out Anthony Collins on Beatport