Introducing: Tristan Garner

Introducing: Tristan Garner

9 December, 2010 | 11.42AM

• Written by: Justin Jack
• Filed under: Music News: introducing, tristan garner

Tristan Garner has put himself on the map as one of the most talented DJ/producers of the new French generation, following in the footsteps of Cerrone, Daft Punk and Cassius. Tristan broke through this year with his underground anthem ”F*ckin Down”; we caught up with Tristan to get to know this fierce French producer on the rise and talk about his new label Xtra Life Records.

Can you tell us a little about your background? Where did you grow up, and where are you based now?

I was born in Nice, in the south of France. I moved to Paris in 2005 when I was 19 years old and live there now.

How did you get started making music?

I started learning classic piano when I was 12 , but I was more influenced by Carl Cox, Fatboy Slim or Daft Punk than Mozart or Schubert. I was what we can call now a real nerd. I spent days and nights creating sounds on my old computer. I wasn’t impressed by the DJs, but by their music. I wanted to play my own tracks first.

How would you describe the music that you make?

I think it’s a mix between house, progressive and pop but built for big rooms. I always try to create songs, not DJ tools. Nice melodies, epic progression, it’s all about feelings.

Who helped you establish yourself in production?

Antoine Clamaran helped me a lot when I moved to Paris. He enabled me to have a professional approach on my work and my sounds. Think “club,” that’s the key!

When did you first feel that you had finally discovered your own individual sound?

I released my first track five years ago, but I really discovered my sound this year in 2010. It has been a real pain to know what was my “style” as I’m a musician first, and depending on my mood I can produce a wide range of sounds from deep techno to epic house. But now I realize I spent too many years trying to put a “name” on my music. I know what I like and where are my limits. The key is always to be yourself in your productions.

Do you DJ or play live (or both)?

For the moment I only DJ. But I’d like to build a new live set up for 2011 as 80% of the tracks I play are my own productions remixes and bootlegs.

How do you explain your music to your family members?

At first sight, when I told my parents I wanted to quit my job and begin a career as a DJ, they turned crazy. I was studying management in France and in Sweden and then I was offered a very comfortable job in a large business company in Paris. But wearing three-piece suits for the 30 next years of my life wasn’t my child dream at all! So I quit! My first years in Paris were really difficult money-wise, but thanks to passion and hard work I finally made it and I gained more respect from my parents than before.

Are you the type of musician who knows what kind of track you want to write before you sit down to make it, or do you create music more from a process of experimentation, trial and error?

I used to do these experimentation/trial things before, but now I got the chance to tour a lot. So I understand now what are the best elements and tricks to move a crowd. It’s not about sounds; but building, breaks, drops and pressure.

When you sit down to make a track, what’s the first thing you typically do?

I always start with a key idea. Just a loop on 16 bars, having in mind that this loop must have the biggest impact with few elements.

How long does a track typically take you to make?

All my biggest tracks were done in one night only. I easily get messed up if I spend more than three days on a track, and the result won’t be the quality of what I am capable of producing.

Where do you record?

I have a dedicated small room in my apartment, not 100% sound-proof, but with a coffee machine and a fridge, so comfortable enough to spend days and nights inside!

Do you currently have a favorite piece of gear or software?

I’m using Logic Pro 9, with two Genelec 8040A speakers and an RME Fireface soundcard. That’s all! I’m using a lot of digital instruments and tons of loops and samples I’ve collected since my childhood. My best piece of software is for sure my UAD mastering card. Especially the “precision mastering” tools. You can have a big club sound with these simple plug-ins.

Are you a morning person or night owl?

All my life is based on my productions process. I have a lot of inspiration after 2am that I can’t explain. So my typical studio day start at midnight, and after a full night of work, I go to bed around 10 or 11am. Every day! I told you I’m a nerd, right?

Which record do you wish you had made?

Daft Punk, “Aerodynamic” and “Harder Better Faster Stronger.” Two masterpieces.

If a wrecking ball was headed for your house, which *one* record would you rescue before it hit?

Paul Kalkbrenner, “Aaron.” Really emotional. The world could end and I would keep listening to it.

When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to?

I love pop and alternative rock. From MGMT, the XX, Muse. to Aaron, the Film, and other weirdo, underground, experimental Islandic bands, like Sigur Ros.

When you’re not making or playing music, what’s your preferred pastime?

I have lots of friends working in the fashion and design industry. I love how they express their feelings in physical things like clothes or objects. Thanks to my friends, I try to keep a balance of real life: for example, playing video games and watching movies.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing with your life?

I can’t imagine my life without music, but I would continue to evolve into an artistic domain like painting, design or cinema. It’s all about being creative in everything I do.

Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases…

I got lots of big gigs coming. I just came back from a tour in Brazil, and the next three months will be split between Russia, Spain, Germany, Sweden and of course France. Check out my official next big party in Paris for the opening of my new record label: Xtra Life.

Speaking of releases, my new one, “Fallin feat. Polina” is out now, exclusively on Beatport, and after several months in studio, I have almost five new singles ready to get released!!
Check out the teaser video for my new single “Fallin” feat. Polina.

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• Check out Tristan Garner's productions on Beatport