Exclusive Interview: Michael Canitrot Talks About His Monumental Tour and Performing at Notre-Dame's Reopening

If you think techno and historic monuments have nothing to do with one another, think again. Since 2021, DJ/producer Michael Canitrot has embarked on an audiovisual mission to perform at world-famous sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Basilica del Pilar in Zaragoza, and other breathtaking buildings as part of his ongoing 'Monumental Tour.'

This past weekend, Canitrot performed at one of his most significant locations to date, Notre-Dame Cathedral, for the reopening ceremony of the world-famous Gothic structure after the devastating fire that closed its doors back in April of 2019. His 10-minute set, performed in front of 1,500 notables and country representatives, was a stunning feast for the eyes, with light projections cast across the iconic cathedral's facade to the sound of Canitot's enlightened and emotional strain of techno.

Following his performance, Beatportal caught up with Canitrot to learn more about his love of architecture, the vision behind his 'Monumental Tour' concept, his feelings about the performance, his plans for the future and more.

Hey Michael, thanks for joining us! Now that the year is coming to a close, what are three words you would use to describe your 2024, and why?

Hi Beatport, and thanks for the invitation! I would say intense, considering all the incredible shows I've been able to produce with my Monumental Tour project. Creative, too, as I've explored new horizons through various projects, always linked to my passions: architecture, digital art, and, of course, electronic music. Finally, I feel immense gratitude for everything that has happened to me personally and professionally, especially performing at Notre-Dame de Paris, something I could never have imagined.

Your latest album, Cycle, was released earlier this year in July. What were some rewarding moments from the production process around this LP?

This album is actually more of a compilation of tracks that fed into my 'Monumental Tour' show, which also inspired the experience. Without this project, the album would never have seen the light of day; it reflects my journey between music and the visual experience connected to heritage.

For those unfamiliar, tell us a bit about your Monumental Tour concept and bring us back to when you first came up with the idea and your personal relationship with history and architecture.

The concept of the Monumental Tour was born from the intersection of two passions: history and heritage, along with electronic music. I wanted to create a bridge between music and monumental spaces, offering an experience that reflects my personality and brings people together. The idea emerged from a desire to reimagine sites such as cathedrals and historic monuments through an immersive experience where sound, light, and visual art coexist harmoniously. It was also important for me to democratize electronic music by bringing it to these unique places and reaching a different audience. My personal relationship with monuments has always been one of respect and fascination; they deeply inspire my musical creativity.

You just performed at the Notre-Dame reopening event. Having performed in front of some of Europe's most iconic structures and monuments, what did this performance mean to you?

After twenty dates in venues such as Mont-Saint-Michel, the Basilica del Pilar in Zaragoza, and the Eiffel Tower, performing at the reopening of Notre-Dame was a very symbolic moment. It is THE cathedral, and to perform in front of such a sacred symbol of

Paris and contribute to its rebirth was a great honor. It transformed my artistic expression into a gesture of hope, tolerance, and unity.

Do you remember where you were on April 15th, 2019, when this devastating fire occurred at Notre-Dame? What do you remember thinking and feeling on that day?

I remember very well being in the streets of Paris and seeing a large cloud of black smoke. When I realized it was Notre-Dame, the emotion was overwhelming, and the entire world took notice. It"s a symbol that is not only religious but also cultural and universal. We felt as if a part of our shared history was disappearing before our eyes.

What kind of sonic and visual story were you hoping to convey to the audience throughout your performance?

Throughout my performance, I aimed to convey a sonic and visual journey of rebirth, life, and hope. The fusion of electronic music and orchestral elements created a dialogue between the past and the present. Visually, the projections highlighted the architectural beauty of Notre-Dame, reflecting themes of resilience, unity, and the spirit of renewal that this moment represents.

If you had the chance to perform in front of any other iconic structures/monuments anywhere on earth, which would you pick and why?

I love Brazil and I am often there, so I would love to perform one day at Corcovado!

Finally, what do you have in store for us in 2025?

I'll be mixing in Madrid on 31/12 to celebrate the start of the new year, at the Puerta del Sol, where everyone comes together to turn over a new leaf. It's going to be a great moment, I'm sure!

I'm working also on some new music, with my team on a club tour and some big new shows with the Monumental Tour for this summer.

Can't wait to share it all with you!