Chicane
As one of the most prolific producers, composers and hitmakers to come from nineties club culture and the trance music scene, Chicane has made a big name for himself.
So, it was exciting when the news came that he's got a brand new single on the horizon, and Female First jumped at the chance to put some questions to the star about the changing music scene, his new material and what to expect in the coming months.
How does it feel coming back into the music industry?
I never went away, in fact, haven't been busier!
I might have not been concentrating on top 40 commercial material, but have busy working with
Hollywood on an exciting project, building my number 1 radio show 'Sun:sets' and DJ'ing around the globe!
Tell us about your new single 'No More I Sleep' and the creative process behind this track.
'Sleep' is a big crossover dancefloor radio track, it's not so underground but has all the the Chicane hallmarks.
Creatively speaking it's about writing tracks that evoke an emotion and make you feel a certain way for me.
It may have a commercial edge, but the track is moody and serious too.
How much would you say the music industry has evolved since the nineties club scene?
Well, the industry has struggled to keep up with how things work these days.
360 degree deals are commonplace as sales are so down on what they were.
This is also due to crazy deals done by Steve Jobs and the record companies in the past, deciding that a track is worth just 99p?
This is also mirrored by streaming companies who pay an appalling percentage to the artist.
The man in the street has no idea just how hard things are for the artist these days and what bad business decisions have been made by the industry.
How important is it for an artist to be adaptable to move with the times?
It's quite simple, adapt or say your goodbyes... But you must retain what are your core musical principles and
mould them with what is new, without jumping on the latest bandwagon and looking like you're cashing in.
With so many hits to your name, do you feel you've got anything to prove this time round?
I have a feeling that my latest work is some of my strongest, so I would like to feel that it will be received well.
You've co-written and produced for some big names including Cher - but who haven't you written or produced for that you'd love to at some point?
I am more interested in working with producers of the like: Brian Eno, Trevor Horn, BT, rather than particular artists.
You were born in Chalfont St Giles in England - what kind of journey have you been through to get to where you are today?
One hell of one! I spend a vast amount of the year on a plane, going from gig to gig.
It's a fantastic life, but only if you put in the effort. i feel as I have been flat out for 20 years. Can't remember the last proper holiday.
What advice do you have to aspiring artists who want to make it big and share their work with the world?
Dream big, then make it happen, no one else will do it for you. Understand how music works and why it communicates with the world in general.
Whose music have you been listening to lately?
London Grammer, Chvrches, Pryda.
What do you like to do in your down time?
Sleep, snowboard & spend time with my family.
Finally, what should we expect from you in the coming months aside from the new single?
A new album, the radio show going from strength to strength and some exciting gigs.
'No More I Sleep' is released May 26 through Modena Records / Enzo Recordings.