A unique groove that amazes and transports you on a psychedelic voyage. That is the trademark of Swann Decamme and the reason for the increasing success of this dedicated laborer of electronic music. Swann, the founder of Paris-based label Curiosity Music, is a DJ and producer who distinguishes himself by his open-minded style navigating minimal, deep, and tech house, with a predilection for hypnotic loops and sound waves. He combines groovy rhythms and synthetic melodies to create incisive tracks, penetrating the brain like powerful psychotropic agents. His high-quality productions have attracted the attention of tech legends such as Richie Hawtin, as well as new talents of deep house and a young crowd. Swann has four releases scheduled for 2020 on acclaimed labels, Dawn Till Dusk (Melbourne), Earthly Delights (New York), Magician On Duty (Miami) and Time Has Changed (Paris). A true globe-trotter, Swann Decamme has appeared regularly in clubs in Europe, the United States, and Latin America. His most recent performances include the SXM Festival in St Martin, and clubs in Colombia, Dominican Republic, London, Barcelona, and Paris. Swann is the co-founder and artistic director of the Caribbean-based L’Amour à la Plage festival started in 2019. He’s organized all previous series of this crowd-pleasing event, which combines music, artistic expression, and good food in breathtaking surroundings. The next event is scheduled for fall 2020 on the island of Martinique.
Hi Swann, thanks a lot for taking the time to speak to us today! How are you and where are you based at the moment?
Hi guys, thanks for the invitation. I’m doing quite well, I’m currently in my studio in the south of France. I’m composing a lot at the moment, I’m surrounded by nature, I’m better here because it’s pretty tense in Paris right now (where I live all year round) due to the curfew and lockdown.
The past year has been a strange one for everyone, can you tell us a bit aside from the studio, how have you kept yourself sane this year?
Yes, for the last year it’s been very hard for everyone and especially for us artists because everything is at a standstill and there is not much help. Apart from music I keep fit by doing sports regularly, I also love to cook, it takes my mind off things and when I can I visit my friends to have a good time. 🙂
When did you get into music and how? Where do you draw your main musical inspiration from?
I got into music a bit by chance, one day when I was a student at university I said to myself that I wanted to be a DJ. Hahaha that was 13 years ago, and now I am a DJ and a producer. I attended various schools and training programs, but mostly it’s down to a lot of work and perseverance. My musical culture is partly thanks to my parents who have been listening to many different styles since my youth. I can thank them for this musical heritage.
You have an EP out soon called Curfew EP on your label Curiosity Music could you talk us through the EP?
Yes, it’s released on all platforms on 9 April. It’s an EP I composed last autumn in Paris. Its 2 tracks quite minimal and downtempo with an organic touch but with a dark side which refers to the current climate and tension. My friend Quenum made a superb remix of the track “Curfew”. Nothing more to add, I invite you to discover the EP.
This time you got a remix from Quenum, Could you tell us how did the collaboration came up together, and are you satisfied with the work that Quenum did?
Yeah, I’m very happy with Quenum’s remix. We collaborate on various aspects. Philippe (Quenum) has become a very good friend, we get along really well. Keep an eye on us as the future looks bright 😉
What is your studio set up like, can you tell us about any of your favorite pieces of kit?
I have to say that my studio setup is very minimalist but with everything you need. I don’t have a bunch of synths, I have a super acoustic one that I made myself as well as some very good Focal monitoring speakers, a RME Fireface 800 sound card and a set of headphones. I also have some very good plug-ins in the box. I know my equipment by heart, I think it’s the most important to get a quality result.
If you could do a collaboration with any artist, who would it be?
Wow super tough question, there are so many. I really like the vibe and quality of Bedouin’s tracks.
If you could share one of your all-time favorite dance music tracks, what would it be?
Another difficult question but I would say that one of my secret weapons is the track “Atacama” by Patrice Baumel and Audiofly.
Now that things look like they might start moving again this year, what do you have coming up in terms of releases and gigs?
I have several remixes coming up as well as many collaborations with artists from all over the world. As far as gigs are concerned we are working on a US tour for August/September and I hope that we will be able to organize a new edition of the L’Amour à la plage festival that I co-founded in Martinique.
Thanks for talking to us today, it’s been a pleasure! One last thing, are there any tips you would give our readers to get through this last part of lockdown?
The pleasure is shared. Stay positive, do some sport and above all keep listening to music!
