First, words escape me to describe how excited we are to have Todd Edwards coming to bless the stage at our party this weekend. For any fans in southern California, we invite you to join us Saturday night!
As a master of cut-up sampling and credits as one of the godfathers of the UK garage sound, the influences he’s had on electronic music is undeniable. He’s produced stellar remixes for the likes of Justice, Phoenix, Klaxons, Hot Chip, Spank Rock, Boris, Appaloosa, Surkin, Robin S, Zoot Woman, St. Germain, and Dimitri From Paris just to name a few. Even more notable (to some) is that Edwards co-produced, co-wrote, and sang on the Daft Punk song “Face to Face” on their 2001 album “Discovery.”
Still questioning whether or not to RSVP?
Mr. Edwards was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his schedule to answer a few questions. Here he gives his thoughts on the state of dance music, Daft Punk’s forthcoming new album, an amazing night with Basement Jaxx at Ministry of Sound, and much more! Enjoy.
Nile Rodgers confirmed via his personal blog that he and Thomas/Guy-Man were meeting to work on some new material. As a previous collaborator of theirs, any predictions or thoughts on where Daft Punk may take their sound for the forthcoming album?
With Daft Punk, it’s safe to say that they are always exploring new territory. With each album there has been an evolution. There new album will be nothing short of another ongoing lesson in musical artistry.
By the looks of your Facebook and Twitter feeds it seems like you are cranking away on some exciting new collaborations. What can you tell us about those and when can we expect to get a listen?
I’ve been in the process of doing tracks with Robert Lester from ELLA RIOT and also Daniel De Lara who is the author of the asianmandan.com music blog. They both have great musical perspectives. Over the next couple of months I will be doing a collaboration with Jacques Renault. I’m very much looking forward to vibe-ing off of his production. I was in Paris last month collaborating with Surkin. We have three tracks in the works. He was such a pleasure to collaborate with! Surkin works very differently from me, and I learned a lot from his techniques. Each track has a different vibe, and one will feature me singing. Lastly, I wrote lyrics and sang on a track for THE SWISS.
To be honest I don’t know when everything will be completed. Schedules are constantly changing, but I think it’s safe to guarantee that they will all be coming out at some point this year.
As a tenured producer in the dance music world, you’ve surely seen genres come and go. What are your thoughts on the state of dance music? Where do you think things are headed in regards to dance music culture?
I look at things realistically. When you’ve been in music for a while, you’ll see there are cycles. Right now harder electronic music is very mainstream. That will last for a while, listeners will start to crave something else, and perhaps more soulful music will start to become more widespread. Within each genre of dance music there are amazing tracks that stand out in a flooded market. That can be said of today, and could be said of every other decade. My goal as an artist is to bring new ideas into my work. So I’ll listen to what’s out there, and I’ll be open to however it inspires me. At the same time to keep my core fan group happy, I will also continue to do what I’m known for. It’s a balance between keeping the audience and myself happy with what I’m doing.
Looked like you were having the time of your life in those recent videos of your gig with Basement Jaxx at Ministry of Sound. Any fun stories to share from that night? It looked and sounded amazing!
I haven’t seen the Basement Jaxx for almost 10 years! I was so happy to see them and hear them spin. They had their trumpeter playing over their mixes, and Vula Malinga beltin’ out soulful vocals as well! EPIC!!! What was inspiring for me was that the Jaxx stayed and listened to my set and Vula started singing over a bit of my tracks as well! It was an unforgettable night for me!!
Do you keep tabs on all the new stuff coming out these days? Any DJs/producers we should be keeping our eye on this year?
I’ve said it before, I praise anyone that has time to keep up with all of the producers that are up and coming while staying on top of producing and djing. I can’t multitask to save my life. Some of the producers that I follow off the top of my head are Solution, DJ Vaden, DJ Clefy, One Dark Martian, GE, Submerse, Kovu, Hybu, DJ Elski, Keith and Supabeatz, Duncan Powell, Cosmic Kidz, LOL Boys, and Ghosts On Tape, and Brian Jones. That should could keep you busy for a bit.
What are a few tunes in heavy rotation within your playlist these days?
The 2 Bears album is inspiring. It’s a prime example of how you can make great dance music and have deep lyrics mix perfectly.
You are known by many to be one of the nicest guys in dance music. How do you keep yourself grounded in such an ego driven industry?
Well, for starters a good portion of my fan base is overseas, and my closest friends in New Jersey are not from that world so there is no ego to stroke. Also, my career and my life has had a lot of ups and downs. If there was any possibility of becoming arrogant it was mentally beaten out of me .I used to have a love hate relationship with music. Now, it is only love and appreciation for the continuing work, fans, and opportunities. Lastly and most importantly, you know I’m into following God. The music and God are the focus. I’m not at the center of this.
If you were given the opportunity to put together a dream lineup for a show, who would you include and why?
I would want Imogen Heap, Bjork, Daft Punk, and DJ EZ… two amazing and unique vocalists and songwriters, two genius producers, and a technically brilliant DJ. I’d be in the front row.
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