With the likes of Daft Punk, Fred Falke and Lifelike surrounding his ears it was only natural for someone like Leon Oziel to start the record label French Express. Uncovering acts like Azari & III, Disclosure and even Ellie Goulding has led to some of the greatest musical finds in a long time, but I am not here to talk about French Express or Leon, Ellie or anyone like that. I am here for their young gun Perseus, who has been tearing up the disco scene lately. With support from acts like The Magician and even Mark Ronson, this kid has a bright future. The American producer on a French disco label is seemingly a good pairing, with stylish and sexy music influenced by 90s hip-hop and 80s sex pop! I got to have a chat with him about music, kangaroos and his upcoming show at The Bowler Bar Brisbane on Saturday night. This is what he had to say.
Mark Ronson – Record Collection 2012 (Perseus Remix) by PERSEUS
First time down under? Do you think you will try eating kangaroo?
First time. Can’t eat kangaroo even if I wanted to, I only eat kosher meat!
So, this tour is HUGE for you and us, the fans and lovers of your music, so how are you feeling about Australia?
I’m already in love with the country. I have always wanted to live there, ever since I saw Crocodile Dundee as a kid.
Have you got any weird requests that you make on tour?
Not that I can think of… but I would definitely like to climb Uluru with my friends from Van She and get really high with the Aboriginals.
Talk to me about “Cool Running’s” and “Running Back To You”. Is this you in your element or are you trying new things? Is this the Perseus sound for good?
It was me at the moment. Audible, encapsulated Leon’s. Hopefully soon I’ll stop longing the one that got away and make something above 115 bpm.
Who are some Artists you think we should watch out for this year, some other young guys like yourself stepping up?
Isaac Tichauer, Chris Malinchak, Moon Boots, and Jonas Rathsman… breath of fresh Caribbean air. All of them combined are a force to be reckoned with (like The Warriors)!
We find a lot of artists are delving into management and starting their own labels. Is it something you’re interested in?
I am already knee deep in this under the French Express guise personally managing/creative directing my boys. We mutually respect and inspire each other. There’s a brilliant sense of comradery since we’re all in this together, coming from nothing, like a Jamaican bobsled team.
Now Australia has beautiful women… Are you the DJ who welcomes avid fans into the booth to dance and what not, or are you the ‘OMG get this drunken girl away from me guy?
Ever see those meme’s going around Facebook “how you think you are” “what people think you are” etc? I’m the guy that thinks he’s Sean Connery from James Bond with the ladies… when in reality I’m probably more Jim Carey from Ace Ventura.
Running Back To You by PERSEUS
I hope you don’t mind my silly questions, just like to take the edge off sometimes… With that in mind, music aside, what do you do with yourself?
Inseminate the world like Tony Montana first arriving on the virgin beaches of Miami. I smell opportunity, and with a bit of courage and a lot of balls I will be stomping onward with my musical crusade. Will drive this zealous cavalcade straight into every playlist we can reach, as my boys are only just warming up the turbines.
Lastly, what does the future hold for Perseus…? More originals and remixes / collaborations or maybe an album?
Kind of exciting actually, still holding my breath. In the imminent future, a release that breaks ground on a new label curated by a personal idol of mine, and a collaboration with a super inspiring friend and partner in crime.
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