His Majesty Andre opened my eyes to a whole new world of dance music back in 2008, when he had let loose his track “Peep Thong” which was on his first EP, “Great Matter” via Cheap Thrills. Both the EP and track caught spark within the EDM community and was heavily played out by the cream of the crop including, Pete Tong, A-Trak, Mstrkrft, Crookers, Bloody Beetroots and countless others. He has been a handful of producers in recent years to bring back the disco-house style/sampling in electronic dance music people are raving about right now. Fast forward a couple of years and since then, he’s built a great reputation for himself by stamping his talents on remixes for names like Keith & Supabeatz, Don Rimini, and Armand Van Helden. Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to chat with your highness himself – check the whole outfit down below!
Thank you so much for sitting down with us and taking the time out of your hectic schedule – it is surely appreciated. So I have to ask, what was “life” before turning to music? Tell us about yourself !
Music has always been around me, I’ve always dreamt of playing in a band, doing radio and stuff like that, mainly because my brother was already into the music world and we’ve been always good friends even before being related. Even when I was working and living outside the music production, I’ve kept an eye on all sorts of genres. I’m not saying I enjoy all the music I listen to, but.. It always worth give a listen to!
What has it been like for you to see talented producers coming out of Italy and make an impact in the dance community? Who do you keep in-touch with from over seas and how have they helped you in your career so far?
Italy has a strong musical influence since ever world wide. Most of the time we just suffer of self-confidence and self-criticism, that’s why Italian music disappear and can’t evolve for a while. Beside that we should be everyone happy of this success, waking up the whole world, and then Italy, with new ideas, sounds and people. During this explosion I’ve had the honour to meet some of my lifetime heroes, such as Armand Van Helden or Fatboy Slim, and some of the new hottest DJs and producers like A-trak, who always supported my music by playing it incessantly, asking me for remixes and keeping in contact for ideas, feedbacks or just some chat.
His Majesty Andre – Peep Thong by hismajestyandre
How often are you spending on the road these days?
I’m around every time it’s needed and I reckon it’s one of the best things ever. While doing one of the most exciting jobs ever, I have the chance to meet people, taste food and see places I would probably never seen otherwise.
With that being said, do you find traveling opens up your diversity and music?
It is fundamental. Traveling means, as said before, meet people, see places, smell perfumes (and stink sometimes): basically having fresh influences, keeping alive all the senses and receiving new vital inputs.
How often are you in the studio? And on the topic of studio’s, what do you use?
I’m almost always in my studio as I have it at my house and when I’m away from that I still have my laptop to work with. It’s important not to miss ideas! I basically run Ableton Live on Mac plus some secret gear. A couple of usb controllers help the production while turntables, CD players and mixer keep the music playing on and on.
Roy Davis Jr ft. Bear Who – Automatic Principles (His Majesty Andre remix) PREVIEW by hismajestyandre
We all know your passion for the UK, living in London must give you some real drive for new music. How has living in London pushed your creative mind ?
London is one of the best hubs in the world when it comes to creativity. Listening to different styles, following underground movements or being struck by break-thru hits just make you want to do something and help your ideas to grow and evolve. It’s challenging as long as you don’t loose yourself, otherwise it can be a bit confusing or even frustrating when it comes to drive the sound of your own productions, trying to be unique and original.
Let’s roll into some fun shall we.. Are you a good cook?
Let’s say I do enjoy cooking, my friends love my dishes and nobody has been poisoned.. yet?!
Favorite cuisines?
Italian is my favourite as it can be both simple or articulate and has different ways to satisfy every single mouth. I grew up with pizza and pasta, I can’t hide it! I do enjoy also when different cuisines clashes together to create something unexpected. Oh, and I love English sandwiches as they’re always fresh.
Kid Gloves – Brand New Dance (His Majesty Andre Remix) by hismajestyandre
Drink of choice?
This is weird.. Uhmm. I’m not into alcohol drinks so I do love ice tea and smoothies.
Top 3’s .. Top 3 Artists and top 3 tracks at the moment?
Top 3 artists at the moment are, in alphabetical order:
Broke One, check his latest release “the Empire”
Donovans, and their crunchy drums!
Keith & Supabatz, check all the releases actually!
Top 3 tracks at the moment are, in alphabetical order:
BS1 – By the sea, from a mysterious Italian duo
Diplo – Express yourself, need no introduction
His Majesty Andre – Dry Tool (Elisa Bee “Crazy Sisters” Bootleg) — and it’s free!
His Majesty Andre — Dry Tool (Elisa Bee “Crazy Sisters” Bootleg) by Elisa Bee
What does 2012 have in store for his majesty? (releases, collabs, gigs, remixes)
Coming very soon, random order: Battle of the Spurs remixes EP —with remixes by Keith & Supabeatz, Broke One, Nic Sarno, Symone, Phonat and myself on a rework— out on 7th May, a remix for the legendary Roy Davis Jr and Bear Who? called “Automatic Principles”, one for a recent signing on Cheap Thrills by the name of “Housquare” from France, a Fatboy Slim joint and a couple of EPIC releases ready, which will partially shift and reshape my sound — plus some productions for other project I really believe into and I love to be involved.. a bit secret yet!
Thank you so much for the time! Any final messages to your fans and the readers?
Uhm.. Thank you all! Hope to see you at one of my gigs! — and remember to check my website for news, new music and my radio show!
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