New York local Jacques Renault is considered by most in the know as one of the best house and disco DJs around. He has played for the likes of Justin Timberlake at his favourite New York haunt 205 and has remixed some of dance music's heavyweight artists such as LCD Soundsystem and our very own Lost Valentinos. YourGigs chats to the dance-punk founder about his first ever Australian tour.
yourGigs (yG): When you started focusing on your musical studies, it was initially as a viola player. How did you first get involved in the electronic music scene?
Jacques Renault (JR): I was always interested in recording from an early age, but not DJing until 1997. While growing up in Washington, DC, I went to a party called Cold Rice at Kaffa House in high school that played soul, dancehall and drum'n'bass. I was into it and learned more about what was happening around the world with dance music and started to buy and mix records. After being in countless bands, I felt like I found an output I could do on my own. Living in Chicago exposed me to more genres and more parties which led to more searching about obscure disco and house. I loved it and realised I was not too far off at all to take it and create more.
yG: Your music seems to be venturing into the dance-punk scene, what is it about this genre that interests you so much?
JR: "Dance-punk" is pretty broad, especially over the past couple of years. I think it's difficult to label what it is that I do and what's happening with music in New York and beyond, of course. I definitely have a post-punk background of sorts but the sound under this phrase has changed a bit over the years. What makes people excited are the sounds that continue to be new, right? I've had the opportunity to work with some amazing people and will continue to do more and more with an evolving sound producing myself and others.
yG: You have done remixes for some dance heavyweights such as Moby, LCD Soundsystem and Lost Valentinos, who has been the most enjoyable artist to remix?
JR: Ah that's too hard to say! I always like the challenge and the process of the remix, and everyone has been a different and positive take. I'm just honoured to be asked by artists I know and respect.
yG: How would you describe your creative process?
JR: I am big on being influenced by my physical surroundings, my city, my routine. I think it's important to like your environment. My music has a lot to do with what I play, so some disco and house and classics and a bit of the new of course. I listen to a lot of different music and often like to create percussion and build from there adding bit by bit with a hook hopefully too.
yG: You have played in some seriously renowned venues all over the globe. Which of them do you love going back to?
JR: I've had some amazing times all over but the place I loved the most was 205 Club in New York. I had so many great nights with Justin [Timberlake] and our many guests; it's a shame it had to end. 205 Tuesdays, RIP!
yG: This is the first time you have visited Australian shores, what can audiences expect from a classic Jacques Renault set?
JR: Some disco and house that you may know, among some new and fresh things I've been lucky enough to get my hands on. Good times I hope!
yG: What are your plans when you are not behind the decks in Australia?
JR: Looking forward to spending some time with all the friends I've made over the months like The Canyons and the guys at Future Classic. I've had many friends from New York and Europe tell me how much fun it is to be in Australia, so I'm happy to be on my way.
yG: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
JR: Wow, really? Hmm I guess I hope to be happily married with a few kids continuing to be producing and performing music. I'm pleased that I get to do what I do, and I know it will evolve and change over the years. I'm looking forward to what's next, and seeing what I can contribute. I have more and more ideas; I think it will work for sure.
Alex Hahn
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