We caught up with the man in question to get the lowdown on the new, extremely auspicious EP, and indeed, his impending plans for his label...
Hey Antoine, thanks for taking the time out to talk to us. So, I wanted to start by asking about the new label. What's the thinking behind the name?
Thanks for having me. Well, to tell you the truth, we all have our 'shower songs'; you know, songs which we're not especially proud to listen to but we still sing all the same. For me, that band is Australian band Empire of the Sun, who do of course sing 'We are always running for the thrill of it, thrill of it. Always pushing up the hill, searching for the thrill of it". And that's something I'm in agreement with. I'm constantly looking for new thrills, either in sport, at work or with my friends, etc.
And why was now the right time to start up a new label?
I'm not even sure it is the right time, because life as a label is pretty hard today. The sales and the market in general is difficult. But when I met my girlfriend, who is an excellent artist, it gave me the idea and the inspiration to start something new. I've pushed my Time Has Changed label really far over the years alongside my partner, Timid Boy, and we've seen it become one of France's biggest tech-house labels. On Thrill Of It, I want to release outstanding stuff, but with an emphasis on art too. Downtempo, deep house, deep techno, it doesn't really matter to me.
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What's the most important lesson you've learned from running Time Has Changed over the years?
Today I know how a label works from promotion to artists relations to advertising. So I think that gives we an advantage in terms of running a new label. I also think I know what people are looking for musically...
Did you ever think THC would become as successful as it is now? Why do you think it's become so popular?
No, absolutely not! I begun the project only because I didn't have time to party and I wanted to keep one foot in the scene. The success wasn't sudden though; we worked really hard to bring the label to where it is. We tried to release quality stuff and worked hard on the promotion side of things.
Timid Boy 's DJ career is as a result of the label, and that's great. And the support of the DJ leaders like Richie Hawtin, Dubfire , and many more is important. I have to say that i am pretty proud of what we did.
How will Thrill of It differ from THC then? Will the music be similar?
I think that if you are doing another project, the main thing is that this one has to be different. Thrill Of It will be more of a concept label. Art meeting music. All our covers are also paintings that my wife has done. It is also an inspiration for me. The music will be totally different from THC. I think the tempo will be reduced and the melodies more present. But we are totally open minded with regard to A&R. We will release some very diverse stuff without exceeding 10/12 releases per year.
Talk me through the first release on TOI if you would. What was the inspiration for it?
Inspiration is a big word, I am thinking of nothing particular when I enter the studio. This time about, I wanted to make some exciting dancefloor tunes. With maybe a kind of weird melody.
Crush is based on that driving bass I used and those notes were made with my minimoog voyager. Something aesthetic, groovy with vocals is what really appealed. And this 80's like melody which come in the middle; it's a bit dark and I like that. On the other track I was really inspired by the vocal sample, I built some interesting drums around it then played that typical melody.
And your partner does the artwork, right? So where did she come up with the concept of the two hands? Is it something you immediately loved?
Like you said, it is my girlfriend who does it. The fact that she is a painter and designer is something that I really love. It is maybe idiotic of may to point out that she's really talented, but that's definitely the case. She also listens to what I want cover-wise, which is really important. She designed all the graphic aspects of Thrill Of It; the logo, the idea, the Michelangelo like hands etc. She's totally part part of the project
And how did you end up having Villanova and Danton Eeprom on board?
I've been in contact with Villanova for a few months now. I think they're one of the best French duos of the moment.They have a unique style mixing weird sounds, weird edits etc. I totally dig what they are doing. It is kind the same with Danton as we've spoken a long time over the phone. It's easy when you are from the same country and have some common friends. We are very similar in our mind. And i am super proud that Danton made that remix. Especially because it is a super remix but also because he's making a great comeback around now.
So is the label going to be very 'French' or will you be looking for producers from all over the world to join you?
Absolutely not! Everybody, every nationality is welcome!
And is it just you in charge of the A&R?
No, A&R is a common things between me and Desirée. We received demos, take our time, listen to them back when we travel. Then we begin to imagine a concept around a sound, a track, a release....
You've been working on a live show recently I believe. How's that going?
It is going really great. After years of performance, I added some very good stuff on it. I am trying to make something more playful, more visual. And I am sure the people will like it.
We are doing our first label night soon, the 30th April in Avignon, our city, in Shelter club. The label night will mix my music but also the paintings of Desirée. I think this concept could attract a lot of clubs in Europe or all over the world. In any case, we are ready for it!
And what else can we look forward to from Acumen over the next while?
Well I'll still be working at the pharmacy as always, but I'm a serial studio worker so you're sure to hear my stuff later on. There'll also be a new compilation called Overview on my label, Time Has Changed on the 7th April and a new EP in June with my friend Ranacat which will feature a Gorge remix too. Then we'll see how I get on with the secret demos I've sent too!
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