Exclusive Interview with Felix Cartal
Growing up in Vancouver, Felix's initial mark on the dance scene was with his debut EP in 2009 titled 'Skeleton.' Steve Aoki and MSTRKRFT were some of the earliest supporters of Cartal's sound, and he released his debut LP 'POPULAR MUSIC' on Aoki's label, Dim Mak Records. 2012 was an important year for Felix Cartal, as the first single off his sophomore album has demonstrated, his sound has matured into simply put: memorable music. This single, titled, "Don't Turn On The Lights", featuring a vocal from Ultra Music topliner Polina, has already garnered support from MTV, BPM (Sirius XM) and Muchmusic, who have all added the video and song into heavy rotation.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Felix Cartal, shortly before his performance at Q Bar on Thursday 23rd February.
You played in rock bands, punk bands and progressive rock bands. What made you turn to dance music?
Once my final band broke up, I wanted to keep making music somehow and turned to software to do this. At that time, a lot of dance music was starting to be influenced by guys who used to play in bands, who were remixing their friends bands. I think it was this association that made the transition easier than one might think. Music is music!
You started producing and remixing at the early age of 15. How come you started so early and what equipment did you use?
I don't think it was quite that young! Maybe 17 or 18 years old is when I really started remixing etc… I used Reason (still do) and Cubase when I first started. I actually took a class in high school that introduced me to all of these programs.
How would you describe your music in just a few words?
Energetic, catchy, and constantly evolving.
Out of all tracks you have made, which tracks would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I think at this point I sort of have two sides to my music, I have an aggressive side which is really highlighted by tracks like The Joker and Domo, and then a lot more melodic, almost pop-oriented tracks like Tonight feat. The Sounds and Don't Turn On The Lights feat. Polina.
You are signed on Steve Aoki’s record label DIM MAK. How did you get involved with the label and how is you relationship with Steve Aoki and the other signed artists?
Steve was one of the earliest supporters of my music, I still remember hearing him play out Montreal Dreams back in 2007, one of the first times I had ever been to a club. This was very surreal for me, and we chatted on Myspace (is it coming back yet?) and I continued to send him demos. He offered me a deal and I released my first EP entitled Skeleton. I've been fortunate to make some friends on the label like The Bloody Beetroots and Autoerotique, who I also just released a single with, titled The Alarm.
Last year you released your second album “Different Faces”. What can you tell us about the album and its creation process?
The second album was definitely a challenge to create because I think it's the first release where I was aware that I had a bit of a fan base, that people might expect something from me. I wanted to take a lot of chances, and collaborate with some unique vocalists so that I didn't pigeonhole myself into one sound, one niche. I want people to continue to be surprised by my releases.
What are you currently working on?
A new EP! Hoping to finish it once I'm back home from this Australia and Asia tour. I'm also working on a remix for my friends' The Bloody Beetroots.
You do a highly popular podcast “Weekend Workout” which is now a part of Tiesto's Club Life Radio on SiriusXM. What can you tell us about its concept and where can people listen to it?
This podcast started when my friends kept asking me for music suggestions when they went to the gym. I think dance music and fitness go really well together, and have always thought that. It's a great motivator for myself too, I feel obligated to be healthier, to help promote a fit lifestyle for those that tune in. You can subscribe for free on iTunes or listen on my Soundcloud!
You travel a lot. What are the things you miss the most when you are on tour?
I think just sleeping in the same bed and having a normal schedule. Flying all the time is definitely a bit grueling but it's always exciting. I'm extremely thankful that I get to do this as a career!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played?
Playing the Sasquatch Festival in 2012 has to be the best gig I've done. It's a festival i've known about since I was young and to get to play it now was extremely surreal. As for the worst gig, I've had a few shows where people have spilled drinks on my laptop and that's never fun...
What was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
Once while I was playing in Amsterdam a guy ran onstage to request the song that I was playing at that moment. I tried to explain it to him, "…but I'm playing it right now?"
On 23rd February you will perform live at Q Bar here in Bangkok. Will it be your Bangkok debut or have you played in Bangkok before?
I've never been to Bangkok before and I'm very excited!! Playing somewhere completely new is always unreal.
Are you adventurous if it comes to food? Do you try the local dishes of the countries you travel to, or do you usually eat what you know from home? Will you give spicy Thai food a chance?
I am. I love to try everything. "I'll try anything twice," is my motto. I don't have the best spicy tolerance in the world, but I'm going to give it a go anyway!
What can Bangkok’s party people expect of your performance at Q Bar?
Lots of new music and a high energy performance. Thank you. Can't wait!