Today, we’ve got an exclusive interview with the one and only François X, an artist whose music is like a hypnotic journey to another dimension. His sound has been described as deep, atmospheric, and absolutely mesmerizing. Founder of the XXLAB label – François doesn’t just craft tracks; he weaves emotions, dreams, and memories into every beat. His music is like a nostalgic fantasy with a hint of utopian charm, taking you on a ritualistic ride through the corners of his mind. It’s not just about the beats; it’s about connecting with the soul behind the sounds.
Your music is often described as deep, hypnotic, and atmospheric. How would you personally define your sound and the emotions you aim to evoke through your music?
When it comes to defining my sound and the emotions I aim to evoke through my music, I would describe it as profoundly rooted in my hypersensitive character. It carries a strong sense of nostalgia, fantasy, and a touch of naive utopia. Creating a song for me is like engaging in a ritualistic process; I need to connect deeply with the music and allow it to transport me to different corners of my mind. In that sense, I view my music as a channel, a link that resonates with all the hypersensitive individuals across the world, forging a connection through shared emotions and experiences.
Your DJ sets are known for their carefully curated selections and seamless mixing. How do you approach the process of selecting tracks for your sets, and what is your mindset when it comes to creating a captivating journey for the audience?
I appreciate your kind words. When it comes to selecting tracks for my DJ sets, I have a fundamental criterion: the music must evoke a strong emotion within me. It’s essential that the music carries a soulful quality, as I cannot simply play tracks that lack depth and meaning. My connection with this medium is fuelled by a passionate and profound love affair. When I perform in front of an audience, my goal is to create a captivating journey, much like a love story. I aim to infuse my set with all the elements that a love story entails: passion, ecstatic feelings, intensity, melancholia, nostalgia, and even a touch of bitterness. By weaving these emotions together, I strive to craft a set that evokes a range of feelings and takes the audience on an immersive and emotional experience.
Ultimately, my mindset is to create a musical journey that resonates with the audience on a deep level, allowing them to connect with the music and experience a profound emotional connection. It’s about creating an atmosphere where people can lose themselves in the music and be transported to a place where their own emotions can intertwine with the sounds I’m sharing.
As a producer, you’ve collaborated with various artists, including (Mac Declos, Manni Dee, Antigone, Sam Tiba). What is your approach to collaboration, and how does it impact your creative process?
Collaboration is something I truly cherish as it fosters a sense of collective inspiration and creativity. Working with different artists has been a valuable experience for me. It has allowed me to learn and grow in ways that I couldn’t have achieved alone. The impact of collaboration on my creative process is significant. It brings fresh perspectives, diverse influences, and new ideas to the table. It pushes me to explore different genres and styles, expanding the boundaries of my own sound. Collaborating has become an integral part of my artistic journey, and I am excited to pursue more collaborations, particularly with pop and rap artists. This new goal represents an exciting direction for my future creative endeavors.
You’re also the founder of the label XXLAB. Can you share with us the vision and ethos behind the label, and what sets it apart from other labels in the electronic music scene?
As the founder of XX LAB, my vision was to establish a label that surpasses the conventions of a classical techno music label. XX LAB is a testament to my deep passion for electronic music and my profound appreciation for music as a whole. It embodies my relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of creativity and providing a platform that embraces a diverse range of musical genres. I firmly believe in the transformative power of music to transcend genres and create profound, one-of-a-kind experiences.
Beyond music, I extend my creative endeavors into the realm of tangible objects, drawing inspiration from the fictional universe of XX LAB and films like Tyrell Corp. Our goal is to craft a comprehensive and immersive experience for our audience that goes beyond the auditory realm. Through these tangible objects, we aim to establish a profound connection between our artistic vision and our audience, inviting them to delve deeper into our world.
Additionally, as an ardent admirer of fashion, I am particularly enthusiastic about expanding XX LAB into the realm of clothing. Our vision encompasses the development of clothing items that align seamlessly with our creative ethos and reflect our avant-garde sensibilities. By seamlessly merging the worlds of music and fashion, we seek to offer a complete sensory experience to our audience, enriching their engagement with XX LAB.
Your music often transcends genre boundaries, blending elements of techno, house, and experimental sounds. How important is it for you to explore and push the boundaries of electronic music, and what drives you to constantly innovate?
Exploring and pushing the boundaries of electronic music is highly important to me. It’s a constant pursuit that I find both challenging and inspiring. During the COVID period, I discovered a passion for producing rap beats and experimental pop tracks. This exploration brought a fresh wave of inspiration and ideas that found their way into my techno productions.
Stagnation is not an option for me. I have an innate drive to continually set new goals and embrace new musical territories. This inner drive fuels my creativity and compels me to constantly innovate. It’s about pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, venturing into the unknown, and finding new ways to evolve as an artist. The journey of exploration and innovation is an integral part of my artistic path.
You’ve performed at renowned clubs and festivals around the world. Is there a particular venue or event that holds a special place in your heart, and what made it memorable for you?
One venue that holds a special place in my heart is my residency at Concrete. It felt like a second home to me. The reason it stands out is the incredible sense of community and the presence of my friends every time I played there. It created a warm and intimate atmosphere that made the experience truly memorable. Being able to share my music with such a supportive and close-knit community added an extra layer of connection and made those moments even more special.
Beyond music, what are some of your other passions and interests that inspire you creatively?
Beyond music, tennis is my biggest passion. I play 3-4 times a week, and I’ve always had aspirations of becoming a professional tennis player. I still maintain a decent level, and the sport provides me with balance and focus, which in turn fuels my creativity. Additionally, the fashion and movie industries are significant sources of inspiration for me. I find immense inspiration in the world of fashion and the creativity it entails. Similarly, movies have a profound impact on my artistic vision, offering endless possibilities for storytelling and visual aesthetics. These passions and interests outside of music contribute to my overall creative inspiration and help shape my artistic expression.
Tell me a little bit more about your recent release CEO (Cowboy Executive Officer). What’s the deal with the Cowboys? 🙂
The presence of cowboys in the title and concept of the EP carries a symbolic meaning. It represents a merging of two sides of my persona, highlighting the duality within me. On one hand, there’s a charismatic and almost prophetic figure, while on the other hand, there’s a strong and sensitive artist who experiences deep emotional journeys. “CEO” is more than just a collection of tracks; it serves as a comprehensive artistic statement. It encapsulates my yearning to be understood and embraced as an outsider. Through this EP, I embrace a heightened level of vulnerability, extending an invitation to listeners to embark on a shared voyage of self-discovery and artistic ambition.
Watch The Wonderlightskin Condition below:
