Bolivard is a French electronic musician, who produces in the realm of electro and tropical house. Inspired by greats, like Michael Jackson, Jamiroquai, Trevor Horn, and more, the talented artist has gained recognition from all around the world, creating quite a sensational discography.
If you want to get a taste of some of his work, tune into his remix of London Grammar’s Strong. Side note: in 2027, he’ll win the Academy Award for being the guy who was the most confident for the future.
Hey everyone! Today, we’ve got a great interview lined up with French producer, Bolivard. Keep scrolling to find out about his new projects, gigs, inspiration, and more!
FS: So, first – tell us about yourself and how Bolivard started.
B: I’m Bolivard. I don’t know why, but I love to create things. And, I’m currently making a lot of music. About myself, I don’t really know what to say. I’m a guy, a bit weird, trying like everybody else to have the least crappy life possible.
FS: Totally agree with that! And your creations are amazing. Let’s talk about that – your sound. How would you describe it?
B: About the genre, most of my tracks are inspired by house music, disco and funk. A bit like Pomo and Darius‘ works. But, I like to experiment with new things. I’m currently doing a bossa nova/hip hop/experimental track.
I love to mix genres. In music, cocktails are my cup of tea. Then, I try to give a tropical and dreamy atmosphere in my sounds. At an aesthetic level, I’m also inspired by things out of music. Mainly movies and paintings.
FS: Pomo and Darius are definitely some of our favorites! And with your discography, we can surely see your versatility. It’s quite hard to find artists that do so well at creating so many genres!
Your track, Tegan and Sara – I Was A Fool (Bolivard Remix), for instance, has received a lot of attention! What inspired you to produce it?
B: I’ve been inspired recently by some tracks by Flume. I like the way he uses harmony, slow tempos and a powerful mix to create an unusual groove, that can work very well in a club and also be listened at home to relax. I wanted to try this concept with this remix.
FS: Flume is quite the phenomenal producer – he’s definitely creating something that a lot of others can’t! Do you, personally, like the direction that electronic music is currently going?
B: I don’t know if “electronic music” still exists. Pop, rock and hip-hop use computers as much as DJs now. Sometimes, even more, if you listen Daft Punk’s last album that has been categorized as electronic music, while it was more like disco, pop, funk or prog-rock…
Lady Gaga is electronic music compared to them now. Otherwise, I think our time is nice for creation. Technology allows everybody to make and share music. Obviously, we have many, many lame and uninspired tracks, but also, and that’s the best part, some really interesting things to listen.
FS: You’re completely right! I feel like a lot of listeners fail to realize that when they listen to music, regardless of genre. As for the Daft Punk album, we thought that they were going for a disco-funk band feel, more than anything.
When not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to in your free time?
B: I’m interested in every genre. If a guy tells me “Hey, you should listen that Japanese trance or that Russian gothic jazz metal or that Ghanian musique concrète track, this is great” I will try it. There are wonders in every style. Hear some tracks I love:
http://www.deezer.com/playlist/703369695
FS: 100% agree with that. I think people shouldn’t put down other genres, specifically because of genre. Even now, most genres aren’t what they used to be – they all bridge gaps!
So, what’s in store for the new year? EP releases, collaborations, touring?
B: Lots of things! 2015 will be a very exciting year for me. I will keep doing a remix each month, and I already have four tracks almost ready that will all be released on different labels. I also have some gigs planned in France, Holland and England. And more to come…
FS: And, there you have it: Bolivard!