From his light-hearted videos and streams, one can see that French DJ/producer Myd has always been a bit of a goofball, someone who didn’t mind skewering our modern conventions while providing a backdrop of irresistible grooves.
To get the picture, just check out these lockdown-era gems – “Together We Stand,” which pointedly lampoons our social-media/influencer culture, and “Moving Men” featuring Mac DeMarco, which puts Myd and Mac in cartoonland for some seriously stoned hijinks. In 2021, the frivolity continued, as Myd earned accolades for his dreamy-fun debut album, Born A Loser (Ed Banger/Because), which brought a tasty mix of house beats, French Touch flavors, and bits of indie rock.
And now, as the Paris-based talent returns with a deluxe version of the album, which will include a new, pumping version of “The Sun” featuring JAWNY, Myd’s hitting some choice clubs on this side of the Atlantic. We caught up with Myd – aka Quentin Lepoutre, 34 – as he was beginning his nine-city North American tour, which includes a Friday-night stop at Brooklyn’s Baby’s Alright.
Creatively, how did you approach the deluxe version of Born A Loser and the new single with “The Sun” feat. JAWNY?
Myd: The release of my first album, Born A Loser, really changed my life – so, it was important for me to celebrate his first birthday. By that, I’m releasing an augmented version of the album, with new songs and new versions of existing songs. “The Sun” is a good example of it. I released it as a single four years ago and, after those years I really wanted to offer it a makeover by inviting JAWNY on it and making the production a bit more rough, more rock!
How did you survive the lockdown? Did you do it creatively or was it difficult to find your muse?
Myd: I was about to start an American tour when the first lockdown brought me back to Paris. I was so disappointed that the day after I came back I started a morning show on my YouTube channel – CoMyd-19. It was my trick to stay connected to my community. Then I got back in studio and made lots of remixes.
How has it been to return to playing clubs?
Myd: Streaming was only a substitute – I was so happy to be back in clubs! Never been so happy to feel sweat drops falling from the ceiling [laughs].
From your main studio gear, what are some of your favorite pieces?
Myd: Ableton Live DAW, PMC twotwo.6 active studio monitors, Roland Jazzchorus JC-120 guitar amplifier, and the oeksound soothe2 dynamic resonance suppressor plug-in.
Which producer/remixers do you most admire and why?
Myd: I admire Fatboy Slim for his ability of making electronic music so pop. I love Bibio for transforming dirty, raw sounds into a beautiful and poetic texture. I’m really excited about Vegyn for releasing so many ideas in one album!
In the DJ booth, what gear do you use? How would you describe your style of DJing?
Myd: I use Pioneer DJ CDJ players and a DJM mixer – I don’t really care about the versions. I started by DJing on vinyls, but CDJs are way more creative to use. I love to highlight the buildups with FX, backspin my transitions, turn the volume down during the breaks. I want my mixes to be alive and with lots of dynamics!
What are three tracks that are always in your “DJ box” and why?
Myd: Lemonjelly’s “Soft” because it’s the best way of finishing a set with love. Lucretio’s “Do It Forever.” It’s good for testing your dancefloor – if they dance on this weird club track, they’ll follow you anywhere! Also, Myd’s “The Sun.” People love to see me play this one, so… let’s make them happy.
Which DJs do you enjoy and why?
Myd: I love DJ Boring. He’s not into a trend and he mixes the styles, the BPMs and the eras. Boys Noize is one of the best on earth – technically and in his selection.
Musically, what were your first influences? What made you want to pursue music?
Myd: My first influence was all the U.K. electronic scene using lots of samples. I think about Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx, The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim. As a young producer and musician, it’s really playful to sample, way more than learning piano scales at the music school.
What’s next for you? Any more wacky videos on the horizon?
Myd: New single, new music video and I’m right now DJing on tour all around the U.S.! So happy to be back here!
Myd will play Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, N.Y., Friday, February 18.
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