Lille native MadBen talks to us about Techno, Paris, and his latest album.
MadBen is being considered by some as the saviour of Techno! Bold claims indeed but not unwarranted once you dig a little deeper into his history. Growing up between France and Belgium – two places that are known for their electronic music heritage – MadBen has spent his early days shimmying between some of Europes most fertile breeding grounds for underground electronic music where he bore witness to the European Techno scene unfolding in front of his very eyes.
Since then, his fascination with Techno has seen him play in prestegious venues such as Printworks (UK) and Berghain (Berlin), as well as working closely with the legendary French DJ Laurent Garnier. After his inagural album Fréquence(s), which released on Astropolis Records in 2018, he is on the way to release a sophomore project, this time on Maceo Plex’ Ellum Audio.
We spoke to MadBen to find out more on his past…
What was it like when you first started to see Techno appear in the 90s? Can you describe the feelings you had at that time?
That was pretty awesome! I was coming from the metal music genre, I was living in the North of France, and I discovered a brand-new way to listen and to enjoy music on the dance floor, with a totally new feeling. Some truly talented DJs like Dave Clarke and Jeff Mills were the very first ones who impressed and inspired me. I was definitely in love with the energy, the freedom, the culture and all the friends I met during this time. I quickly decided to buy some vinyl and to work hard to buy my very first pair of Technics mk2 in order to learn to mix two tracks together. This was around 1998/99.
France had trouble in that era with a crackdown on raves by the police. What was your experience of the scene at that time? Were you playing any parties or radio shows then?
I perfectly remember those problems in France, though they were a little bit earlier in the 90’s. Techno music was on a blacklist, lead mainly by politicians. The music was named as a boom boom sound, and was rubbished and presented mainly as music for people who took drugs. Moreover, ravers were presented as dangerous people when discussed by the French tv or mainstream medias. Luckily it was a bit easier for me because I was living at the Belgian border. This country was far more advanced compared to France for electronic music in the 90’s. Techno music was already admitted as a real music movement. I built all my electronic music knowledge there at the beginning.
As a DJ, I played in the North of France and in Belgium for my first raves and parties. That was the real beginning for me behind the decks. At this time, I was only a DJ, and it was almost ten years later until I learned to make my own music, in my little home studio, around 2007/2008!
Tell us about Paris. What changed for you when you moved there?
Moving to Paris was the starting point for a new life. I was doing music full time during the week as I had just left my job in my previous city. I’d decided to stop doing my regular job to take my chance trying to live from my music. And, to be honest, more than ten years later, I have no regrets! By the way, Paris was a real change because I was coming the centre of France, where I had my very first jobs after my studies. In this area I had absolutely no access to the techno music culture: no events, no parties, almost no people like me who were passionate about this. Moving to Paris and living there was a huge change, and it offered me so much fun during my past eleven years! This city was a real hotspot for great parties, with amazing artists to listen to almost every day of the week. I also quickly met some crazy and talented people and I had the chance to become a resident DJ at Rex club few months later. I played at so many Parisian parties that I quickly built my own professional network dedicated to the music, and with which I still continue to work today.
Let’s talk about your sophomore album, Troisième Sens. What was the inspiration behind the project?
Five years after my very first album, I thought it was good timing to release a second one. To be honest, the pandemic postponed everything because this ‘Troisième sens’ album was ready almost two years ago. But from lockdown to parties opening again and to some new lockdowns, it was a nightmare to schedule any album release during this time. I took a lot of inspiration from the music I love to play, from the music I love to listen to, and from my musical history and my first album ‘Fréquence(s)’. The new album reflects much of what I have learned in the studio since my previous album. I had improved the way I used my synths, my gear, but also the way I loved to work on the sound textures and how to mix and build them. I also had the chance to continue to buy some new studio hardware. Add all the new experiences I gained during a lot of gigs outside from France, from meeting different kinds of crowds, and you got the different keys/inspirations that built this new album in my head!
You have played at some amazing venues over the years. Do you have a favourite?
I would say Printworks in London. That was my debut gig last year in the UK, and it directly entered into my top 3 gigs of all time!
You’re known for having a heavily equipped studio. Is there a particular machine that you can’t live without?
It may surprise you but… my monitors! You can own the best machines on earth, but if you can’t hear them as well as you should, I think it’s a real nonsense.
What are your plans for the rest of the year?
I just came back from Paris where I played a gig, back-to-back all night long with my good friend Kosme and where I’ve made a documentary about my next album to come: my old neighbourhood, my old studio, my old habits, and my Parisian hotspots. I will share it in the forthcoming days on my social media! Of course, there is a brand-new live set that I will play on stage after the summer. I have also got some new music ready to be released after the summer, for which I’ve received some cool label offers these past days! And, of course, my first love has to continue: playing as a DJ in so many different parties and places around Europe.
What’s your favourite Techno record of all time?
That’s tricky to choose only one! But let’s say: Choice – Acid Eiffel.
MadBen – Troisième Sens releases April 17th on Ellum Audio. Follow MadBen for more here.