Former REX Club resident Molly talks to us about her love for electronic music, RDV, and her latest EP – Thoughts Of A Day.
French DJ and producer Molly is a name that should be well known throughout the Parisian electronic music scene. Former head of communications and PR at the famous Rex Club, Molly’s impeccable ear for quality House and Techno has seen her release on influential labels such as Giegling and Yoyaku.
Her ability as a selector has seen her play some of the most respected clubs in the world including Panorma Bar, Rex Club, Concrete, Space, Circoloco, and Robert Johnson, to name a few. Nowadays, Molly’s life has changed slightly. Whilst still heading her Récit de Voyage label, the new mother has some new plans for life that are leading her away from the booth and into uncharted waters.
Let’s talk about your beginnings. When did you first fall in love with music?
I think I fell in love with the music as soon as I was capable to listening to it. I always had lots of vinyl and CDs at home, and was listening to a lot of music when I was a kid. I was ten years old and already a big fan of the Cure & the Beastie Boys (thanks to my older sister who showed me the path).
It is said that after a trip to London you became an obsessed electronic music fan. Can you tell us more about it?
I had a student job which allowed me to work in London in the summer, and I discovered the night life there, I used to go the END every Monday. I was into indie pop rock at the time, but they were also playing some electro stuff too. This is how I discovered and fell in love with this music. When I went back home, I started to buy electronic music records. This is how I began my collection.
You worked at Rex Club for a while. How did you spend your time there?
Yes indeed! I worked in the office during the week. I was overseeing the communication & the PR mainly, but I was also involved in the Artistic direction. A few years later, I became one of the residents there. I spent ten fabulous years at REX, but I could not manage my career and my responsibilites at Rex at the same time, so in 2016, I decided to focus solely on my music career.
Can you talk to us about your label RDV (Récit de Voyage)? What was the idea behind it?
I started this label right after I left my position at REX, as I always wanted to create my own platform to release other artists. As the name implies, Récit de Voyage is about telling stories. The artists I have released on RDV are all artists that I have met on my own travels, our stories becoming intertwined. So, I wanted to create a space for us to meet and tell our stories through music.
What is a memorable record from the catalogue that holds a special place in your heart?
It’s difficult to pick one. Each record has it’s own history, and I love each of them.
Tell us about your latest EP, Thoughts Of A Day. What was the inspiration behind it?
It has been a while, I was supposed to release it on my own label, but I never feel confident with my own music, and I never feel the music good enough. Some of the tracks are old, and some of the others were produced during my pregnancy. It was time for me, after giving birth for real, to “give birth” to this release, and I’m super happy with the feedback! I could not of expected such a warm response.
Please can you share the story of your involvement with Cargese Sound Festival?
Well, the festival does not exist anymore. We stopped one year before the Pandemic. I was doing the artistic direction there and helped them with the bookings as I had a lot of contacts then due to my position at REX. I first played at this festival back in 2014. It’s also there where I met my husband who was part of the festival organization.
When you organize a festival, if the agents don’t know you, then it’s likely they won’t reply to your emails or they may ask you for a very high fee. With me involved, we could access some artists for a reasonable fee. Unfortunately, due to the local administration we had to stop. But it was definitely a great experience!
You are currently based on the festival’s home island, Corsica. What is it that you love about this place?
This island has something special! It’s so beautiful, having the sea in front and the mountains behind you. The mentality of the people here is also different. They are true people there. Their appearance can sometimes seem “rough”, but in the end, there is a true mutual aid here. The weather is fantastic, water is clear, there is no pollution, and it’s the perfect place to raise a child
What are some personal goals you have for this year outside of music?
In April, it will be the opening of VILLA FLAKA, the hotel I’m opening with my husband. After two years of construction we are super excited to finally open it. It’s a small boutique hotel, very charming and quiet. So, this is a big goal for this year!! It’s also one of the reasons why I’m playing less now, as I must manage the venue. The other big goal is to raise my little child, she’s 9 months now, and she has the world to discover!
You can pre-order Molly – Thoughts Of A Day here.
Check out more from Récit de Voyage here.