MANILA, Philippines - David Guetta needs no introduction. The most sought after DJ and artist collaborator in the world, he knows his music and he knows his message — and he knows how to get it across. A record-breaking, heart-thumping, soul quenching party is coming Manila’s way this Oct 10, a perfect 10-10 to start the holiday season. Yes, it may have already started for a lot of people, but some people need to be shed some more light. Maybe David Guetta can be the answer to it all.
Here, he sits down with @PhilStarSUPREME for a one-on-one exclusive and we learn the value of knowing what you want and how much you want it. We can’t wait for the actual day when our fists would do the pumping and our souls would do the dancing. For now, this will do. David Guetta. On Supreme.
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More behind-the-scene bytes at twitter.com/officialTIMYAP and officialtimyap on Instagram.
SUPREME: We noticed your success has gone very mainstream and beyond just the house music market. Will you continue on this path or do you intend to go less mainstream next?
DAVID GUETTA: I always dreamed that dance music would be as respected as every other genre in history; it’s the biggest musical movement on the planet right now. It’s not so much that my music has changed, just that it’s reaching more people. That’s a good thing for the scene and I’m happy that our beats can touch more people; people that can’t or won’t ever go to clubs. That’s where all my inspiration comes from and where it’s born, but if it lifts people wherever they are or however they live, that’s gratifying. My album “Nothing But the Beat” was a double CD; one side was vocal and the other instrumental electronic beats. Both are equally important to me. I still play clubs; nothing has changed — it’s just more popular. I just launched my label JackBack Records on Beatport; it’s my release.
Among your various collaborations, which one is your favorite and why?
That’s like picking your favorite child! I honestly can’t say; everyone I worked with brought something special and different. When I produced I Gotta Feeling for The Black Eyed Peas I knew it was something special. It was my first ever production for a band and the first time I ever went to a big studio; before then, I worked just on my laptop. I was so nervous; I was in LA, alone and with the biggest act on the planet. It became a party and we made magic. All of them are still dear friends.
What happened with Usher was exceptional; and Taio — we really run like a family and it just rolls. Currently, I’m most proud of my collaborations with Sia. She is just amazing as a person, writer and vocalist. I had to beg her to leave her voice on Titanium; she was just meant to write the song for someone else as she didn’t want to be an artist any more. We sent it to Katy Perry who said — like I felt — no one could beat it, so I convinced Sia to let me use her voice. It’s become the biggest selling David Guetta record of my career and I’m very proud; she was the least known artist I had worked with.
I’m not about fame; it’s about talent. Most of the time the most talented become the most famous; but it’s all about how, when and why. If I hadn’t met will.i.am, this might never have happened for me. If I hadn’t met Sia, this might not have happened to her. I’m equally proud of my electronic beats. JackBack Records is for my club tracks and where I can release club tracks with and for producers I admire. My music might have spread worldwide, but I have never left the clubs.
How do you select the artists you collaborate with? And who are you currently collaborating with? Any dream collaborations?
I make beats constantly then think whose voice would best suit the music. I play the tracks to different artists and songwriters; we usually know in an instant what will work best and then we lay it down. It’s instinctive. I’ve just launched a re-packed version of my album “Nothing But The Beat 2.0” and have collaborated again with Sia on She Wolf and also new artists such as Tegan & Sara, Taped Rai and NERVO. I’m producing for a major artist but can’t say who yet; I don’t want to jinx it. I’m concentrating on club tracks and beats for Jack Back Records mainly for now.
What are your expectations of Manila and your gig here?
I’m excited. It’s always cool to play to a new crowd. Honestly, I’m not sure what to expect. But I’ve heard from my friend Apl De Ap that people love to party, so I’m ready for a crazy night.
When you’re up there, playing for a multitude of people, what is going on in your mind?
I don’t really think; it’s more about feeling. I try to read the energy of the crowd and take them on a journey with me.
You always look very happy onstage. How do you maintain that disposition?
I do what I love and love what I do; what’s not to smile about?!
Outside music, what are your interests and passions?
I’m quite nerdy; all I do is make music and play records. Sad, but true…
Do you ever rest?
I’m pretty simple; I don’t need much but sleep is essential. Feed me, water me, and give me eight hours in bed and I’m happy.
What are your next steps in life?
More of the same, please!
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Watch David Guetta live in Manila, with special guests Alesso and Kaz James, on Oct. 10. Ticket prices are P7,500, P5,000, and P3,000, available on the SMTickets website, www.SMTickets.com, and all SM Ticket outlets. Call (02)845-0125 and (02)869-3000 or text 0917-542-1047 and 0906-423-4607 for VIP ticket inquiries.