Thursday, 23 July 2009 07:41

We recently hooked up with the devilish Gigolo label boss DJ Hell for some first hand info on what has been going on at the evil side of things. He also mentions news in regards to his new underwear line, collabs with P. Diddy and what's it like to work for the devil...

Growing up which artists inspired you to want to establish a career in music?
Jean Michel Jarre, Pink Floyd, Can, and Kraftwerk.

You're a well known DJ/Producer and label owner; do you find it difficult to tackle all of these different areas at the same time?
Not at all. All those tasks interact closely with one another. Of course there is more physical work than to be just a DJ but you just have to be smart about it and at the end of the day you can only be happy about your achievement.

How do you go about scouting new talent?
I find most artists through casual encounters. Like minded people always have a way of approaching you, and it doesn't hurt that I travel a lot.

Being that you are very experienced as a DJ and producer, when you look at your past is there anything you wish that you had done differently?
Not really. Everything I've done in the past has lead me to what I am today, which I am extremely proud of.

How do you feel your personal style has changed from the beginning of your music career up till now?
I started as a techno DJ and to this day I still am a techno DJ/producer. In the course I have experiment other style but Gigolo was always more about bringing out the attitude and drawing attention to unique style, than genre definition or industry rules.

Do you have any plans outside of the EDM scene; and how important do you think it is to branch out?
Yes, I have been producing music for fashion shows and I do design myself - I have launched an underwear line with Wendy & Jim, and sunglasses from Freudenhaus, etc., and would like to something in for film in near future. It's not so much about branching out but when you have so many ideas and the ability to, why not. I'd call it branding one's self which I find important as an artist.

What is your personal favorite on the new album?
The Disaster, Electronic Germany, The DJ, The Angst and U Can Dance... Hard to choose one, all the tracks are in such excellent quality.

On your upcoming album you collaborated with many artists, how did you go about arranging this?
I worked with P. Diddy before on some previous Gigolo releases and I totally admire him so I approached him again. He is hysterical on his vocal in The DJ and no one else in the could have done it better. He's a real fascinating figure in today's culture.
Ferry, I met in London and pitched him ideas of producing music together. He actually liked my old P. Diddy collaborations Jack U and Let's Get Ill and gave me this track U Can Dance for us to work together, which I think is a really brilliant one and I'm happy to have it on my album.

Do you listen to other genres of music besides EDM; and if so can you name a few bands or artists?
Classical, movie soundtracks and silence... OK, Grace Jones.

Who is part of your entourage when you are traveling to gigs?
Occasionally Peter Kruder, or I have a slave who accompanies me when needed.

Which productions or albums do you feel have been your most successful to date and why?
Without a doubt Teufelswerk. Because this album bears all the experience and knowledge I have as an artist.

What qualities in your tracks signify the most about who you are?
Sexiness.

So how do you like working for the Devil?
It's just working for my own pleasure. Pure joy.

Can you tell us a bit about your music equipment, and software?
I do own equipment like Traktor at home although it is not my style. I only play vinyl. I have nothing against the use of MP3 & digital music in DJing but let's say I have the same enthusiasm as when I started out as a DJ and that's how I present my HELL sound. In the studio, I work with a lot of different producers and equipment depending on the sound I try to achieve.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or those simply trying to survive in the scene?
Let yourself be influenced by everything you encounter in life. Find your own style, keep it real, push it, and have fun. Always stay true to and be focused on what you do - music - and not get wrapped up in whatever that surrounds you.

Source: 365Mag