Cabaret Nocturne: “I have no particular music criteria except perhaps trying to tell a story”

Cabaret Nocturne makes music that works in all settings and transcends genres. With infinite support in the radio, Internet and in the clubs, a strong reputation is being consolidated both locally and internationally that will give a lot to talk about…

When and how did you get your interest in electronic music?

I became interested in it very early, towards the end of the 80s, at the age of 6 or 8 years old. At that time the new beat, the post-punk, the italo disco and the new wave have literally overturned my life. I also remember that I was hiding under my bed with my ghetto blaster to listen to independent radio late in the night. 

Rich of all these good vibrations, I naturally started to buy records, collect DJ sets recorded on tape, I started to organize parties with a friend in his basement …It was amazing! It was a wonderful breath of fresh air in a very difficult time of my life.

How did you decide to dedicate into production?

From the end of the 90s, I had the good fortune and the pleasure of going to live as a DJ in Belgium and from time to time abroad. During this same period, I also co-hosted a radio show with a great guy who today became my best friend

After the need to produce has naturally manifested and great guys like Eric Beysens (formerly resident of Bocaccio – temple of the new beat), Kolombo or Jean Vanesse (member of Spirit Catcher) have greatly helped me in the quest for this learning. After some testing and more 10 good years, I finally decided to start my own project Cabaret Nocturne in 2013.

What is your criterion when you are producing? What inspire you?

I have no particular criteria except perhaps trying to tell a story. To do this, I let myself be carried by emotions, my experiences or the positive energies that surround me. The music I produce is in a way my exultory.

How do you assess the trajectory you have had and what were the reasons that led you to start it?

Cabaret Nocturne is a very personal project that aimed to translate an idea that, at the beginning of 2010, went against the current “hype”. Surch a musical univers between the new beat, italo, post-punk, new wave and house was for many a direction doomed to failure. Some labels were particularly scathing in their criticisms when they refused Blind Trust or Blood Walk. Not resentful, it is rather amusing to note that these two titles now account for several million plays on YouTube. 

So there is indeed a public for this music and I am delighted, especially as their comments on social networks or at parties, it gives me an extraordinary energy and very motivating!

Another revealing fact: A movement called “slo-mo” seems to emerge gradually with talented artists (some of them are new, others are much more energetic). It is very exciting for me to attend and take part in this adventure by making my small contribution.

What was your criterion when producing your last EP?

My last EP goes back some time (laugh). My first criterion is whether the song makes me vibrate. My second criterion is to make sure that there is a musical continuity (in terms of color, mixing, etc.) with my previous titles – in other words, by listening to this title, is it possible to guess it’s “Cabaret Nocturne”? If both criteria are positive, I keep it and set it aside.

Once I have enough titles (at least 4 or 5), I identify those who “match” each other for an EP. If this is not the case, either I forget them, or I propose them in single format (as for example on My Favorite Robot).

Could you recommend a set that you are especially proud of  it, and that we can see on your Soundcloud or on YouTube?

Two sets comes up in my mind.

The first one is my first K7 NOCTURNE which was an italo disco megamix with more than fifty tracks: 

The second one is a recent podcast that I realished for Trax Magazine: 

What can you tell us about the scene of your city? What would you improve?

There are many very talented artists in Belgium who today have a real internationally reputation.

Unfortunately, for many of them, Belgian promoters did not take them seriously in their early days. If I had the human and financial means, I would love to participate in the creation of a structure called “facilitator” that could really support my compatriots (ex: provision of a studio, management consulting, communication support, relay between producers and key players (engineers, bookers, label managers, …). Talents and professionals are not lacking in Belgium. It would be great to unite them around a common project!

Finally, what can you tell us about your present and future projects?

The projects are numerous and difficult decisions may have to be taken (sigh and laughter). 

This being the case, in the immediate future, I am able to announce that several remixes will be released in 2019 on very exciting labels (HFN / Hafendisko, Rotten City, etc.). There will also be a flurry of dates that will be announced in the coming months in Europe. Spain will be even well represented but to know where and when, I invite you to follow me on social networks 😉