The name says it all - Fred Everything. One of the hardest working producers in the house business, Fred has been releasing albums, DJ Mixes, compilations and remixes since the '90s, and has a passport covered in stamps from every corner of the world courtesy of his constant tour schedule.
He added 'record label owner' to his resume 5 years ago with the start of Lazy Days Recordings, and he celebrated the anniversary with a special remix EP featuring producers from the top of their class--Greg Wilson, Crazy P, Ian Pooley and Art of Tones--and a special DJ Mix and a "5 Years of Lazy Days" compilation hand selected by Fred.
He's already transitioned into year six with "Silk City", the new release from Kruse & Nuernberg featuring Nathalie Claude, and a remix from Fred himself.
Originally from Montreal and now transplanted to our backyard of San Francisco, we had a quick chat with Fred about 5 years of the label, his productions, and what he would do with 5 Lazy Days.
Stompy - Ian Pooley, Greg Wilson, Crazy P and Art of Tones where chosen as the featured remixers for the 5 year. With each just as illustrious as the next, what sort of influence do these artists have on you and the Lazy Days sound?
Fred - They're all artists who I have been following for a long time. Their sound really represent the diversity and longevity of the label.
Stompy - Do you have anyone else on the remix wish list?
Fred - Many, many! I had approached a few other people but overall I'm extremely happy of the team I got.
Stompy - How do you choose the remixers or artists you want to add to the label?
Fred - It has to come naturally. First of all, there has to be a great relationship with the artist(s) but also musically, it has to come naturally. It has to be a love at first sight kind of thing. I usually know within seconds If I'm gonna sigh a track or not.
Stompy - How has that process evolved over the 5 years?
Fred - It's pretty much the same but slightly more organized and busy. I am finally able to take a step back from having a production on every release and be able to just sign artist ad release their music.
Stompy - How has the shift in your role as a DJ and Producer to that of a label head affect you?
Fred - I think it's great to have something of your own and an outlet for your production. All of a sudden, you're not limited creatively to the musical preferences of other label's a&r. I think it's a great freedom to have.
Stompy - What part of the business takes up your time most these days?
Fred - Overlooking the whole production of the releases can be a lot of work. I'm involved with every aspects of the release and sometimes with the writing/producing/remixing. I have to send the project to mastering, coordinate the artwork with my talented designer Nerdski, upload to Vinyl Plant, upload to stores and distributors, as well as doing online promotion via social networks and Youtube, Soundcloud, do contracts, royalties, payments, all the good stuff! I also often have to make edits for the Vinyl Releases.
Stompy - Late last year you did the OM Masters compilation, a collection of remixes and releases. What were your thoughts when choosing the music for the comp?
Fred - It was very easy. I had to be involved in every track I was choosing for the compilation. Wether It was an original/collaboration, a remix I did for someone or a remix that someone did for me. I only chose music from the past 3 years and only the ones that I was the most proud of and that I thought could stand the test of time.
Stompy - Being dubbed a 'Master' is quite an achievement. Do you still find yourself regularly learning new production techniques? Any new ones you recently discovered you want to share?
Fred - That was only the title of the compilation! I think of myself as a student really. I can acknowledge the years of experience but I know that I'm not "there" yet. Knowing that, it constantly pushes me to go further in my exploration of sound and music. I'm more and more interested in the emotional factor in the music than its technical tools. My goal is to say more with less words, in a musical context of course.
Stompy - A couple years ago you moved your studio from Moulton into your home. How has the new environment and instant access to your work space added or taken away to your production process?
Fred - I really enjoyed Moulton. Hearing Migs, Lum and VonStroke working on beats all day was really motivating. It was like the heartbeat of the building, constantly pounding. Being at home is great but I lost that sense of community. Schedule are a little bit more "loose" but overall I'm happy to have all my toys at home!
Stompy - Do you feel your move to SF has had an influence in the type of music you make compared to your enviornment in Montreal?
Fred - Of course. I left Montreal because I needed a new perspective on Life and Music. San Francisco always held a special place in my heart as it was the first US city where I dj-ed in 1995 and always appreciated its culture and diversity. I discovered and even greater city when I actually lived here. Going away from my contort zone in Montreal helped me see things differently and it translated in my music. I'm also more exposed to hearing different DJs and bands over here. I also say hella now (not!).
Stompy - When starting a new track or remix, where do you start? Any go-to pieces of equipment or exciting new additions to the studio?
Fred - Beats are often the basement of any house tracks of course but I would like to start writing without a kick to see where it takes me. I know that's how Lucianno works and his music sounds like a soundtrack. The kick is only there to remind you that this is a dance song. I recently got the Prophet 08 which is very useful for me and also NI Maschine. I'm a bit of a gear freak but I'm limited by my tiny room (and budget).
Stompy - With your schedule constantly taking you around the world, how do you spend your time on the long flights traveling?
Fred - Sleep, Sleep, Sleep, as much as I can. On the flight as well as on the ground. Reading, catching up on albums and movies. I sometimes work on flight but this is the last thing I want to do when I board an airplane.
Stompy - If you had 5 Lazy Days to do anything, how and where would you spend them?
Fred - The same. I love what I do and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I would love to go to Africa or Brazil to record musicians and come back home and make a record with it. Just how Damon Albarn did with his Mali Music album. Learning Dub techniques in Jamaica sounds great too, tho I would have to go back in time and find King Tubby.
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