GALLO.

GALLO.! Welcome to Minimal Mag, how was your summer?
Nice to meet you guys, thanks for having me. It was very nice: sun, sea and as little screen time as possible. I hope yours was good too. 


Next month your upcoming EP, ‘Pietre’s Dance’, will serve as the 150th release on connected! How did you become involved in marking this monumental landmark for the label?
To be honest I’m still in disbelief, such an honour to be part of this mythical label with huge names before me. Actually I composed the chords for ‘Pietre’s Dance’ 3 years ago (loved them a lot) and only found the right arrangement this year; Nick loved it and gave me this opportunity.  It’s so hard sometimes as a young artist to know if your music is good or not, because the only validation you have is either being accepted or rejected by labels; I find it amazing that legends such as Stereo MCs trust new people every time. I would say that this release is a result of dedication and open-mindedness. 


You head up the ‘TOTHEM’ events in Paris, we’d love to know more about the parties and some of the upcoming events if you’re able to share with us.
Of course! We created TOTHEM 4 years ago with the hope to bring our values to the scene (open-mindedness, a passion for music and inclusivity). We started by playing Afro House/Melodic in small bars, and the community that was initially our friends grew naturally; good vibes within the crowd is our top priority. As for the next event, we will host a cruise on the river Seine with Moroccan boss Mr. ID on the 5th of October; yes, the boat moves. It is really magical to play good music in front of the outstanding Parisian monuments by night; we pass by Notre Dame, Pont Alexandre 3, Eiffel Tower and many more…


Personally I’m starting a residency ‘GALLO. + Fam’ at Les Bains, where I will invite emerging Afro House/Melodic producers. So glad to be playing in a historical Parisian venue. 


What’s your favourite track from ‘Pietre’s Dance’ and why?
Very tough this one! I’m going to cheat a bit:

On one hand, the piano chords and break from ‘Pietre’s Dance’ are very special to me, as I think the sound design and melody bring a dreamy melancholic vibe that’s very consistent with the vocals.

On the other hand, the groove and detuned snares from ‘The Last Queen’… I like when detuned elements blend with a beautiful melody or vocals, it creates energy and richness. I was inspired by the detuned percussion used by Trick in his IV releases


As a French artist, how did you first become interested in Afro House?
Hard to remember but I might have started with ‘Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra – Too Much Information – Laolu Remix’ in 2015 on Innervisions  Also, as a child my father told me about Fela Kuti songs and universe, I had a chance to know that Afro House did not start in Ibiza 🙂 When I started liking Afro House it was not as popular as it is now, I think It was a bit more underground and diverse. I choose not to criticise this recent soaring popularity and accept it while staying true to my values and style; in my opinion. it’s the responsibility of artists to have open minds and educate crowds by playing diverse music.

When you’re not producing or DJing, what do you like to get up to?
Football, tennis, cheese and crosswords…


Where can we expect to see you performing later this year?
October 5th with Mr. ID and October 18th at Les Bains; join me!