DJ/producer e boss della label Robsoul, il parigino Phil Weeks è anche uno degli artefici del rinascimento della vecchia scuola House che, da un paio di anni a questa parte, sembra aver messo definitivamente fine all´ oscurantismo minimale, riportando alla luce le radici del caldo e vitale suono di Chicago e aggiungendo di proprio l´inconfondibile French touch e un grande amore per l´Hip-Hop ed il Soul. Lo abbiamo intervistato in occasione dell´uscita, per la sua etichetta, di un 12″ realizzato in collaborazione col leggendario DJ Sneak. Ma sotto mentite spoglie…
1) Do you remember your first time at the decks and the records that you were carrying in your box?
I don’t remember clearly the party but I can remember some of the records I was carrying. It was in Paris, either at Enfer or follies Pigalle.
I was playing some Chris Nazuka on Tweekin, Fresh & Low on Guidance, DJ Sneak “U Can’t Hide From Your bud” on Classic…
2) How did you get to produce your own music and start your own label, Robsoul Recordings?
I was in love about doing music. I bought a keyboard, a Groovebox, a sampler, then other keyboards, drum machines…everything little by little. I bought my first gear in 1996, and I was ready by 1998/1999
At this time, I didn’t have computer, internet, everything was by post office, fax, and phone…my English was wack… So in 1999 I decided to start the label to control everything & do things faster.
3) Would you like to tell us about your new project, the Underground Chronicles video diaries?
This is something I really enjoy to do. It’s like a new way of being super creative, adding the image to the music. It can be about Party Videos report, production tips from me or the Robsoul crew, about dj travel or Lifestyle. Always Fun. I’m trying to do a new Episode every 4/6 weeks max.
We have now 4 episodes, and EP.5 (featuring production tips from Joss Moog) should be ready by the coming days.
4) Are there any musicians, DJs or producers who inspire you particularly at the moment?
At the moment everything inspires me. From movies, pictures to fashion… any kind of music.
My MPC inspires me, I can put anything inside I mean any material to start a track and work it out.
5) Would you tell us about your plans for the next future? Remixes, new Eps of your own or other artists on Robsoul?
Yes, a lot of projects to come. My new project with DJ Sneak (Bubba Beats & Kid Piston) a 3 tracks EP With samples, tb303 & some drum machines.
Right after (18 November) a full EP by our new signature Jordan Peak. (Club Cuts – Robsoul 103).
Joss Moog is working on his first album, & I’m also finishing a new album “Raw Instrumental”…
6) Would you like to greet our readers recommending your 5 favourite House tracks?
It’s almost impossible for me to select 5 favorite House tracks since I know and love so much.
But, right now I’m in the studio so I’m going to pick up real quick 5 dope cuts that you can all buy on sight.
*Envelope –Be There -Primal records
*DJ Dozia – Pop Culture – Ovum
*DJ Sneak – My Brother’s Keeper Project – Plumb
*2nd Shift Feat. Heather – Somethin’ Else – Seasons
*Gemini –In My Head Ep – Classic
