Pulse Radio caught up with French-born Techno producer David Prap, who will be the headlining international act at Twilight Open air festival in SA this April.
With over 20 years’ experience in the electronic music industry, Prap is renowned in the French techno scene. Prap turns to the decks to cultivate a techno-crazed dancefloor, with a pulsing rhythm translating into deep rolling choppy tech, and multi-layered beats complimented by symphonic waves through his sound. DP tells us ‘the techno scene is very rich and has developed a lot over the last 3 years in terms of new labels and artists’, and admits that he is hungry to get into the German techno scene.
In 2005 Prap met collaborator and friend, Willy Real. The duo went into production together on another project, to make releases on labels such as Parquet Recordings / MNL / Baroque Records, with their most recent album being ‘Shamens Garden EP’. With the same palette and vision in music, he describes their style as progressive techno, very melodic, which is definitely dancefloor axed.
INLAB Recordings was launched in 2010, which marked the beginning of a new era in Prap’s music career. DP expresses that his first passion is to discover fresh unknown artists with talent for the melodic techno label.
What have you learned so far about the business side of music, and has your attitude toward the business now changed since you first started? When I started I have understood very quickly that it will be difficult to get into the business, but that it was possible and that there are opportunities for everyone. My main goal was to create a label identity and not to follow the tendencies dictated by the biggest labels. Your attitude has to change, because as soon as you decide to make money with your Music, then people mentalities change and you become more distrustful.
When you are not in studio, behind the decks, or managing your own record label, what do you spend your time doing? Music occupies 90% of my time. For the rest I eat music, I breathe music.
Is there any advice you can give to young producers out there? This is the kind of job that you choose by passion and for the pleasure.
Any upcoming projects you would like to share with us? Yes I am currently working on an INLAB Recordings tour in Germany.
What do you think are some of the leading differences between European-made techno, and the stuff coming out of, say America? Well I'd say that the European Techno is mainly influenced by the Germans and will be more minimal compare to the American style which will be more progressive and housy with the school of Chicago and Detroit.
Do you still get nervous before a set? Yes I do, and the day I will not get nervous any longer I'll stop playing..
Largest obstacles you have faced as an artist since day one? People who you go to and close doors without any explanations. So you have to keep believing in your Music.
What kind of music did you grow up listening to as a kid? I have always listened to techno.
What are you looking forward to most about playing in SA? Have you heard anything about the scene over here? I love the idea of sharing my musical universe with a different culture, find new inspirations through a new public.
I believe that you’re playing at The Eldorado Circus Show in Marseilles, France, alongside DJ’s such as Extrawelt, Julian Jeweil, and Gary Beck. Can you tell us about this festival and what it means to you? I am very thrilled to play in this festival which will be the first test, and along artist like Extrawelt who is one of my favourite artist at the moment.
Do you have any hidden talents apart from music? Probably, but it is so well hidden that I still have not discovered it.
Biggest downside about being a well-known DJ Producer? That it becomes difficult to know if people are around you by interest or genuinely.
“I cannot wait to come to SA, share my passion for Music with you guys, and see you smile on the dance floor” - DP
Thank you David for the words. We cannot wait to get a taste of your music and show you how we party!
Upcoming gigs:
22/03 - Dj set @ Back to the Origin (Manosque) with Willy Real et Johan Horses
05/04 - Twilight Open Air Festival V5.0 - Dusk Til Dawn // Johannesburg (South Africa)
11/04 - Dj set @ Electrobotik en Boite (Studio - Aix) with Barem (M_nus)
18/04 - Dj set @ Light On (Marseille) with Nikita Traxx, Miss Val..
30/04 - Dj Set @ Eldorado Circus Show (Ensues la Redonne) with Extrawelt, Julian
Jeweil, Gary Beck, Murphy vs A. Professor and Inphasia
Listen to Pulse Radio