This week we interviewed Q.G. (aka Quentin Gauthier), a name that has been featured on the blog a few times with his tracks. Born in France and with a few releases out there already he’s been making quite some noise, especially the last few months with some pretty stunning tracks. Signed with Dga Fau Records, he is now getting ready for the release of his new EP “Razor” and here we are talking to him and hoping to find out what else he’s planning for the near future. So…
01. Quentin hi! Would you mind introducing yourself?
I’m Quentin, devil’s friend!
02. You grabbed our attention with your “Reign In Blood” track, an older track and one of the first tracks that would fit the description Metalectro. Was this the first Metalectro track you ever did? How did you come up with the idea?
I’m not sure if it’s the first one ever, i think Ikki made many remixes from metal bands before that. I always tried and still try to keep my metal influences but i made this track especially for all the metalheads who love electro: YOU’LL NEVER BE ALONE AGAIN!!!
03. Speaking about it, are you a fan of Slayer or is the title just a coincidence and what are your influences/music background?
I love Slayer but it’s not my favorite band. I have a solid metal background from my parents. Thanks mum and dad! Black Sabbath is probably my favorite band by the way.
04. You have been doing quite a few remixes, with Owl Vision‘s “The Black Death” being my favorite (most of the readers too I guess) as well as originals. Do you prefer writing original tracks or remixing?
I prefer remixing. I’m usually very stressed when producing originals. I’m afraid of the critics and it’s a long hard process for me. But I always try to give my best self and come up with what is the Q.G. sound with all my originals.
05. Apparently you did a video for your track “Bomb” which was more like a short film and quite disturbing. Is this the first video you’ve done for one of your tracks? How was the experience and should we expect another one anytime soon?
Yes, that was first one. I wasn’t there during the shooting because i was touring in Canada. I just remember that i was very surprised and excited when i watched it for the first time. The Q.G. universe is dark like that video is.
06. Back to your sounds, I will assume you’ve had your share of rock/metal music in the past. Did you ever play in a rock/metal band or do you just like the aesthetics and posters/cover art?
I’m the guitar player in a French hardcore band called 8Control. Please keep an eye on it, we just released our new video clip. This is where i really come from musically. I’m a hardcore kid and a big fan of Madball, Merauder, Agnostic Front, Strife, Sick Of It All, etc…
07. What would you say is your biggest music achievement/highlight so far?
I’d say maybe my new track “Razor”. This song is a perfect expression of my electro/metal influences & background.
08. Do you prefer working only with computers/sequencers or do you get your hands dirty playing and recording instruments? Do you use samples and what’s your opinion on sampling and copyright?
My studio now is only my MacBook (with Ableton and Reason) and my headphones, nothing more, 100% digital! I use samples a lot, i love that because i was a big hip hop fan too during the 90’s. As for sampling and copyright, I don’t care… Daft Punk, Justice, Kanye West, Dr Dre, they don’t care either…
09. Do you use analogue equipment or do you prefer keeping everything “in the box”?
I can’t say i don’t have… I dream of buying a Korg Ms20 one day…
10. So, what is music for you and what do you think about the way the music industry is changing?
Music is my life, the best way to calm my anger, violence and revolt. About the music industry: “Only the die hard remains”.
11. What do you think about today’s mainstream music?
There is so much good stuff out there. The main problem is mainstream people not mainstream music.
12. Do you believe that an electronic music artist can earn his/her living from music nowadays?
Only superstars can, to be honest i don’t think so… Maybe for a couple of months but I don’t think that Q.G. could be a full-time job to be honest.
13. You are also supported by OBEY clothing, if my information is correct, how did this happen?
Yes but it’s Obey Clothing France. I’m very proud about it. There are really nice people too. Basically, last year, as i was looking for sponsorship, I met them and they started supporting me. I’m also a big Obey fan since a very long time ago.
14. How was your tour in Australia?
Really cool! Many shows were canceled unfortunately but the parties were great. I was also really happy to have some good times with the Trashbags/Tuff ‘Em Up crew, the guys from Vicious Bitch, Zayler from DaftWho?, Mic and Victor from ANARKY (they also made my video clip in Melbourne) and be really close with Steven from Greyback Records. The Electro scene in Australia is not so big but the promoters and everyone else involved in it work very hard. I need to go back soon but with a bigger name.
15. You just released a new track “Razor” and a new video for it. Also, you are running a remix contest in collaboration with Dga Fau for it and the winner remix will be released on the “Razor” EP. What do you expect out of this contest, are you happy with what you’ve heard from the remixers so far?
I can’t describe how surprised and excited I am!!! Too many good entries, it will be hard to pick 10 (or maybe more) for the final round. I’m very happy about it but at this time i can’t really say which ones are my favorites.
16. Any other plans for 2011 besides “Razor”? (live shows, releases, remixes etc)
Intense touring around Europe is the next big thing on the list for this autumn!
17. What are you listening to lately? Any tracks/artists you recommend?
Terror – Keepers Of The Faith
Sebastian – Total
Wendy Carlos – Switched on Bach
18. What do you like doing when not in the studio?
Playing with my band, cooking, shopping, and have a good time with my friends/family.
19. What do you think about the Metalectro blog and the music featured on it?
Q.G. ♥ METALECTRO.
20. Something else you’d like to mention and we forgot to ask?
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