Richard Grey Perceptions of Pacha interview

4 months ago 11th Jul 15:35

Serving up the 4th instalment of the Perceptions of Pacha series is French house don Richard Grey who delivers a knockout selection of peak-time, electro-infused house blended with radio friendly cuts and updated classics.

Richard has been steadily ascending the dance music hierarchy for the last 10 years thanks in no small part to a dazzling discography which includes numerous releases for massive global labels such as Erick Morillo’s Subliminal Records, Illegal Beats and of course Pacha Recordings. When it comes to huge summer records Richard has consistently had his finger on the pulse of what rocks a dancefloor, a knack which translates perfectly to this his latest release.

We caught up with Richard to talk about his new album…

Could you explain what the Perceptions of Pacha concept is all about?

Every year Pacha asks a musician related to them to make the Perceptions of Pacha. A few years ago it was Wally Lopez, last year Kiko Navarro. It can be as a compilation, live album or club album. It really depends on the vision of the artist .

What made you choose to release your album in line with the concept as appose to an actual artist album?

This album is very true to my personality but still one side of my personality – this is my homage to tracks that would have been played at Pacha since its opening – from ‘Unchain it’ to the Bob Marley rework! Also, to me there is not a lot of difference if I was to release my own artist album – It would be the very similar as my Perceptions of Pacha album.

Could you give us a flavour of what people should expect from the album?

They can expect 4 decades of music that have been reworked to give them a 2008 flavour plus with all the sprinklings of that unmistakable Pacha sound… plus, all this has been done by the hand of a French Man living in Ibiza, so its quite an interesting sound.

You have remixed a couple of classic tracks in the form of ‘Tainted Love’ and ‘I Shot the Sherriff’ did you feel you could add to these originals in some way?

Yes of course. Although one is nearly 35 years they are still very fresh and current and are at home in Pacha Ibiza. I added my elements into the music, gave it a fresh electronic style and brought the tracks into 2008!

Who would you like to remix your work?

Timbaland and Kanye West.

How do you see the music market at the moment in view of piracy and the amount of free music that is available on the Internet?

The music market is going through a real change at the moment, with new technologies and software. I think everything is moving so fast that it takes people and businesses time to adapt and change their way of thinking. It also means that record companies have to become more creative with their marketing strategies. I think we will all benefit from these changes but just need time to catch up.

How would you describe what you try to do as a DJ?

This is very simple . I try to make people dance!! I want to touch their souls deeply with my music!!

There seems to be a huge difference a lot of the time between what artists output as a producer and what they play as a DJ? Is this the case with you and this album?

My style as a producer and I what I play as a DJ is very similar. However, my Perceptions of Pacha album is a true reflection of Pacha Ibiza. Yesterday, today and tomorrow! I’m a big Pacha fan!!

What is on the horizon in 2008 for Richard grey?

Aside from my album release, I have my single ‘No Deputy’ coming out soon on Pacha Recordings. I also have a couple more single releases with Pacha.

I’m quite busy at the moment with my Greyhome label which has been creating a buzz with ‘Massive’ and ‘Somebody’. So many biggies like Erick Morillo, Hernan Cattaneo, John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Martjin ten Velden, Agent Greg, Sasha etc supported those songs!! This is only the beginning though, I have a secret project on the go… I promise some really big things are coming...

You are gigging a lot over the summer - are there any gigs that you are looking forward to in particular

Well I’m quite excited for my next Greece gig near Athens but also for volume club in Seoul.

What is your fave track on the album?

I love all the songs! they are my babies... but if have to pick up one i would say ‘9 am’ from my Mamba project or ‘Unchain It’ .

Do you think there is a limit to how much you can remix someones work?

There is no limit except yours!