May 2012
Bands: Strings Of Consciousness, Lydia Lunch & Philippe Petit, PAS & Philippe Petit, ASVA & Philippe Petit, Faust, & many more collabs or solo releases...
Websites: www.philippepetit.info, https://www.mixcloud.com/TheSonicSeducer/
QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?
Philippe – From a very early age I knew that I wanted to be involved. Having no musical formation I started doing zines, radio shows, DJing, booking, & later on running labels
in the 90s:
www.pandemoniumrecords.com
from 2000 on:
www.bip-hop.com
For many years I was happy with my role because there were tons of musicians, but unfortunately not that many people to help them get some more recognition.… Someday in the mid 2000s a friend asked me if I’d do music with him & I was wondering what I could do as I didn’t know how to play any instrument but turntables. He replied being interested in my vision, my ideas... We gave it a try & it worked enough to give me confidence, then in 2008 celebrating 25 years of activism I decided that for the next 25 years I’d give priority to my music rather than music from others.…
QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?
Philippe – After 30 years of involvement, I feel lucky to be able to wake up in the morning & be free to do what I want, this is the utmost possible highlight.
QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?
Philippe – Around 40, once I had tried many things & enjoyed a lot of what life can give to you.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?
Philippe – It is a great pleasure to have them around so their impact is positive.
QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?
Philippe – I have far too many records.…
QRD – Has your daughter effected the music you make &/or listen to?
Philippe – On a daily basis I certainly pay attention to those living with me & wouldn’t play some records which annoy them. When it comes to creating my music I put some headphones on.…
QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?
Philippe – Well, it ain’t easy, but I never dreamt of owning sports cars, a swimming pool, or many of those luxury things that many fantasize. We’d be happier with a larger apartment with a garden, though.… But I am aware that my riches are my numerous friends all over the world, the ability to travel a lot, & again being totally independent.
QRD – Given the limitations having a family has on being a touring musician, would you have toured more earlier in life if you’d known?
Philippe – Actually I toured a lot when I was a booking agent back in the 90s & in 2000 when I started mixing electronic music I had already decided to deal with festivals or nicely selected events to avoid ruining my life on the road
QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?
Philippe – Being a father does certainly change many aspects, for instance walking my daughter to school forces me to communicate with people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
QRD – Would you rather see your daughter eventually become a musician or parent?
Philippe – I hope that Eugénie will be happy & will try to teach her that having a passion is the most important thing in life, but I won’t force her to choose music as a passion
QRD –What does your daughter think of your music?
Philippe – Eugénie is 4 & she likes some songs & dislikes some others. Today is being released a 10” vinyl named after her & having her artwork on its cover, so she is very pleased with the homage.
www.alrealon.co.uk/alrn029.html
QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your daughter?
Philippe – Future will tell, I’d certainly be up to doing some more concrete things
QRD – Any words of advice to young people?
Philippe – Be yourself, stay true to your school, try to do what you want to do at all costs.....
QRD – 2015 update - any new insight from three more years of fatherhood?
Philippe – Eugénie is now 7.5 & she wants to start piano next year. I’m happy as I didn’t force on that move & besides that fatherhood is more & more interesting everyday as the child is growing up & more & more reactive.
