Q+A: 5 Minutes with Antoine Chambe

Now, it’s clear that we’re slightly obsessed with French producers and the unique music they can create which is why we were particularly intrigued when we learnt about Antoine Chambe, the producer who manages to combine French-touch with American pop elements, resulting in something akin to synthwave. His latest single, ‘Breathing Underwater’ with Grammy–nominated Jimmy Burney was just released via Roy Music and heralds the approach of his debut LP, Riverside which will be released next Friday (3rd June).

Stream / Download: ‘Breathing Underwater’

Along with earning over 430 million plays across streaming platforms, Antoine Chambe is also known for founding the well-known publishing house, label and music blog, Riptide Music. Join us as we get to know the producer who’s making a name for himself in the international music scene, one synth-infused track at a time. Catch it all in the exclusive interview below. 

Set the tone for us. Why the arts?

Why not? Ahah seriously, I’ve always loved the process of creating something and to try to understand how and why somebody has created something.

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?

It really depends, most of the time I’m producing at the end of the day and during the night. I’m always producing, not because I have to but because I want to. Sometimes it is due to listening to a special sound that gives me an idea but it could also be the result of a feeling/idea.

Does your material feature any collaborations?

For my last release “Breathing Underwater” I’ve worked with the amazing Jimmy Burney. I was looking for a vocal sounding a bit like Ebenezer or The Weeknd and he perfectly matches. He instantly understood my idea. 

For my upcoming debut album (3rd of June) I had the luck to work with famous artists such as Cimo Frankël,  Romy Dya… but also with talented upcoming bands (Helsa, Tomode) and even with my little sister Juliette

What’s on your current playlist?

Some Kungs, Darius, Kavinsky, Braxe + Falcon, Mome

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.

I’m producing song edits, especially for my live sets but I m not preparing a tracklist except for the intro and end of the set. I’ve prepared a selection of songs in order to be able to adapt myself to the public so we can both enjoy at our maximum.

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?

I try to mix the instruments and their effects. For example, I really like to mix analog and synth basslines so you get the groove from the analog and the power of the synth one.

Any emerging artists on your radar?

At the moment, I urge you to listen to Tomode. They have released an amazing first EP and they are going to release some more amazing songs pretty soon! I also encourage you to check out ManfroP and Palosueno if you are into electronic music.

What gets your creative juices flowing?

I’m trying not to follow the “format”. I mean I’m not trying to produce a song in a way for it to be easier to get onto the radio or to reach more streams. I’m just trying to do what I like so staying “free” allow me to have more creative options. Each song is a journey you don’t really know where you are going. I’m also very inspired by going to concerts or watching music videos.

Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.

My home studio is quite small and I try to keep it that way in order to be more into creativity rather than tech. I’m producing my demos there and then I move to a fully equipped studio to finish it.

In my home studio, I use guitars, mostly a Fender Stratocaster Jimmy Hendrix and a Taylor acoustic one. I also use a violin bass and a S49 synth from Native. Recently I have loved working with the Behringer Poly D that a friend lent me

Any side projects you’re working on?

Many, I’m producing for other artists and I have my own side projects called Le Chatelier (indie), Etel (deep/chill house) and Just A Kid (nu-disco)

How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?

Little by little I have been able to surround myself with a team of sound engineers and topliners. I also benefit from the feedback and the experience of my management, publisher and label so thanks to them I m able to improve and go further into my music.

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?

My debut album is coming out on the 3rd of June with a music video shot at Los Angeles and then I have a tour incoming this summer.

Famous last words?

Don’t try to breathe underwater ahaha

 

Follow Antoine Chambe:

 Facebook – Twitter – Soundcloud – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify

      Image credit: Nicolas Burlot

By Sarah Britton