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"I always try to be consistent, regular and to do my best when having a gig"
The sound of Bonnie Spacey (Critical Monday) lands somewhere between the lush atmospheres produced by artists like Andrew Weatherall and the rhythmic elements and sampling of electro and old school breaks that have resurfaced in recent years thanks to producers like Sascha Funke and Jennifer Cardini. We met up with her to talk about her DJ work and the many influences behind her music.
Hi Bonnie! How’s it going?
Hi there! I’m doing well! It’s getting hard to know what day we are, but I’m feeling good actually!
What was your first foray into the world of electronic music?
It was 10 years ago. Some friends asked me out and I had no idea where I was going but they knew I’m always ready to party. I ended up in a Miss Kittin and The Hacker live show in Grenoble, their hometown. Since that day, I never stopped listening to that music.
That's also why vocals means so much to me and are almost always part of my tracks.
In and out of the electronic music circle, who is an inspiration to you?
I had the chance to grew up in a music friendly environment as my father is a guitarist and has a pretty solid rock culture. The first song I ever heard was Jimi Hendrix - Hey Joe and this song clearly had a strong influence in my life. Also all this rock culture is still a main inspiration for me in my dj sets and productions. Beside of that, I would say all the people I met and now respect in the industry, especially those who became close friends.
What was the last record store you visited and what did you keep there?
I don’t play vinyl that much, it’s more to listen to at home and the last one I bought is the album of DBFC. It’s perfect on a weekend with a glass of wine.
Are you particularly permeable to your environment, creatively speaking? If so, how does it influence your DJ focus?
YES and NO. Of course I’m permeable to my environment, what is going on in the world and in my head. It always inspires me in my productions. But regarding to my DJ sets, my approach is a little bit different. I always try to be consistent, regular and to do my best when having a gig.
You have a really eclectic sound when mixing, what has influenced you to be so musically varied in your approach?
First of all, I play the music I like and I guess I like various kind of sound. But also, I try not to do a too monotone dj set. A rule that I apply in my dj set is for 2 or 3 strong tracks, I put a deeper one. It gives relief. Breaks are really important too.
What makes a good mix to you?
A mix that you love from the beginning to the end would be a good start! It has to be eclectic but really coherent. If not, it can destroys everything.
For people that have never heard you play before, how would you describe your sound to them?
Dark Disco with some indie dance and deep techno in it. Basically, from rock to techno, definitely club orientated.
So what music are you currently obsessed by? Have you picked up any records recently that you have been playing in every set or have been listening to every day?
I’m obviously a big fan of everything out on my label Critical Monday.
To mention a few, I’m playing Cyence - Gosthdance and Demian & Damon Jee - Ignisa in almost every set.
I also discovered a track recently that I’ve been listening to every day at the moment which is Whomade - Obstacle Marvin & Guy Remix. It’s a whole journey and love to close a mix with that track.
Would you like to share a set? Can you tell us more about it? When and how was it recorded?
Most of the time, I try to record my live sets but somehow, it never works. One day I forgot the cable, one day the sound is shitty. I guess I have a malediction or something.
But a podcast I did about a year ago but still love is the one for Something Special:
How much has the Critical Monday changed since you created it?
Damon Jee and I launched Critical Monday in september 2019 and it already is a huge unexpected success for its small life. We had a warm welcome on every release, multiple Beatport tops and great support from small and bigger artists. We are really happy so far.
What is your criteria for selecting artists?
Most artists we released yet are friends or people Damon and I met through our artistic life for some reasons. Obviously they have to stick to our artistic direction, but I would say that the human factor is also important. However, we’re obviously not closed to people we don’t know if the music is good.
What are your favorite places to hang out in the city?
I am currently living in a city called Biarritz, in south-west of France, known for surfing. Since we’re travelling a lot, I would say that I rather party at home with my friends when we’re in town. But the food is crazy delicious in the area, my fav restaurants are Elements and Le Bistrot du Haou if you like meat :)
How do you deal with C19 confinement with your work?
Even if i'm used to work at home, I have to admit that I feel a bit disturbed since the quarantine has started. Since there is no more weekdays and weekends, I got the feeling that time is not the same and it’s hard me to be as efficient than I used be.
Has this situation influenced your creative perspective? What social and musical implications do you think this situation can lead to?
Yes I have to admit that I’m feeling a bit less creative. For the above reasons, and the fact that I’m feeling inspired from many different things that I can’t live if I’m stuck at home. But in other ways, I am back working on previous tracks that I never ended.
The situation is hard for the industry, especially because there is no more gigs for the moment. But I guess that plenty of great music is currently made and people will party a lot when they will be able too! The fact that we can't be together will lead us to be more united after.
What tracks would you recommend us to liven up the confinement?
Anything from Critical Monday if you’re feeling thirsty.
The last Metronomy album if you just want to chill.
What makes you happy?
There is nothing that makes me more happy than sharing a meal or a party with the people I love. Good food and good wine: so French!
What pisses you off?
Injustice in all its ways. I get pissed off when I wait too long.
Can you tell us something about your current or future projects? Where can we continue to see and hear Bonnie?
Just finished a remix that will be out on Hearec. Also working on several projects for Critical Monday. You can hear me on my Soundcloud account:
Bonnie Spacey
