Exclusive Interview: Watermät
When we found out that French DJ and producer Watermät was on the lineup for the SOLD OUT Spinnin’ Sessions at Nikki Beach during Miami Music Week, we were ecstatic. Little did we know, this was his first year performing during the Winter Music Conference and first time performing in America. Laurent Arriau has been producing music for over a decade, but his recent Watermät project has become an instant hit around the world.
His tech/electro/deep house tracks have launched his career, and now he is appearing on lineups across the globe. We had the chance to sit down with him for an exclusive interview before his set at Spinnin’ Sessions on March 25th.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: “Sparks” and “Bullit” put you on the map, did you ever think that those two hits would be the ones that would skyrocket your career?
To be honest, no. I have been producing music for more than 10 years now and I’ve done this Watermät project just to create the music that I wanted. But I never expected it to be that big. Now, I cannot do anything else other than Watermät.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: How do you think your style has changed over these past 10 years?
At the very beginning, 10 years ago, I was into more of the electro house, and then there was a period of time where I was in the studio producing music for pop French artists. Now, I wanted to go back to this dance music, deep house/house stuff.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What do you think you would be doing if you hadn’t become one of the best DJ’s in the world?
To tell you the truth, I have never done anything else other than produce music and I never worked anywhere else. Since I was 18, I’ve been doing music. If I wasn’t making music I would probably be a science guy working in a laboratory. I was studying science in high school, so maybe I would have kept on doing that.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What are some of your favorite project that you have finished that you feel really good about?
They were mainly for French artists.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Do you play a lot in France?
Yes, I play a lot in Europe: Germany, UK, France, Belgium- that whole area. This is the first time I am playing in the US actually- just yesterday!
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: WOAH! How does that compare?!
It was fun, the crowd was great yesterday. I only got my visa three weeks ago. Somehow it is almost the same as Europe; you have good crowds in Europe, but it depends on where you play.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: We heard from other artists that because the scene is younger in America, the energy is a little higher and fresher… in a way, whereas in Europe, the scene has been active for decades.
Yeah. There are places in Europe where sometimes people are just staring at the stage just doing this (insert fist pump here). Yesterday, in Miami, people were just freaking out on a kick and they were like WOO! Its a lot easier here. DJ’s didn’t used to be on the stage; it used to be a DJ booth and now the DJ is the center focus of the crowd.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What do you think is one career goal you haven’t reached yet that you are striving towards?
I don’t have really high expectations, I like making the music that I like and want to make. Let’s see what happens. If I can play at huge festivals around the world, it’s great. If not, no problem- I will keep on playing my music.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Do you prepare each set individually, or are you more improvisational?
No, I don’t prepare. I have my good combinations I like to always use. You never know; sometimes you need to play chill out music because it is in the beginning of a pool party and people just want to get into the vibe. Sometimes I have to play after a big EDM artist, so I need to play harder stuff but still in my style. I am not really into this EDM mainstream; I like to stay in my style. I am not just playing my music but other artists music as well but I don’t like to play… lets say someone like Hardwell’s music, because it doesn’t fit my style.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: What artist would you say fits with your style?
It could be European techno, but I can also play more uptempo like Michael Calfan- another french guy- and Daft Punk’s music.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Who are some DJ’s that you really respect?
Those guys! I really respect them.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Is there anyone that you really want to collaborate with?
Collaboration is a little scary because you are doing it with artists that you really love and respect their work. You don’t know if it is going to work- pairing with guys from the same label, you don’t know if you have the same style. I would like to collaborate with maybe Michael Calfan. I have some collaborations with some EDM artists which is hard to do- I have a track with Mogwai but it is more deep/techno.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: I always like to end with, what are you most excited for this week- this is your first time playing in America?!
I am quite excited about tonight at Spinnin Sessions, of course, because it is my label but I will play some new and upcoming tracks with the crew. I am pretty excited about it.
EPIC PRODUCTIONS: Just one more, after Miami, are there any other places you want to visit in America?
Of course New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago!
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AUTHOR CREDIT: AINSLEY ASHTON PHOTO CREDIT: ALEXANDRA BLAIR INTERVIEWERS: AINSLEY ASHTON, ALEXANDRA BLAIR, KIMBERLY PHAN