Absolute Valentine is a well-known synthwave producer from Marseille, France. Johann has been making exciting (dark) synthwave since 2014. With more than 1 million streams on Spotify, Absolute Valentine can count himself as a celebrity in the synthwave scene. It is therefore an honor for me, with thanks to his label Lazerdiscs Records, to have an interview with Absolute Valentine.
How did you first get into making music?
I began to learn the piano, with a classical background, at the age of 7. After that, I struggled a lot to be able to play in bands, but it was never working. At the end of the 90's I bought a synth and discover the magic of synthesis. The after ten years, I decided to launch my personal project « Absolute Valentine ».
France has a great history of wonderful musicians. Which of these artists inspired you when making music?
Yes, France has a strong reputation for electronic music. For me, in the 90’s, everything began with Daft Punk and Air. A little bit later, in the 00’s, a new French scene started with the amazing label Ed Banger Records. Justice, Sebastian, Mr Oizo and Kavinsky also influenced my work.
Can you tell us something about the concept/idea for your latest album ¨Omega¨?
Omega is the sequel of Police Heartbreaker. Absolute Valentine needed to revenge as a secret society named Omega killed his girlfriend. I needed to imagine a more brutal sound and a darker story for this album.
When working in the studio, how goes the process for creating a new song?
It can diverge a lot. I can begin with a riff, a melody, a drumbeat. Next, I imagine the mood or the story I want to illustrate. Sometimes I cut a scene from a movie and work on it.
What equipment do you use in your studio?
In fact, I have a studio at home and it’s a minimalistic studio. Lately, I have added some synths like an Arturia Microfreak, a Berhinger Neutron and have started with a modular collection.
One of the most important part of my gear are my ADAM speakers. It can really help to improve your mix/master skills.
Can you tell us something about your future plans?
I will surely release a remix album and something that I have hidden for many years. Next to that, I might take more risks as I would like to produce other music styles like Witch house, electronica and, why not, more vocal tracks.
Where can we see you performing live?
I will perform soon in Bratislava on October 31 at the NIGHTCALL event at the Re:Fresh Club and in Bristol on Space James: Tales From the Crypt on November 23 at the Basement 45.
For someone like you, who has been involved in the synthwave scene for many years, what do you think about the current state of synthwave and where do you think it will be going?
The synthwave scene has evolved in a really nice way. It has now many headliners from all over the world. Right now, artists will surely begin to mix their style and try to do some great collabs.
For the future I see more and more live performances and perhaps more festivals.
Which other synthwave artists do we need to keep an eye on?
There are so many, but for sure are Waveshaper, Robert Parker, Billy Mays Band, Sierra, Stilz, Castroe and others.
And finally any last words to the (Dutch) synthwave community?
A big big thank you for your amazing support. I hope to be able to see you in Amsterdam.
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