ITM recently chatted to Sebastien Leger as he was driving from Amsterdam to Paris, talking Justin Timberlake, the need for sunshine, and break dancing concerts.
Sebastien is a rare breed of DJ. Raised by musician parents, he played piano and drums from an early age, and studied the theory of music. “That [music] was the first thing I learnt,” Sebastien says. When asked if he could play music before he was talking, he laughs and replies “absolutely.” So how did he make the transition from being formally trained to playing arguably not-so-formal dance music in clubs? “I always wanted to play dance music,” he says. He used to frequent clubs, nurturing his love of funky house music. “I really love dance music.”
He would have stayed in the arts industry even if he hadn’t gone down this path. “I’m a professional dancer,” he says. “And I’m quite good. I used to do a lot of break dancing and enter contests.” It seems that he made the right choice though. Sebastien, now 28, has destroyed dancefloors all over the world. “I really like to play in Japan,” he reflects. “And I really love to play in Ireland. I just love it. I’m playing there on Saturday and I’m really looking forward to it.” He’s even worked tough crowds in the USA. It wasn’t easy though. “A hard thing to do is remixing for a US artist,” he says. “You’re working with big names there like Justin Timberlake. You have to move the pop market.” And although Sebastien has remixed Timberlake, when asked if he’s had the pleasure of meeting him, he answers with a curt “no.”
Which markets would he like to tap into next? “I would like to go to South America, because I’ve never been there. Places like Brazil, Argentina. I need sun,” he laughs. “I wanted to go to China and I’m going there. I’ve been to quite a lot of countries. Maybe Asia is good. I’ve been to Japan, but maybe Korea.” He’s already graced us with his presence, but he “stayed in Sydney” and “hardly saw anything.” This visit might be a bit different though. “I have a bit more time,” he muses. Most of his trip, however, will be spent playing at the Future Music Festival and watching his counterparts and friends. “I don’t know exactly who is playing,” he says. I reel off a couple of names and he says; “oh yeah, the usual suspects. I want to see Rex the Dog and Chris Lake.”
Speaking of Chris Lake, how did those two – who’ve since collaborated on music – come to know each other? “I’ve know Chris for about one year. We got in contact via email and slowly became friends.” When asked about their work together, Sebastien calls in an “amazing collaboration.” Is this going to be a regular thing? “We’re planning another one. We’ve started something, but it’s not so easy to make music. We’re gonna try again whenever we have time.” There will be time, eventually. “I’m not going to stop now,” says Sebastien. “I’m going to keep doing this for as long as I can. I’m more into making music now [than DJing]. There’s less stress.” Is there time to relax? “No. This time is finished. I’m playing music all the time.”
Phew. Talking to Sebastien is enough to tire anyone out. Does he have any comments for his Australian audience? “Make sure my name is written correctly,” he says firmly. “With an ‘e’.”
Sebastien tours Australia as part of the Future Music Festival in March, tickets are selling fast so be sure to get in quick!
