French producer, DJ, and labelhead of the now one-year old Partyfine Records, Yuksek has been a name on everyone's mind for a while now, at least when it comes to the dance scene across the pond. The artist has worked with nearly everyone, from forming the Alexanders with Alex Metric, the Krays with Brodinski, and collaborating with The Magician as Peter and the Magician.
With so much success under his belt, he's got a lot to celebrate about, and we managed to catch up with him in time for his most recent release under the Partyfine label. Presenting his first of hopefully many compilations, we had him reflect on his past year as a labelhead of his own company, as well as learn about the challenges of being the boss.
Check out the compilation stream, as well as our great talk, below!
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/39509176" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
EARMILK: First off, congrats on the first Partyfine compilation album! What would you say has become the motto of the record label, the tagline (so-to-speak) that encompasses the Partyfine family?
Yuksek: Thank you! basically producing and releasing good music written by good people. creating a musical family which cross the lines.
EM: What would you say was your goal when you curated for songs on this compilation, and how does this work with your overall goals as the labelhead?
YK: I wanted to create a record that sounded more like an album than a compilation. I produce most of the songs on Partyfine, so instead of having a particular genre, I wanted to reach a place where we could take on different sounds that came together. I'd describe it as "positive modern electronic soft club sunshine" music :)
EM: Has anything changed since you've become a labelhead as opposed to being an artist on a label?
YK: Not really, except that I have less time to sleep and concentrate on my own project. The first year was important and we worked hard to make it happen. In the coming months I will slow it down a bit to concentrate on my next album.
EM: Are there any challenges (or on the flip side, huge rewarding moments) you've experienced since starting Partyfine?
YK: Starting an independent label financed by yourself is a very big challenge! The hard work is all worth it though for the great music we get to unleash for the world to hear.
EM: What have been some of the most memorable releases you've had on your label?
YK: The label is only one year, but I'm really happy and proud of the Black Yaya Ep, that was a really fun musical crossover, the Crayon one was a big success, and I really love Clarens too.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101151817" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Of course my work with Alex Metric under out Alexanders moniker and myself and The Magician as Peter & The Magician. The compilation is full of memorable moments and releases!
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96391008" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
EM: You've reached tremendous success over the years, do you have any advice for the budding producers/dj's out there?
YK: I try to be honest with what I like and the way I do my music, but these days I'm really not sure it's the best way to succeed…Announce that you're going to sell your Ferrari one day before you release your album then everyone will talk about it and you'll sell more records ;)
EM: What can we expect from Partyfine within the second half of the year?
YK: We will certainly release the EP's from Clarens and Getaroom including their songs from the compilation and new ones. Also, I have worked with many people recently, so expect many more surprise guests and collaborations!
Thanks Yuksek! Make sure to check out the compilation on soundcloud and spotify.
Yuksek Presents
Partyfine Volume 1
- Partyfine
