The French-Londoner shares his Matthew Williamson soundtrack and fills us in on his new record label
London Fashion Week over, we hooked up with French-born, London-based DJ Jerry Bouthier to talk about the music he produced for Matthew Williamson, SIBLING, Michael van der Ham, Peter Jensen and Vivienne Westwood Red Label. Whilst it felt like you couldn't go anywhere without hearing Azealia Banks '212' this season, Jerry played a selection of original psychedelic, playful disco and chic beats which have become his signature.
This season in London I also did the music for Michael van der Ham, an innovative dubby mix of Grace Jones and chic beats. Peter Jensen went for playful poppy disco, old and new, following the tastes of Thelma, his muse this season, also a fab hat maker and DJ
Dazed Digital: Tell us about the inspiration behind the psychedelic music you've produced for Matthew Williamson's show?
Jerry Bouthier: This season’s show was quite important for Matthew Williamson as it was held in the glass fronted Floral Hall of the prestigious Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. This contemporary building offers such a peculiar standing and energy that the music truly had to be special. Matthew and his business partner Joseph Velosa are extremely focused at all times and never lose their perspective on the whole event. What’s more, they really know their music (what do you expect? Matthew grew up in Manchester and raved at The Haçienda) and brings strong ideas to the table when in concept mode.
Although we share an appreciation for glorious tunes, moving melodies and interesting sexy grooves as our previous collaborations testify (A/W12, S/S12, check my Soundcloud), this time we aimed at something slightly more challenging, beautiful and strange, haunting and out of this world, so we kept searching and searching for those special tracks with sizzling original vibe. In this case it was a question of less is more, as it sometimes makes more sense to have only a handful of perfect tracks rather than too many not quite fitting. Early on Matthew fell in love with the When Saints Go Machine remix of 'Living It Up' from the totally out-there Planningtorock (DFA records).
It's inspiring psychedelic vibe gave the tone for the show. We then agreed that Schubert’s sublime 'Piano Trio N°2, In E Flat Major; mixed with modern beats would bring a nice classical twist, adding the Erol Alkan remix of Conan Mockasin’s spooky 'Dolphin Love' and finishing with a recent cover of Q Lazarus’ 'Goodbye Horses' on Optimo’s record label. The finale was built out of a few bars loop taken off the Trentemoller remix of M83's 'Midnight City'.
Dazed Digital: You're a regular fixture at London and Paris Fashion Week, what else have you been working on this season?
Jerry Bouthier: This season in London I also did the music for Michael van der Ham, an innovative dubby mix of Grace Jones and chic beats. Peter Jensen went for playful poppy disco, old and new, following the tastes of Thelma, his muse this season, also a fab hat maker and DJ. The SIBLING trio – Joe Bates, Sidney Bryan and Cozette McCreery – opted for a rare, slightly oppressive remix of M’s 'Pop Muzik' which I guess is a good way of positioning their brand, between pop culture and S&M?! Genius.
Last but not least, I work closely with Murray Blewett who oversees the Red Label at Vivienne Westwood. Vivienne was happy for the soundtrack to feel a bit more fashiony than usual, vibey beats and tricks, she only asked we added babies' laughs over the whole show as it was titled 'There’s No Laughter When You’re Exctinct!'
Dazed Digital: And what about any non-fashion related news?
Jerry Bouthier: My digital record label Continental Records is properly kicking off in 2012. The aim? To bring back pop music and fun on the dancefloor. We like to call it 'baleariscopop'. French duo Reflect are dropping their debut single Monday 26th February. Two original songs and remixes from my own production outfit JBAG, Kido Yoji, Beetchee Beetchee Ya Ya Ya and Second Date are already getting nice props on the blogs. Ch-ch-check it out!
Tracklisting: Matthew Williamson Womenswear A/W12 soundtrack by Jerry Bouthier (London 20th February 2012)
Planning To Rock – 'Living It Up' (When Saints Go Machine remix)
Franz Schubert – 'Piano Trio No.2, In E Flat Major' (Jerry Bouthier edit)
Connan Mockasin – 'Dolphin Love' (Erol Alkan remix)
Psyche – 'Goodbye Horses'
Finale: M83 – 'Midnight City' (Trentemoller remix)
For more from Jerry Bouthier, visit http://soundcloud.com/jerrybouthier and http://soundcloud.com/jbag-london.
