Ahead of his collaborative release with the husband-wife duo, we get an exclusive mix from Arnaud Rebotini of the legendary electroclash outfit
What does a collaboration mean to you? Put in the right hands and it can produce work which brings out the best of two artists who are pushing themselves to their creative limit. Obviously this is a rarity and more often than not a remix can have something more akin to taking a permanent marker across a priceless painting. But hey, you pay your money, you take your chance.
I want to take the essence of the track and put my own character into it. To put Black Strobe into another production is a difficult task
Arnaud Rebotini, founding member of Black Strobe knows a thing or two about remixes and is universally renowned for belonging to the former camp, with names like Depeche Mode, Bloc Party and Royksopp under his belt, he is something of an authority on the subject. So, when we heard about the collaborative project he was releasing, we had to get in on the action. We caught up with the man himself – and arranged an exclusive mix – to find out more.
Dazed Digital: How did this project come about?
Arnaud Rebotini: It was really simple. When we released Italian Fireflies, it was one of our biggest successes to date. I noticed that it was purely available as a digital release but because it was put out on Kitsune, it was difficult to get hold of the original. We had the idea of putting it out and making it available on Beatport. I approached some guys who I really loved and respected and asked them what they thought about remixing my work.
DD: What is it that interests you in having people remix your material?
Arnaud Rebotini: I still DJ quite regularly and am big fan of lots of producers who are working right now. So to see their take on something which I’ve created is a really interesting process. I also think that a lot of the Black Strobe material has held up really well. In Germany we are still high in the dance charts with the original, which is crazy.
DD: What have you learnt from this project?
Arnaud Rebotini: I’ve done remixes myself and it’s difficult to take a fresh view on something which can often have a real status. I want to take the essence of the track and put my own character into it. To put Black Strobe into another production is a difficult task – especially with tracks which are well known – but I love dealing with the components, whether it’s distorting vocals or just making the track resonate in a new way.
DD: Are there any artists you’ve got your eye on right now?
Arnaud Rebotini: I’ve remixed Depeche Mode before but it’s always a pleasure to work with artists like that. It would be very cool to work with The Black Keys or maybe The Horrors. I like the dark, groovy direction which those types of bands are taking with their music. The production is fascinating and I’m really into that sound. I think the relationship which they have with the blues is key, but it also has a connection with disco in a sense too. It’s a very interesting time for bands like that. There is also a guy in France who is very underground right now called Mr. No and I think he’s going to be huge.
DD: What’s next for you?
Arnaud Rebotini: I’m working on a new solo 12”, which is going to be very techno; and then we’re going to look into the new Black Strobe album, which should be released next year. It’ll be very different from the last one which was quite a negative album in many ways – this one will be the opposite, a far more positive release.
TRACKLIST
Alexis Raphael - Into the Night (Hot Natured Remix)
Cesar Cornado - Someone to Care (Amine Edge & DANCE Remix)
Polydor feat. Gustaph - Future Past (Attar! Remix)
Sebastien Tellier - Cochon Ville (Magician Remix)
AKA JK - 2600 2600 (Mugwump Italo Broadcast Remix)
Clap Rules - Pericoloso (Daniel Maloso Remix)
Black Strobe Vs Mixhell - Blast From the Past (Rebotini Analog Mix)
Naum Gabo - Ay & Oh
Black Strobe - Italian Fireflies (Rebotini Rave Detroit Dub)
