Contributing Writer
Parisian producer Martin Alix is synonymous with the contemporary French house scene. Now, he opens up a new musical chapter as he adopts his new Makinn alias, debuting on Boston Bun’s Circa ’99 imprint with a new single. We caught up with him to chat about the upcoming release, his new live show and more.
Hey Martin, welcome to Music is 4 Lovers! How are you doing today and where are you talking to us from?
Hi everyone! I’m doing very well. I’m currently in my studio in Paris, answering this interview.
You have become a core part of the modern house scene in Paris under your Martin Alix alias. How did you first get into music? Who are some of your main influences?
I started playing music when I was 16, by coincidence. I had a friend who produced electronic music, so I tried it out of curiosity and fell in love with it immediately. I started going out to nightclubs with my brother at a very young age and I immediately loved the nightlife. When I realized that I could be a DJ, compose my own music, and earn money, I thought, ‘Okay, this is what I’m going to do.’ My very first influences came from the French touch, with artists like Daft Punk, Dimitri From Paris, and Laurent Garnier. They also come from guys like Arno Cost and Norman Doray, who were the stars of the French scene at the time. It’s partly thanks to them that my passion for electronic music started. Over time, my influences shifted towards artists like Kerri Chandler, Dam Swindle, and Frankie Knuckles. At the moment, I would say that I am closer to the US house scene.
How would you describe your sound, and why did you choose house over other styles? What is it about the genre that you love so much?
I would say that my sound is a mix between indie pop and vocal house. I didn’t choose this particular style; I fell in love with it. It’s a very special feeling that can’t be explained. I love the feeling this music gives me.
Your latest project sees you adopt your new Makinn alias. What is the idea behind it, and what was your inspiration?
After some deep reflection and discussions with some influential French producers, it was time for me to launch Makinn. I can now fully express this new direction, with a visual and musical universe inspired by the US house scene. This new project is a sound journey blended with house, RnB, and indie pop, with an important emphasis on vocal melodies. I had fallen into a routine and a feeling of weariness in my way of working. It was the perfect time for me to launch this new project and reinvent myself.
Your first release as Makinn sees you head for Boston Bun’s label Circa ’99. How did you come to appear on the label?
It’s a pretty incredible story. A little over a year and a half ago, Boston Bun posted a story on Instagram asking for names of talented young French producers. I’m part of an Instagram group with a lot of cool French producers, and they had the great idea to spam my name in Boston Bun’s story. I also had many other friends write my name in his story. So, Boston Bun followed me on Instagram, and we started talking. I submitted a demo to him for his label, and he liked the track, which was released last year under my old project (Martin Alix – Movin’). It was a real honour, and I have a lot of respect for his work. After that, we met several times at parties, and the vibe was good. I told him about my new project, and I sent him this track, ‘Transcendance.’ He liked it right away and offered to release it on Circa. I want to thank him again for this great opportunity. He’s a good guy who supports young French producers like me.
What was your inspiration behind the new single?
I created this new track in just 3 hours. The basic idea came to me very quickly. I aimed to produce a club-oriented sound with a touch of elegance. After adding my signature Makinn G-Funk synth, the track was complete. I’m thrilled with the outcome and I hope you enjoy it.
We hear you are working on a new live show later this year. What can you tell us about it?
It’s going to be a unique hybrid set, blending elements of house and pop. I’m really looking forward to it.
Thanks so much for joining us today. Lastly, what more do you have planned for Makinn in 2023?
I’m currently working on several tracks, collaborations, and remixes for the upcoming months.
Makinn ‘Transcendance’ is out 7th April via Circa ’99.
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