Interview with Antoine Chambe

Who are you?

I’m 20, I’m originally from Lyon but I decided to move up north for my studies: I’m a second-year student at an engineering school in Lille (HEI).

How long have you been making music?

I started playing guitar 8 years ago, with a teacher at first, then I played in various rock bands, mostly pop-punk (American Pie-style music). These days I play bass, ukulele and guitar, and I know a bit of piano. I’m not very good technically on any of these instruments, but I manage to have fun and play what I want, so that’s what matters.

How would you describe your music?

My music reflects whatever I’m into at the time, I don’t really have a particular genre. The goal when I write is to make something I like. That said, it’s true that my first tracks like Feel So Good, Runaway or Whakanui are very tropical, but Dream of Me and the tracks on my first EP (a 5-6 track record) coming out in mid-March are more deep house, even indie house. I’m now trying to use real instruments as much as possible and go through my computer as little as possible.

What are your influences?

I really have loads! I really like the music that gets played on Chill Masters and The Vibe Guide. I listen to a bit of every kind of music (classical, rap, electronic, rock, reggae…), I think it’s more of a mix. That said, it’s true that Kygo and Robin Schulz are big inspirations, but it would be hard for me to be more specific.

Who are your 5 favourite artists right now?

Tame Impala, Gostan (with his latest track Take Me), Tchami, Lucas & Steve and NHYX

Your track “Andalusia” came out very recently, how did the collaboration with Otter Berry go?

Andalusia has a bit of an unusual story: the track was written in May 2015 and there were several versions. The first one had flutes and sax instead of the trumpet, and a very talented American artist was singing on it. However, the trumpet version was quite different from what we’re used to hearing; the only problem was that, despite our efforts, we just couldn’t find a singer who added something to the track. In the end, we found the perfect match with Hi-Ly and the track was able to come out. But we’re still thinking about releasing another version of it!

You played with Synopsis and the La Voilerie team in Angoulême on 16 January, how was the night?

It was a really great night with an amazing atmosphere. I want to thank the La Voilerie team and Alex, the manager of the Petite Folie, who gave me the chance to play live.

What are your next projects?

Lots of projects are on the way. First, several collaborations and two remixes are in the works and should be out soon. But my main project is my first EP, signed to Tech’Me House and called “Make Me Alive”, which comes out in mid-March and which I can’t wait to share with you.

Any last words?

I’ve got 3 dates lined up in Lille in March, but I can’t say any more about them yet…