Étienne de Crécy is a legendary French producer who was a key player back in the early 90s French Touch era. We’d not heard much from him over the last 10 years until he announced he was due to release the third installment in his Super Discount album series late last year. With the album now on the shelves, we caught up with Étienne for a brief chat about the project and what he makes of today’s electronic music scene…
So, you’re back with Super Discount 3! Great news, when did you make the decision to start on the project?
Night (Cut The Crap) and Hashtag My Ass were meant to appear on Commercial EP 3 but I liked the sound of those tracks so much I thought they deserved to be part of an album. I thought they could define the sound of a third Super Discount.
How did you assemble such an awesome selection of artists to collaborate with? Was it a smooth process getting them to work on the project, or did you have any problems with time/distance etc?
I asked the most played artists on my Spotify account! They are all creators of the music I listen to at home. We managed to do real-life sessions with Baxter Dury, Madelin Follin, Tom Burke and Alex Gopher and Julien Delfaud. Unfortunately we were not able to do the same with De La and Kilokish, we had to work remotely via the internet…. which is cool, because they both provide fantastic vocals! But I truly believe in real-life jam sessions.
Was there anyone you wanted who you couldn’t get to work with?
Yeah a few people! Shamir, Mak Demarco, Grimes, Petite Meller, Vanessa Paradis…
What would you say is the main difference between Super Discount 3 and the very first edition, which came out in 1995 (20 years ago!)… ?
Well, the main difference is 20 years! [Laughs] I think the songs are the main difference, the first two Super Discount albums were only instrumental. Music-wise, I made the first one only with samples, the second one only with synths and the third one I produced with sampler AND synth. It took me 20 years to learn how to work properly!
How have you changed/matured as an artist in those 20 years?
Unfortunately, I have got older!! But who wouldn’t? I think knowledge and experience is an handicap when it comes to making good house or techno productions. This music must be done with innocence!
How would you describe the album to someone who’s maybe not so familiar with your music?
House music for adults.
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You’ve been involved with music for quite some time now, what is it that keeps you motivated and interested in continuing to produce and compose?
I still love listening to electronic music very loud in clubs! I love DJing and discovering new music and how electronic music evolves! It’s fantastic. It’s really not a pain to stay interested in this music.
How do you spend your time when you’re not making/playing music?
I’m working week days at my studio and weekends on the road AND I have a three kids family: I don’t have no time for anything else!
Do you keep up to date with the French scene, anyone you’re particularly impressed with? It’s one of our favourites, there are so many great house and techno artists coming out of Paris in particular…
I don’t keep up to date with French scene particularly, I stay up to date with electronic music in general. I appreciate Amine Edge & DANCE, I think they brought such powerful energy to house music.
Outside of France, which other dance music artists are on your radar?
Let me see now… Miguel Campbell, Round, Marcus Marr, Sharam Jey, Maceo Plex, The Emperor Machine, Clyde P, Kolombo, Beatangers, Patrick Topping…
Anyone you’d like to collaborate with?
[Laughs] Everyone I just mentioned!
Where do your plans lie beyond the album?
I don’t have the time to think about that right now!
Super Discount 3 is out now, pick it up here.