Pierre Paris is a techno Dj based in Clermont-Ferrand and belongs to TOTEM RITUEL which organises its Sonoka Festival's first edition in September. One month ago, his acolyte A.Silentio had answered our questions. This time, let’s introduce Pierre Paris who coordinates the logistics and security of the festival.

Where do you come from?

I come from Auvergne, from a small town near Clermont-Ferrand. In my family, it was considered a good idea to play an instrument; I trained as a saxophone player. What's more, I've always had a good ear for music and I think I have a certain taste for good music... Or so I hope!

Your music influences?

Music from the 60s and 70s. I actually listen more to soul pop funk or other Afro-based music than to techno. Motown and other legendary labels like Stax Records are references for me and for all of us (technophiles or musicophiles). There are close links between Motown, techno and Detroit, and that's not a coincidence. I also love hip-hop, like A Tribe Called Quest or Gang Starr, but also psychedelic rock: it's hard to miss the Doors or Pink Floyd. In any case, I'm a good listener - there are great artists to listen to in every style! 

Your first vinyl you got?

 “Vampire” by Deadbeat, on Echocord.

Your first approach to djing?

I was inspired by some friends who all mixed on vinyl and who came from the tribe scene; they were a bit like my big brothers, back when the Spiral Tribe was still organising the Spiral Invasion in the South of France. I used to go over to their place and hang out at the turntables, right up until the day I bought my first pair of mk2s.

Totem Rituel Soundsystem?

Totem Rituel Soundsystem is Akim and me, but from now on we'll have to rely on Léa aka Ælia.b: in my opinion, we'll be hearing a lot more about her because she's a real musician with a keen sense of the art.

Why is the One O One so special (club in Clermont-Ferrand)?

First and foremost, One O one is a place to party with the “faces” of Clermont-Ferrand nightlife. Boris is a music lover and artistic director who's always on the lookout for quality line-up! It's an emblematic place where it's always a pleasure to put down your vinyl bag.

Your top 5 record labels?

Token, Djax-U, Warm up Recordings, Ilian Tape, and Semantica records.

Sonoka Festival invites Zadig, one of the pillars of the French Techno scene...

A guy like I wish there were more of in the French techno scene. I share the same ideas and the same artistic approach as him. His work on Construct Re-Form is a real source of inspiration.

“Feeling the crowd”, what does it mean for you?

Taking the audience's temperature before the Dj set, adapting to their desires. Feeling things.

Without music, life would be...

A morning without coffee!

Your favourite vinyl shop?

It's hard to give one favourite shop, between Techno Import in Paris where I've clearly spent a lot of time digging, not to mention the warm welcome of Mazen who've been around for so many years, hats off to him! Hardwax, in Berlin, for their quality referencing and not forgetting Rare Wax by Unité Centrale in Lyon.

If you could teleport yourself, which period would you choose?

If Marty Mcfly could lend me his DeLorean, I'd definitely transport myself back to the 80s and 90s for the first acid house nights, at The Haçienda for example.

Your Top 5 new releases?

. Skee Mask “Dub Schneider” [ISS010]

. Martyn “Hear Me” (2024 Remaster)

. Lady Starlight “Choose” [RAR004]

. Space Drum Meditation “Oviraptor” (Marco Shuttle Remix) [SDM004RMX]

. Forest Drive West “Creeper” [ITX025]

Your Top 5 oldies?

. Echoplex “Destinated Paths” (Dark mix)

. Damon Wild “Avion Return” (Marcel Dettmann Remix)

. Rrose “Waterfall (Birth)”

. Rotor Type “Breakthrough” (1994)

. Clementine “Present Thinking”

Interviewed by Sabrina Bouzidi