INTERVIEW:
Tez Cadey
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THANKS to Tez Cadey...
for talking about his start in music and the artists/albums that influence him. I ask about his new album, Lizard Days, and what themes inspire it; whether he has a standout track from the record and what the scene is like in France at the moment.
The Electronic artist tells me about what he hopes to achieve next year and whether there is anything to achieve before the end of this year; if he gets time to chill outside of music; which rising artist we should be aware of and whether there will be gigs coming up.
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Hi, Tez. How are you? How has your week been?
Amazing, thanks! We just released the album last week and so far the feedback has been great. I’m spending a lot of time looking at streaming stats, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, but I can’t help it.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I'm a twenty-five-year-old producer from France making Electronic music, Pop and House.
Lizard Days is your new album. Are there particular albums that inspired it?
I was listening a lot to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band during the making of this album, so it must have crept in somewhere - particularly in the song arrangements. There is actually one break in Your Way were a crescendo of orchestral nonsense takes place that was directly inspired by A Day in the Life. You can also hear it on the last part of the outro, Divine. I just love how the songs evolve on this record (The Beatles' one).
Is there a standout or personal favourite from the record would you say?
It changes from time to time but I'd say Logic is my personal favorite. I still don't get tired of it. I think it has a unique and timeless touch that keeps it fresh and interesting to listen to. And, most of all, it’s at the crossroad of my influences; between Pop, old-school House and Psychedelic-Rock.
Did you grow up around a lot of music? Which artists did you follow at a young age?
I grew up mainly listening to what my parents listened to, like many kids I guess! So, a lot of New Wave, Rock and a some House music; ranging from the Cure to New Order to A Guy Called Gerald. A lot of English music. Haha.
As a French producer; what is the music scene like in the country right now?
The scene here was great a few years back with a lot of newcomers trying out new things and great support from the public. Now, there's still interesting stuff going on but it's harder to break through. I feel there's so much content being released every day. People now have less time to give.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
Well. It's coming up fast, so I just hope I'll see the album grow a little!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
Yes. I've been in the studio since August now working on new material. I'd love to release it before next summer. It's going to be more Dance-oriented for sure; more like my older tracks.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
There are so many to pick from so it's hard to choose! My best memories from my time in music has been the touring. I love spending time in the studio but it’s a rather lonely process. Going from place to place; discovering new cultures, new people and connecting through the music is, by far, the most gratifying experience.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
I'd say Tame Impala's Currents, Justice - Cross and Mac DeMarco - Salad Days
I don't really know why I like them that much. One of them I don't even play anymore but they were albums I used to listen to a lot during certain periods of my life. So, they have a strong nostalgic effect on me. Salad Days is also the most laid-back album of all times. I used to put in on a loop when I was living in Mexico. Just thinking of it brings back good memories.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
You mean for the rider or the musician I would support? For the musician, as long as it’s coherent with my project I’m in. For the rider...surprise me!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
It’s going to sound generic but don't be too influenced by what is going on: try creating what feels right to you, what your guts want to hear. It can be tempting to make music that sounds like what’s going on right now and it can feel reassuring. But, here’s the thing; it’s already been done and the guys who did it first probably do it better!
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
Not that I'm aware of. I've been limiting the gigs during the winter time to work on the next singles. But, you can expect new tour dates starting next summer!
IN THIS PHOTO: Yarosslav/PHOTO CREDIT: Jean Marc Eloy
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
My friends from Yarosslav are putting out some very cool songs at the moment. Check them out!
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Being full-time in music is a relatively new experience for me. So, I'm still learning on how to take a step back from it from time to time. My best answer to this for now has been finding another hobby. Like painting or reading or programming or anything really! Just to take my mind off the music and off the pressure.
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