New book retraces Laurent Garnier's career

French DJ Laurent Garnier, a key figure in techno and house music, has shared his story in a new book published by Les Pérégrines editions. The book, part of the Icons collection, features interviews conducted by journalist Mathilde Ramadier and explores Garnier's career, as well as the evolution of electronic music from underground to mainstream. The book was discussed in an interview with Garnier and Ramadier near the Rex, a legendary club in Paris.

Garnier reflects on legacy and influence

At 60, Garnier continues to express a deep passion for music, though he is also considering the legacy he will leave behind. He is in discussions with the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF) to preserve his work and acknowledges the impact he has had on fans and fellow musicians. While he is uncomfortable with being called an "icon," he recognizes the significance of his contributions to electronic music.

Collaboration between Garnier and Ramadier

Ramadier and Garnier first met 14 years ago while working on a comic book titled Rêves syncopés, which chronicled the history of electronic music with Garnier’s life as a central thread. Their collaboration continued over the years, leading to this new book. Garnier was initially drawn to the project after a negative experience with a previous book about DJs, which contained many inaccuracies. He now prefers to be involved in writing to ensure accuracy.

Garnier's early life and career beginnings

Garnier’s passion for music began in childhood, influenced by his grandmother who introduced him to DJing. His family had no idea of the career he would pursue, as DJing was not a recognized profession at the time. A friend of his father installed a DJ booth in his room when he was nine, sparking his love for music. Despite his early interest in dance, Garnier briefly attended a hotel school, a period he credits with helping him break free from conventional paths.

The first real DJ set

Garnier’s first major DJ set took place at the Hacienda in Manchester in 1987. He had just moved there and was thrust into the role without prior experience. He used the alias DJ Pedro and recorded the set, which he later found to be "catastrophic." Ramadier’s first experience DJing was at the Sonar festival in 2003 when she was 15, a moment she described as a rite of passage.

Preparing for a DJ set

Garnier emphasizes that preparing a DJ set involves listening to a large number of tracks and selecting those that will be played. He often changes his set list at the last minute, relying on instinct and the energy of the crowd. He recalls instances where tracks failed to resonate with the audience, highlighting the unpredictable nature of live performance.

Electronic music's journey to mainstream acceptance

Garnier recalls a pivotal moment in 1998 when he spoke out at the Victoires de la Musique, defending electronic music against criticism. While techno has since moved into the mainstream, Garnier believes the underground scene still thrives and produces meaningful work. He acknowledges the commercialization of some aspects of electronic music but sees it as a natural evolution.

DJing and aging

Garnier discusses the challenges of DJing as he ages, noting that he attracts more mature audiences but still finds a way to connect with younger fans. He has adjusted his lifestyle to prioritize rest and family, limiting his touring to two weekends a month. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between professional and personal life.

The political and social role of dance

Ramadier highlights the importance of dance as a fundamental human expression, linking it to freedom and community. She criticizes laws that restrict nightlife, such as the controversial Riposte law, and points out that clubs are regulated by the Ministry of the Interior rather than the Ministry of Culture. Garnier agrees that the cultural significance of dance and nightlife is often overlooked.

Dance as a space of freedom and coexistence

Both Garnier and Ramadier see dance and nightlife as spaces of liberation and inclusion. They discuss the importance of clubs like the Berghain, which enforce rules such as banning cell phones to enhance the experience. Garnier criticizes the use of phones on the dancefloor, which he believes detracts from the moment.

AI and the future of music

Garnier has experimented with AI tools, finding them useful for refining his sets by extending track intros and endings. He compares AI to sample and loop packs from the past, acknowledging both their potential and limitations. He concludes the interview by sharing a track that currently fascinates him, highlighting the ongoing evolution of electronic music.