Artist Spotlight: Hardrock Striker

Tell us more about how your journey with music began, your influences, and how you evolved.

As far as I remember, I was listening to Depeche mode, David Bowie, The Velvet Underground and The Stooges when I was 12. Then, I’ve been into many other bands like The Clash, New Order, The Smiths, The Damned, post-punk and synth pop (Soft Cell of course!). Remember it was the 80s (!), a golden era in terms of musical production, why ? because it is the unique moment in history when the science of analog was at its peak coupled with the use of machines still in their infancy. And it gave phenomenal results that all artists still refer to today. I was also really into music journalism & my heroes back then were Lester Bangs & Yves Adrien. In 2001, i moved to los angeles hoping to start a rock band but discovered the art of dj-ing by immersing myself in the local scene thanks to peter black, doc martin & the team from wax records.

You’ve been in this industry for decades now. Besides your own releases you’ve also made uncommon remixes from Eminem and The White Stripes. What is your perspective on original releases vs such remixes?

The craft of remixing is an exquisitely delicate endeavor; it requires both the intent to craft a novel rendition of a nearly flawless original song, all the while aspiring to enhance its allure on the dancefloor. One must delicately avoid disrupting the equilibrium of the original track, skillfully transporting it to new realms. Ultimately, it all boils down to the art of conceptualization.

What would you say you’re trying to achieve through your music?

It’s extremely pretentious and arrogant, but I think any artist tries to acquire a form of eternity. Create something definitive that stands the test of time.

What do you love doing besides music?

Nothing, music occupies 100% of my life, it’s my « raison d’être »

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