David Guetta is coming to the Hallenstadion Zurich on Wednesday with his "Listen" tour. We spoke to him in advance about his work, sleeping and love.
You've released your new single "Would I Lie To You". What was your inspiration for this track, which brings back old house and disco vibes?
I think the single sounds very French and is very fun. I made my first songs with Chris Willis, who sings on the track. The track is primarily intended for DJs. But maybe the masses will pick up the track soon. That was already the case with "Bang My Head".
When did you decide to re-record the track by Charles & Eddie?
That was actually the idea of my buddy Cedric Gervais, with whom I did the track. I like the melody and the funky soul of the song. At first we just did a festival mix, which I played throughout the summer. And it was so well received that I wanted to make another single version. Sometimes there are tracks that I really only play at my gigs.
You posted a photo on Twitter where you are in the studio with the young DJ talent Kungs. Are you working on a new album?
Yes, a new album is in the works. But I often go into the studio with artists and DJs to work on new music. It was very cool with Kungs, but I can't say whether we'll end up releasing a song together.
"What's particularly interesting is that I'm playing new, previously unreleased songs on the tour. You can't hear them anywhere else."
You're coming to Zurich soon with the "Listen" tour. What can people expect?
Of course it will be a fun evening, I'm a cheerful person and I'm happy to pass that on. But what's particularly interesting is that I'll be playing new, previously unreleased songs on the tour. You can't hear them anywhere else.
There are a lot of show effects at your concerts. They have to be planned. How much of your DJ set is still live?
To be honest, everything is freestyle and live for me. I had to think for a long time about how to deal with the show effects, I watched great shows by Daft Punk, among others. But at the end of the day, I'm a DJ and play 120 to 150 shows a year, so we're well-rehearsed as a team and I can do without so-called time codes.
You contributed the official song for the European Football Championships. How excited were you at the opening ceremony?
Totally! I've never been so excited in my life. So many emotions: It was in my home city of Paris, and after what the city had been through last year, such a joyous occasion. It was great.
You worked with Zara Larsson for this song. How did she come to your attention?
She had already released a few songs that became hits. I just wanted to have a new, young artist at my side for the European Championships. She was perfect for the collaboration.
You started out as an underground DJ, even organizing illegal parties. Today you work in the glamorous music industry. Do you sometimes miss the underground vibe?
It's a completely different world I live in now. I don't regret any of the decisions I've made. Underground is not just a style of music, but also a lifestyle that I simply no longer have. I'm a musician and sometimes I like to spend twelve hours in the studio. And I like songs with harmonies. But I still have friends from the underground scene that I visit in Ibiza and enjoy. I find the underground scene very inspiring.
What is your relationship with Switzerland?
Switzerland is actually the second country after my home country of France where I played gigs back in the nineties. Switzerland has always been very loyal to me, and that's why I always like coming back.
You have worked with numerous artists. Who was the best?
That's very difficult to say. I actually have four people who have had a big influence on my career. Chris Willis, because he's been with me since the beginning. Kelly Rowland, because I was able to reach people in the USA through "When Love Takes Over". Will.i.am, of course, because of "I Gotta Feeling" and Sia, because we both came from two different music genres and have always produced great tracks.
How much sleep do you get?
Enough, actually. The problem is the jet lag, right now I have a huge jet lag and can't sleep well. But I try to avoid that. Otherwise I get enough sleep, but I always go to bed late. At six o'clock or so.
And how often do you see your girlfriend Jessica Ledon?
When I'm in America, I see her very often. In Europe she visits me sometimes, but not often. It's really not easy to have a relationship with a DJ (laughs).
DAVID GUETTA
Wed., 19.10.16, Hallenstadion Zurich
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