Interview with Pole Folder

All my life is influenced by arts in general. So I’m right now very interested by photography and programs as Final Cut.

Interview with Pole Folder Pole Folder

Who is Pole Folder, tell us all a bit more about yourself?
I grew up in a family of music lovers. After more than 10 year’s in music school and in classic orchestra, I started my first rock bands where I was playing keyboards, guitars and where I was also sometimes singer. I’ve been very influenced too also by the new club scene in Belgium in the 90’s so I started to produce club tracks. Since that time I didn’t stop to create music. I’m now signed since 4 years on Bedrock records, where I released in April 2005 my first album Zero Gold. I’m passionated about music and life in general, Taurus sign and complex as all human beings I guess.

What do you do to relax? Any hobbies besides music?
All my life is influenced by arts in general. So I’m right now very interested by photography and programs as Final Cut. But to really relax, I love to go for a drink with my friends or to enjoy a dvd at home with a good glass of wine.

What is your first memory of music?
Probably my brother playing trumpet when I was very young...

What is your favourite piece of equipment you use in the studio or for DJing and why?
I’m always playing with CDJ 1000 MK2, the CD players from Pioneer, and for the mixer always the Pioneer DJM 909. With this set-up I can be creative but also control the key and the melodies of each tracks. The incredible FX possibilities of the DJM 909 are also very efficient on stage. In studio I love to use the Roland V Synth.

If you could pick just three tracks that you've really liked (own productions or bought records) over the years, which tracks would that be and why?
I would definitely mention Dark Side of the Moon of Pink Floyd, the whole album. Violator from Depeche Mode, also the complete album. Those two albums because it’s the one I can listen to from A to Z without thinking about skipping any tracks so at the end it’s like one track. If I have to mention a 3rd one I would say my album Zero Gold as I would lie if I was not saying that I’m proud of what I did with this project. But if I could also mention U2 - Achtung Baby, Tori Amos – Tales from the librarian or Sting – The Soul Cages, if we need another option ?.

What would you say is the best record that you've bought in the last 5 years and why is it so good?
I can’t really answer this easily as there is a lot of albums who were outstanding during that time. But if I have to think about the best album and most impressive of 2005 that I bought I would say Nine Inch Nails – With Teeth. I love the lyrics and the production. Plus the combination of electronic and rock is for me the best music style actually.

If you were to choose one producer that you would like to produce tracks with, which ones would it be and why?
Probably Flood for the amazing production he did on masterpieces album of U2 and Depeche Mode.

Your album "Zero Gold" on Bedrock was your first album. It was described by some as a seduction and also that it feels like a glass of fine wine. Do you share that description of the album?
Completely. I really love the idea that my album could be compared to a good glass of wine. After a long session in studio I love to open a bottle at home and relax with a good album or a good movie.

Do you find it hard to find the inspiration for making music? Tell us how you go about making a track!
Inspiration can come at any time so I’m more concerned about being able to catch the ideas rather then to have an idea. When I’m in the studio and I’m starting a track, I’m most of the time starting with a rhythm idea or a sound idea. Sometimes it’s a melody but not often.

Any future collaborations or upcoming releases we should be aware of?
I did a few remixes for different labels. I’m for the moment working with Anita Kelsey on some projects and I’ll probably go back on some production soon with Kirsty Hawkshaw and Sandra Ferretti.

What is the best advice you have to beginners who would like to get into producing and also DJing, in reference how you started out?
Try to be yourself, try to understand the artistic visions of the artists that you are listening to. It will really help to become an artist yourself. And foremost, be strong not to think about stopping.

What is more important to you, when it comes to skills and DJing? Ability to please the crowd or music choice?
I think the skills are important as when you have good ones you can focus on some other points of the mix as the way you will really eq your mixes or place your tracks. But the music choice is a main key of your identity.

What do you think would be the next big thing in the electronic dance music industry over the coming 3-5 years?
I’ll try to be a part of it.

What do you have planned for the autumn/winter of 2005/2006 and where can we hear you play?
I’m back from Russia and going to Malta after, I’ll play next year in Belgium, Belarus, UK, Australia, Asia, so hopefully as much as I can.

Please list your favourite all time top 5 tracks that have changed you and your music?
Duran Duran – The reflex (the first “non classical” track I ever heard in my life)
Talk Talk – It’s a shame
Massive Attack – Unfinished sympathy
Faith No More – Midlife Crisis
Nirvana – Smells like teen spirit
Innertales - Odyssée

Mathias Haegglund Code Collector, Globetrotter, and Occasional Gamer.