The master of EDM

International DJ David Guetta to perform in Hyderabad on Sunday. Ahead of his performance the artist speaks about his show, charity cause and stint in music world

Grammy Award-winning DJ David Guetta started DJing at the Broad Club in Paris. It was the beginning of something beautiful. Shortly after that, he hosted his own club nights. It all evolved naturally. From France, he went to the UK, where the scene was even bigger and then to Ibiza.

But he states that he always loved producing music, and when his songs got picked up by mainstream names, things changed fast. David says music is his life. He will be performing in Hyderabad at the Sunburn Arena by Percept Live on a charitable note with the #Guetta4Good show and the proceeds will go to a charity called ‘Magic Bus’.

Excerpts:
Are you playing any new tracks for the Hyderabad event?
Every show I try to do something little different, so that’s already something to look out for. Other than that I’ve been working on and releasing quite a bit of new music, so you can expect that as well.

What are your expectations from the show?
I love the dedication of the Indian crowd and how they embrace the dance music culture. I’m always looking forward to rekindling my relationship with Indian fans. ‘#Guetta4Good’ is a show that will be done, of which the proceeds will go to a charity called ‘Magic Bus’. This charity helps underprivileged children build a future by providing them with education and other sorts of social experiences. I’m really excited about the show and hopefully, we’ll be able to help a lot of children! Big shout-out to Sunburn for making this happen.

How do you start when preparing for a set?
Whether I’m playing an intimate gig at a club or headlining a full-on concert at a packed arena, I approach it with the same level of intensity. Small or big crowd, I try to read the people the best possible way so I can give them an energetic show a hard, crazy party.

What single night out has been the most memorable for you?
One of the most cherished memories was when I was able to release my own music and play it on stage for the first time. I would never forget how nervous I was in the beginning, but the reaction of the public made it all amazing in the end. I often think back.

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs?
Talent is what everything else is based upon. Authenticity needs talent. And true creativity also means taking a leap of faith – being unafraid of failure. I once read a quote by Salvador Dali: ‘Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it!’ Well, that’s what creativity is about: it’s about daring, being authentic to yourself, trying new things.

There will be failures along the way, but if you never dare you can never be truly creative. That’s what I have always tried to do with my music: bring unexpected combinations together, like when I first brought urban and electro sounds together. And that’s what I admire the most from other artists or talents.

What is it that you love about the DJing?
Making beats. Making people dance. I make beats, eat, play, sleep, fly then repeat. Doesn’t matter if it’s Vegas, China, Ibiza, India wherever. That’s my life. That’s my indulgence. But India holds a special place in my heart.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Music at large is what I enjoy. I've kept on living the way I did when I was 20. I don't have any other choice, and it's perfect. Music is my life. It’s the essence of my soul. It wakes me up in the morning and puts me to sleep at night. I can’t imagine my world without music. I love to make people dance; it’s a way of bringing people together regardless of religion, nationality, sexuality, belief.

What is your favourite part of performing?
Every time someone comes to me and says like, 'I fell in love dancing with your songs,' or 'I met my partner in this club' or 'I played your music when I got married' that touches me, being able to give so much happiness to people.

How do you balance work life and personal life?
I enjoy taking time off with my children because I’m on the road a lot. These things are important for me, as well. This is the David Guetta when I’m not on tour

What do you do when you are not performing?
When touring, I try to plan enough time for myself to go out and see things and sometimes just some general down time in which I just rest. These are just some ways to not make everything seem like work. Also, I try to eat healthy and stay fit and spend time doing that. At home, I try to see my kids as much as possible.

What goes through your mind when you compose a new track?
I'm always trying to find the right balance between emotion and energy. That's the key to my success. Everybody has a different trick. When I manage this, then I'm happy. What motivates me to continue to create music is that magic moment when I’m going to play one of my records for the first time onstage, or when a song becomes a hit and everyone is singing along.

How did you feel when you won the Grammy for the first time?
My breakthrough single, “I Gotta Feeling”, that won a Grammy changed everything. “I Gotta Feeling” really changed the game and opened the doors for dance music in America. They started to play it for the first time on the radio, so not only did I crossover, but my entire scene crossed over. It was pretty exciting.

Who is on your dream list of collaborations?
I still would love to make a track with Adele! I love her voice a lot. A collaboration can happen in different ways, sometimes the label sends me vocals or a demo. And sometimes it goes naturally, I find some cool music on the internet or get introduced to an artist and decide to go hit the studio, it really depends on that. Anyway, eventually there needs to be a certain click, and you need to inspire each other to make something amazing! I’m really proud of all the collaborations I have done so far and hopefully, many more will come.

Do you think you reached the pinnacle of success?
When I started off as a DJ, I would have never dreamed to have the success that I have now. But I appreciate all the support I get so much that I’ll never take it for granted.

Your future projects?
I would love to release a new album. I’m working on new music, so that will definitely be released in 2017. I hope I will be able to release an album as well.

By Navin Pivhal