Dimitri from Paris is known for his dapper suits, retro sensibility and world-class Playboy parties. The slick, internationally renowned DJ’s latest compilation, Dimitri from Paris in the House of Disco, came out this month, just in time to prime the city for his visit to The 519’s Green Space, for Disco Disco. Our very own Deko-ze chats with Dimitri as he gears up for his soon-to-be legendary WorldPride set.
Xtra: Greetings, Dimitri! We are super excited to have you for our WorldPride celebration. What can your longtime fans and new followers expect?
Dimitri from Paris: Thank you. I’ve always enjoyed playing in Toronto and am looking forward to my first time during Pride. It’s unusual and lovely to be able to play outdoors during the day, so I’m hoping to showcase the sunnier side of my disco-flavoured collection.
You’ve already done so much with your career. What’s next?
I’m blessed enough to be able to share my music for over 30 years and make a living of it. Not sure what else to wish for!
People like Daft Punk, Laurent Garnier, Bob Sinclar, Justice and Martin Solveig have achieved international success and cemented French house as a force to be reckoned with. What are your thoughts on the current state of French house music?
The French scene is still quite healthy. I particularly like what younger producers like Yuksek, FKJ, Boston Bun and Le Crayon are doing, to name a few.
How do you feel about the new crop of deep-house and disco-sampling house records of today? Do they compare to the quality of early, groundbreaking disco?
It’s a case of apples and oranges, really. The vast majority of contemporary dance is the work of a single or very small group of people working off a computer. In the case of disco, you needed a whole band plus a studio to record it in. The souls each playing a real instrument allowed for a richer organic sound. There is still genius to be found nowadays; it’s just harder for it to come out from an ocean of mediocrity.
Speaking of music, do you have any original productions coming soon?
My new track with collaborator DJ Rocca, “Disco Shake,” is coming out soon; it’s a proper live recording with a great-looking picture sleeve vinyl as well. After that, look for a new Eurocrats release.
Your Live at The Playboy Mansion comps have sold by the bucket-loads! Who is your favourite Playboy bunny?
As strange as it may be, I’m in this business for the music, not the bunnies.
If you could hear any artist perform live right now (alive or passed), who would it be?
Teddy Pendergrass. RIP.
Chic or Cerrone?
Chic, without a doubt, as they have R&B in their DNA.
Disco balls or bell-bottoms?
Seriously? Many things came back from the past. Luckily, bell-bottoms haven’t, so the world is not lost — yet.
Dimitri’s WorldPride playlist
Chaka Khan “I’m Every Woman” (Dimitri from Paris Remix)
Diana Ross “The Boss” (Dimitri from Paris Remix)
Dimitri from Paris & DJ Rocca “Disco Shake” (Original Mix)
Sister Sledge, “Lost in Music” (Dimitri from Paris Remix)
Chic, “Le Freak” (Dimitri from Paris Remix)
Disco Disco
Sun, June 29; Dimitri spins 4–7pm
The 519 Green Space
greenspaceto.org
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