Miss Kittin Interview
Caroline Herve a.k.a. Miss Kittin needs no introduction. She's responsible for those often deadpan vocals that everyone loves. Apart from her partner in crime The Hacker, she's collaborated with many a producer such as Sven Vaeth, Felix Da Housecat, Steve Bug, Justin Berkovi, Antoneli Electric, Golden Boy and many more. RA caught up with this 'New Wave Diva' in the wake of her Australian tour to find out just what has been happening in Kittin land...
First of all, thanks for taking time out of your hectic schedule to answer these questions for Resident Advisor. Can you tell me, what's new in the world of Miss Kittin?
There's always something new happening! Last year was the first time I had a big family Christmas at my place, and of course my tour of Australia.
Before this current tour it had been over 12 months since you were in Sydney - the last time you played a live set with The Hacker (which was absolutely incredible by the way). This time you played a DJ set. How would you describe the show?
Some surprising party music with a few singing on top.
You played Sydney on the same bill as DJ T as well as the local electro talent. A lot of people and press are claiming that electro(clash) is dead. What would you say to them?
Did Electroclash even ever happen in the end? What is it? I'd like to know before I die, finally!
Which do you prefer - DJing or playing live, and why?
DJing, because I don't have to make sound check, perform, and play my own music. As a DJ, I just have to take my record bag, stay behind the turntables, change the mood anytime I want, and dance on other people's music! That's definitely the field where I am the best, the biggest experience so to speak. Plus, it's never boring.
I've heard the word 'eclectic' used to describe your DJ sets. These days it seems all too common for DJs to stick to one genre of music and are almost afraid to try something new. Why is being versatile so important to you?
I think these days DJs are much more eclectic than in the past. It's a good thing that the scene got more open minded, but at the same time, I am glad to hear some DJs sticking to same genre as you say, to keep a certain tradition, even if I am not a big fan of it in general. It's healthy to have both. Being versatile is just how I feel, I like to experiment different combinations of musical styles, it keeps me awake, it's surprising. I am just that kind of DJs. Plus, I am curious, I listen to a lot of music anyway. The challenge is to bring it together in a set, something I wasn't very good at when I was missing the experience and the technique.
You've been DJing far longer than you have been playing live. What have been your best and worst DJing experiences?
I have been DJing for 10 years, but naturally, people got to know me more thru composition. I think if I had been playing live more than DJing, I wouldn't say I am a better DJ than a performer! Honestly, I hardly can remember any worst or best DJ experiences, I have the tendency to always keep in mind the last ones. To play at the legendary Sonar festival in Barcelona is always amazing, live or DJ, because the crowd and the atmosphere are fantastic. The prestige of the event makes you bring the little something to play special. In general, I have only good parties.
Sometimes, when I have technical problems or travel madness, it can put me in a very bad mood but that's my job to get over it.
It seems that 'I com' has been well received by both critics and punters - it's been a few months now since it was released - are you still as proud of it as you were when it was initially released?
It seems far away! I never listen to it, and if I would, it would probably sound like somebody else! That's why I am proud of it, because it meant something in the moment, in the studio, it was sincere and fun. The rest doesn't belong to me anymore. Like a painter, when his work is exposed, he feels like it´s over. I am super happy about the good critics, but I remember the time when I was in the studio, my partners asked me if I was nervous about the future public feedback, and I told them I can take critics very good as what really counts to me is making music.
I've read in other interviews that you speak your lyrics because you don't believe your voice is particularly good. That aside, what has been your favorite track to record vocals on?
Happy Violentine. It's exactly the song I wondered if I would be able to write AND sing. The album is a lot about that: play with my new abilities. My voice improved a lot, especially screaming live with The Hacker all these years! True, I don't have a particular powerful voice, but I sing right, which is a lot already to me. I was always scared to take lessons and lose my characteristic tone!
In the past you have collaborated with people like The Hacker, Felix Da Housecat and Chicks on Speed. Who was on your Christmas wishlist to work with this year?
The Hacker of course. We´re linked for life.
What artists are you currently enjoying listening to?
Modeselektor, Apparat, LFO, Ellen Allien, Dopplereffekt / Der Zyklus, some UK Grime, but most of all, rock´n´roll like Eagles of Death Metal, Fatso Jetson or Interpol, or old stuff like Biosphere, Juan Atkins...
What does 2005 have in store for you?
A lot of traveling as always, and more quality time in private and family life.
Finally - did you make any New Years resolutions?
To enjoy every second in the easiest way as possible, like I did in 2004!
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