2018 was the year I really got into electro-swing and soul music and as I was on this journey to discover as much music as possible, there were a few names that truly stood out as pioneers in the modern beat scene. One of them was French producer and all-round wonderful human ProleteR.
Needless to say - I was excited when he agreed to give an interview for us, as I would love to showcase this kind of music and scene on the platform a lot more. Full disclaimer - the interview was conducted a few months ago AKA 2019. I hope you find some interesting facts about him. If this is the first time you hear his beats - I know you'll fall in love.
Hi Ben! How important are the capital P and R in your name and why?
Hi Ivo, well the thing with the capital P and R is pretty much a graphic thing at the beginning, you know, like I thought it was interesting to write ProleteR this way, visually it looked cool, and it gradually became some kind of graphic signature, so that now when someone forgets to put the capital, I feel like something's not right.
How did your love for soul, jazz and swing music spark?
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Well, actually I fell into swing, jazz and soul when I started digging. You know that's what is very exciting about sampling and beatmaking,you come to discover some music you may have never ended up listening to, and finally learn to know them and most importantly love them !Making beats made me a Jazz and Swing enthusiast, so that's all about digging records and samples in the first place, it draws bridges between times and styles.
To what extent has being French influence you as a musician and producer?
I actually never thought of it, but I think it doesn't influence the way I make music itself, but it is more a feeling to belong to a certain legacy, you know you feel caught in a big thing, with many great producers and artist that paved the way before us, and it creates a mood, something that gives you confidence, we're lucky enough to have a respected scene for producers and beatmakers here in France, and at some point it is probably encouraging other artists to believe in their work.
Tell us the most random fact about yourself, something that most people wouldn't know.
I am a NYC Hardcore fan.
I read an interview with you from 2013 - a few years after the release of Curses from Past Times EP. What has changed since then?
Pretty much everything, I was able to quit my job and live only by making music for more than 5 years now, and this is enough to say everything has changed, my all life, it was a big turn for me, and each day I tell myself how lucky I am to be able to be a full time musician.I feel blessed. Also I've been touring, you know being paid to go abroad and play my tunes, which is awesome. I took more planes in the last 5 years than in my entire life before haha, and also I became a daddy !
What's the biggest sacrifice you had to make in the name of music creation?
For years I never went on vacations, just because I spent the few money I had back then for buying records or gear to make music.
Happiest moment when it comes to producing / releasing music?
The moment when you're working on something, and you get the feeling this shit you're doing sounds great, like you manage to suprise yourself,t's a very special moment and it is totally thrilling. And also, the moment when you're done with a new project, and you feel so light you could fly.
What does your average day look like?
Most of time when I'm not touring I have a pretty normal life, except for my schedule, I like to work at night, so I am very active very late at night, and a bit more lazy during the day. But my average day, is waking up at 10, taking it easy till 13, then answer mails, checking network etc... doing my homework you know, and then I start making music, then I pick up my son at school, we spent a few hours together till bedtime for him and then I usually gonna watch a movie or a serie, and about 11-12pm, I'm gonna start working harder on music, till 3 or 4 most of time in the morning.
Can you dance swing?
Not at all, haha.
If you could revive one legendary musician and work with him on an album, who would that be?
Duke Ellington, or Ella Fitzgerald, pure talents, being in a studio with such monsters, it must be incredible.
What's on your playlist nowadays?
Let me check, last tracks I added to my playlist is James Holden - LumpLondon Calling The Clash, Comeback Kid, The Bloody Beetroots, MGMT, Digitalism, The Black keys....
If you could ask yourself one question what would that be (and of course the answer too)?
Hey man, when are you gonna write that novel ? It is about time, don't you think ?
I guess so, I'm waiting for the great flow of inspiration.
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