He is the Quentin of electronic dance music in more ways than one. If Tarantino has his trademark shots, Leo Cook has his brand of sonic foundry. But who the fish is Quentin Leo Cook? Well, you might know this English DJ-musician-producer as Fatboy Slim. And yes, he happens to share a first name that stands for swag in Hollywood.

Born Quentin Leo Cook, the 52-year-old has little to prove after pinning down a number of Brit and MTV awards. He lets his hits do the talking — The Rockafeller Skank, Praise You, Right Here, Right Now, Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat, Weapon of Choice…. And let’s not even get started on his cool videos.

Fatboy Slim will be one of the headliners at Bacardi Enchanted Valley Carnival, a camping music festival in Aamby Valley between December 18 and 20. The line-up also includes Tiesto, Dubfire and Far East Movement.

The man with a sizeable smiley face collection took on a few questions from t2 over email.

Do you keep track of music produced in India — electronica or otherwise?

Sadly, my musical education began and ended with Ravi Shankar. I feel ashamed, I should know more!
 
What’s your take on the current dance music scene?

Like all music, there is the good and the bad... the original and the predictable… the underground and the commercial. It is as easy to make bad country and Western music as it is to make (bad) EDM.

And in terms of energy, where does new music stand?

I will say that they are much more energetic. Artistes are engaging much more with their audiences now than earlier which only makes the show more enjoyable for the artiste and his fans.

Your biggest career moment?

I think bringing dance music to a wider audience and being the official DJ of the Olympics closing ceremony (London, 2012) felt pretty immense.
 
The weirdest gig you’ve done?

It would definitely be playing at the House of Commons. (In 2013 he rocked the Terrace Bar of the House to support an initiative to raise awareness of community music.)
 
You’re 52. How have you managed to escape shelf life?

Age is just a number and the more you believe that, the more you will not think about the concept of a ‘shelf life’.

Are you excited about Bacardi Enchanted Valley Carnival 2015 (EVC)?

It is still only my second time in India (first was in 2012), so it still feels quite an adventure for me. A new audience, a different culture but we are united in our desire to escape into a world of dance and celebration. It is always good to see a festival that goes further than the established genres. There are so many festivals that all feel a little bit the same. The location and adventure involved in EVC seems to create a unique vibe. I probably won’t be able to join in too many of the extreme sports, but I will thrive off that atmosphere and try and make it even more special. I am honoured to have been invited. The location looks very special but with the emphasis on people getting involved with the action rather than just spectating. I like that in a crowd. We are bringing the big show, so anything can happen and probably will.   

Imagine a scenario where you are asked to put together the EVC festival. Name three headliners you would pick?
Major Lazer (or at least Diplo DJ-ing), Cornershop, Hannah Wants.
 
Two photographers you would want covering the event?

James Leighton-Burns and Andrew Aitchison.
 
Your DVD Incredible Adventures In Brazil proves you’re an adventure junkie. The top adventure activities on your bucket list?

A human smiley at EVC, becoming the first DJ in space, underwater roller skating, and a ride on a boat plane!

EVC has always been premium with its experience yet affordable in terms of travel and stay, which sets it apart from all the other festivals. We are home to India’s largest campsite, with a vibe that has changed the way camping is perceived in India. And just by looking at the number of EDM gigs planned every day, I think EDM is here to stay. The numbers keep increasing; the fans in this country itself keep multiplying. We have the legendary Tiesto headlining this year too. The future looks promising here on

— Devraj Sanyal of Universal Music Group South Asia, and one of the curators of Enchanted Valley Carnival 2015 in Aamby Valley

 

 

 

 

 

Mathures Paul
Fatboy Slim is cool because.... Tell t2@abp.in