It took two French robots, um, thanks to their ever-present helmets, to bring the Father of Disco back into groove. Yes, Daft Punk’s big 2013 album Random Access Memories gave us the track Get Lucky and the equally cool Giorgio by Moroder. 

And this year, Giorgio Moroder, the 75-year-old owner of three Oscars and four Grammys, who gave music of the 1970s and ’80s a new dimension, has released his first studio album in three decades. Nothing much has changed in these 30 years because the who’s who of the music world still wants to work with him and the 12-track Deja Vu proves it — Britney Spears, Sia, Charli XCX, Kylie Minogue, Kelis….

Moroder is also the man who produced Donna Summer’s classic 17-minute Love To Love You Baby, a sonic aphrodisiac bursting with moans and groans in 1975.

The disco Italian took on a few questions from t2 over email before attending Johnnie Walker — The Journey in Mumbai on December 12. Hear it from Giorgio Moroder. 

Deja Vu is your first new album in 30 years. And the first single off it is 74 Is The New 24. How did it feel to return to making music at 74?

It feels great. I was kind of away from music — I did so many other things. I built a car (Cizeta), I was into computer-generated images, I did a movie (the music for Impressionen unter Wasser in 2002)… I did a lot of paintings, I played a lot of golf and was enjoying life.

How is it to work with singers today compared to the 1970s and 1980s?

Well, the difference is that (back then) I would be in the studio with them working on the song, the lyrics but now it’s a little different — I’m in the studio with the artiste at times... (and then) I’m not. There’s a new way to record now — people like to work by themselves in their own studios. It’s less personal unlike 20 years ago. 

How did Daft Punk approach you to work on their seminal 2013 album Random Access Memories (on the track Giorgio by Moroder)?

It was very easy. When they called me, I was in Paris. They asked if I could come to the studio to record my voice. They asked me to tell a story so they could use my voice and I didn’t hear anything from them for several months. And then they played it to me and I loved it. It was very emotional yet beautiful to listen to.

The four-on-the-floor rhythm pattern (used in disco and electronic dance music) which you made popular in the 1970s... did you ever think it was a simple beat?

Well that was a great thing, especially for a guy like me… it helped me. Since that day there hasn’t been a single song without the four on the floor. It became a must, and is widely present!

Being the Father of Disco, who is your favourite dancer and how would you rate yourself on the dance floor?

Everyone has his or her unique style and are all good in their own way. I’m absolutely the worst dancer in the world. My wife is the best, but I’m the worst! She is trying to get me to dance a little more. But I’m really tough and I resist (laughs).

Tell us about your first brush with disco...

I actually always liked dance music — before disco I had a nice hit called Looky Looky (1969) which was danceable. So disco was just a development of what I was doing anyway.

What are the ingredients of a perfect pop song?

There are several. For a pop hit, you need a great melody, great lyrics and great vocals — a good record company to push it, and to top it, you need to be in a good time and place to release it. Timing is key — it may work at one time and not at another; so pick a good time.

Do you follow the music scene in India?

I really liked the movie which won the Oscar… Slumdog Millionaire. The composer A.R. Rahman and (lyricist) Gulzar won Oscars for Jai Ho… I really like that kind of music. 

For some time you didn’t have a moustache. Who convinced you to grow it back? 

My wife is very fond of my moustache. She sees to it that I take enough care of it. 

Finally, your thoughts on the festival that brings you to India...

I love seeing people from different parts of the world react to my music — I change the set based on their reactions. I’m glad I’m finally making it to India for Johnnie Walker — The Journey. I’ve played some great sets on my travels.... I can’t wait to feel the energy India has to offer! I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it. I’m going to do my usual DJ set which is about 40-50 songs of which 60 per cent are my old hits... Donna Summer songs, five songs from my new album and then some EDM from Avicii and David Guetta.

 

 

I first came to know of Giorgio Moroder when.... Tell t2@abp.in