Axelle Roch
Axelle Roch
12-11-14
Homodrop, a brand new homo electro night, makes its Dalston Superstore debut next weekend, with special guest Axelle Roch visiting from Paris. Joining her will be Greg Lowe, Greg Spencer, Bamboo Hermann and TWANG over both floors of Superstore. To find out more about this French babe, we caught up with Axelle ahead of the party to quiz her on techno in her city, LGBT rights in France, and some French language tips to use at queer nights...
What are your highlights of the Parisian dance music scene- where do you go dancing when you are not DJing?
I don't go out often, so when I party don't really have a special place I love. I look who is playing... But if I have to choose, I prefer ephemeral/transient places like warehouses. I have been going out clubbing for a long time, so now when I go out, I'm looking for something different than my own experience.
Who or what is the Fox Parisian Crew?
Fox Parisian Crew is a collective and for three years we've organised parties at Batofar Club. We're passionate DJs. Now our party is also in Lyon. We booked a lot of headliners...
We have a simple concept: Beer & Techno! Haha!
How welcoming is Paris to LGBT people?
Since gay marriage has been approved in France, we've seen and experienced a lot of trouble. Riots, especially in Paris. LGBT people just want to have the same rights as heterosexuals: marriage, children, and so on... It's a long way to open mindedness for some people. I think it's like that everywhere. Gay people are welcomed by some, and not for others... I heard that in Montpellier a gay flag is flying on an official building, at the same time at the place where first gay marriage has been celebrated... so, I take this like a hope.
Who are your techno heroes?
I love Audiofly, Tini, Villalobos... I think there's a new generation of very good DJs. I especially love music from Fuse London Label. Seb Zito is also amazing! Jessica Diaz too, she's from Argentina, she's great. Recently I discovered Dana Ruh on Brouqade Label, woos! I mean, her music is exactly what I'm looking for actually. Also music from Romania, minimal, very class.. yes I have to admit it, women are very good DJs and producers, their music has more soul, it really talks to me.
When we spoke to Jennifer Cardini earlier this year she told us all about Le Pulp and the birth of Paris' (more open) lesbian scene... how would you describe it now?
I think people are now trying to be together. Whatever your sexuality or sexual orientation... I mean we don't care if the music is good, as long as the vibe is good; all people share the same vibe. Love and dance... for me it's exactly that sensation I am looking for. A community of dancers...
But I know that a place like Pulp did a lot of good for lesbian community. A lot of straight people think: Oh! A lesbian party cannot mean good music or good vibe! Hahah you know?! But I was too young during the ''Pulp'' period. I've been there just one time.
If you had a time machine and could visit any dancefloor anywhere/anywhen where would you want to go dancing?
I think I'd explore every decade, the '60s, '70s '80s, the new wave scene, the punk scene, even rock 'n roll! Also I'd have to swing by Studio 54 in NYC... and why not explore the future in 150 years?
Can you teach us some essential French for going out in Paris to queer nights and dance clubs...?
"C'est Fat!", "Ca envoie du Lourd!", "Je suis saucée!"
It's Fat! It's heavy! I'm like a salsa!
What record in your collection would surprise people to learn that you love?
Brouqade Label, and music from Romania. I love Romanian underground resistance. It's groovy deepy and sexy!
Who are your top underrated French DJs?
Easy... David Guetta, Bob Sinclair, ect....
What's the biggest misconception about techno in Paris that outsiders have?
The Parisian scene is really rising up... we have something like a subdivision ministry dedicated to the Parisian nightlife... Our mayor Mme Hidalgo writes letters to congratulate some Parisian clubs, when they are rated Top 10 in international magazines, for example Badaboum. I honestly think it's so cool and encouraging!
Join Axelle for Homodrop on Saturday 22nd November at Dalston Superstore from 9pm - 3am.
Photo Credit: Chill Okubo
Axelle Roch