MARTIN SOLVEIG

Smashing It

Collaboration is an important part of what Martin Solveig does. It is not simply slapping together a haphazard production with a trendy guest artist but honing ideas and crafting a fully fledged anthem for the masses. Ultimately, it’s about making people happy as he explains to ANDREW HICKEY.

“As you can probably see in the news everyone in Europe is depressed about the economy,” Martin Solveig says. “So we try to hold our head above the water and enjoy ourselves.” Obviously proud to take on the role of the party starter, Solveig is full of boundless energy. “I’m working around this idea of making people happy when they listen because they need it,” he says with a laugh full of optimism, talking about his chart-topping fifth album Smash recently released.
Featuring guest appearances from other highly energetic artists like Dev and Kele Okereke of Bloc Party, Solveig contends that the creative and recording process tends to vary when putting together a record. Typically, the Parisian DJ and producer approaches artists by trading ideas and audio files, thanks to the freedom of the internet. “Little by little, exchanging email, you end up with a draft of a song that will be ready to be recorded,” he says.
There are times, however, where he has to stray from his routine and get a little innovative. “A couple of months ago, me and Dragonette recorded tracks for a song that was not finished,” he says. “We couldn’t be at the same place at the same time so we booked separate studios and we did this recording through Skype, which for me was almost impossible to do. It turned out very well though.” The unique recording process was made easier by their built-in chemistry. “This is something I can [do] with Dragonette because we know each other very well and she doesn’t really need me to give her direction on the way she’s singing.”
Whether it’s with a long-time partner or new collaborator, Solveig aims to bring the best out of everyone he works with. The man behind such anthems as Hello and Ready To Go has recently been putting that aim to the test having recently offered his production skills to Madonna for her new record MDNA. “I produced one half of it and it’s the biggest process of my life,” he says. “Working with Madonna is unlike any other experience. We actually collaborated on a detailed level, meaning that we were really spending a lot of time together in the studio and writing songs.”
With that magnificent French charm, Solveig is thankful for what he has achieved so far in his career. “It’s been a blast for me so far,” he says, reflecting on his chosen path. “Things change faster and faster. Going from a DJ 10 years ago to touring around the world [as an artist], it’s very different. At the time, I was mainly playing clubs, now I’m playing mainly festivals. Everything changes and I love that because I don’t like to repeat myself too much. The more my job can evolve, the happier I am.”