Parisian Michael Calfan has forged a formidable reputation as one of the most innovative and accomplished producers, known for his signature sound – ‘soul house.' 2019 saw him lay down two releases with the incredibly polished slice of dance-pop “Wild Game“, following the viral success of “My Place“, which has amassed over 1 million Spotify streams since its April release.
Renowned for his mesmerizing melodies and dancefloor friendly arrangements, the French artist created an array of bangers including Treasured Soul, and Nobody Does It Better – which have amassed over 110 million streams collectively. With an extensive catalog of music and a loyal global fanbase which has translated into a DJ tour schedule that's comparable to any of the leading lights in the scene today, there seems to be no stopping for this revered talent.
Viralbpm sat down with Michael Calfan to talk about everything from his new track “Wild Game”, his music journey, upcoming producers, future plans, new music and much more… Read our exclusive Michael Calfan interview below:
V1. Your latest track “Wild Game” featuring Monique Lawz is out via Warner Music. How do you feel about it? Any interested story behind it?
Michael Calfan: I'm super happy about this release, I love the track so much. I produced the track in my hometown in Paris and then I went to London to record the vocal with Monique Lawz. Monique and I got in touch through a good friend of mine in UK, we organized a session for the next day and things went super well. In one day we got the song.
That's amazing ! Wild Game ft. @Moniquelawz is Tune of The Week on @BBCR1 thanks to @scott_mills 🕺 pic.twitter.com/EdH2k7pOuC
— Michael Calfan (@michaelcalfan) August 12, 2019
V3. “Wild Game” comes after the viral success of previous “My Place” featuring Ebenezer, which has amassed over 1 million Spotify streams since its April release. Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Michael Calfan: I'm happy to have done this record but I don't really look after results. Music is not competition, it's about passion.
V3. Under Sinclar's guidance, you quickly cultivated a trademark sound, coined as ‘soul house' and released a slew of records on the iconic Spinnin' Records that saw success, such as ‘Treasured Soul' and ‘Nobody Does It Better' amassing over 110 million Spotify streams collectively. Almost 4 years later is there something you would change during this period-time?
Michael Calfan: It was an intense period alternating gig and studio it was really exhausting but I enjoyed each second of it. Playing my track in front of people who knew the song is such a satisfaction.
V4. Even though we all like your new music direction, I can't ignore the fans that miss the sound of your Axtone's release “Resurrection”. Is there any chance of producing something similar sometime in the near future?
Michael Calfan: Yes, we never know ! Something similar no, but with an upgrade definitely.
V5. You come from France, a country which has given us music legends, such as Daft Punk, david guetta and bob sinclar, just to name a few. Were some of them your inspiration throughout your first steps in the music industry?
Michael Calfan: Daft Punk for sure, but also Modjo and Cassius, just to name a few French talented artists.
V6. You're among a generation of new French artists, which have brought your country in the forefront of EDM industry worldwide. Are there any native or foreign up-and-rising talents we should keep an eye on according to your personal music taste?
Michael Calfan: At the moment I really love Fabich from Germany and Warner Case from NY, but there is a lot of french and foreign artist that are so talented.
V7. You have played at creamfields, tomorrowland, Amsterdam's ADE, whilst also performing at Ibiza parties such as David Guetta's F*** Me I'm Famous at Pacha and Cream at Amnesia and Hï Ibiza. Any other festival performances or new events we should be aware of? Are you planning to visit Greece anytime soon?
Michael Calfan: Those festivals and events are amazing indeed. I'll add Sunrise Festival, Ultra miami and EDC las vegas, for sure where the crowd were awesome ! I really enjoyed those shows. No Greece for the moment but I hope to go there soon, the vibe should be amazing.
V8. Lastly, could you please share with us -if not already- some info about any of your upcoming working titles? Which one should we expect as your next release and on which label?
Michael Calfan: I have a lot of releases to come and a really cool collab, maybe in September / October , keep an eye on me so you won't miss it 😉
