DJ Chris Fortier on his new album release, Balance 007, and the power of music on the global stage.

By: J.K. Wilson

Considered by many to be one of the first DJs to travel extensively throughout the United States, Chris Fortier has crafted a fresh unique sound in house music. With the release of the new 3 disc Balance 007 and a huge world tour, Fortier has combined nearly 15 years of experience and love for music to continue to keep one of the most widely listened to genres of music on the world stage.

You got your start in Florida, how do you think that influenced you vs. starting out in New York or Europe?

I am not sure that actually being in Florida was an influence on me. I think I draw more influence, especially musically, from my family at a young age. Music was a huge part of our family, with everyone having their own stereo systems and me being the youngest getting to bounce between room to room to hear my sister’s 70’s rock, my dad’s funk & soul record collection and my mom’s love of disco. This enabled me to appreciate all kinds of music and never close myself off from musical exploration.

You’re known as one of the more traveled DJ’s around the US. Where were some great places that stick out in your mind?

I have been fortunate enough to have played so many great cities and clubs. But right now, I would say that the most exciting places are Barcelona, Buenos Aires, or even all of Argentina and one of my favs for the past 10 years has been Mexico City.

What DJs inspire you?

The DJs that I think are playing exciting music and keep pushing the envelope are Francois K, DJ Three, Laurent Garnier, Josh Wink and James Holden. I really love how varied their music is and can be. These are the few DJs that I try to go out and hear whenever I can.

Thinking back, do you remember when you realized your name had gone global, being recognized all over the world?

I don’t think I have ever thought or think that. I am still taken aback from any kind of adoration or praise I receive from clubbers. It is always appreciated and heartfelt. I take nothing for granted and try very hard to connect with people I meet around the world. I guess when someone in a foreign land comes up with your album to sign or they have studied your info online and ask you questions about it. It is a nice feeling to know that what you are doing is reaching someone.

How do you think the lifestyles and cultures of the different places you’ve been influence the crowds and their tastes for the music?

I am sure it does factor in a lot, but I do also recognize that people are people really and their love of music transcends other things. The passion for music and even dancing is fairly universal and that is what I can use to connect to people anywhere in the world. There are some cultural influences that do affect overall open mindedness, but I think if a scene starts on the right foot with thoughtful local DJs, that that can be passed onto the clubbers and that is a strong key to success for growth.

You recently did a few shows in Hungary. What’s something that people in the states wouldn’t know or expect about the music scene there?

I think the first thing most don’t quite get in America is that this music is truly global. I always hear things like “wow, I didn’t know they had this music there?” this is something all over the world though. So many new places/countries everyday emerging. Croatia, Slovenia, Republic of Georgia, Kazakstan, Pakistan, these are all places we are receiving requests for music or to come play in. In Hungary and also a lot of the old Eastern Bloc countries, they are finally embracing clubs and youth culture as never before. Many of these new countries were communist until recently an are constantly embracing new things from around the world.

Because of what’s going on now on the international stage with the wars, have you noticed any change in the crowds, sizes, moods, etc.

I can’t say that I have really. I think there is a certain amount of escapism that clubs are offering. And that is a good thing. I can really only hope it is escape for the night, and not completely people turning a blind eye to world events. Because we all must stay involved and make people accountable for their actions, especially when elections come around.

The music is definitely helping keep people sane, something to escape to. What do think dance music’s role will be in the next five years, especially in the United States?

I think all music offers that and I hope that dance music will be as strong as ever. I don’t think it will go away. People have an innate want to go out and have fun and clubs are that escape, that place. As long as electronic music continues to grow and develop, clubs will still be there to showcase it.

What DJ’s would you like to work with in the future?

I don’t necessarily have a list of DJs to work with, but just the simple idea to work with any DJs who are trying to do something fresh and exciting, and not simply the status quo. I am open to new experiences and exploring all that through music.

You recently released “Balance 007”. It’s considered by many to be a great new direction in house music, blending a lot of new elements, are you excited about the feedback from fans and critics?

Yes, everything I have seen and heard back has been great and positive. I am sure there are some who might not like or appreciate the growth I have made these past couple years, but I can’t be worried about that. I am trying to always move in a forward direction with my music and keep developing as a person too. This album is a reflection of that growth as well as a reflection of my history as a fan.

Its got over 40 tracks, how many did you have to choose from to finalize the set?

I worked on the album for over 6 months, and about 4 of those months were just listening to music and hunting down tracks. I started with my own record collection that spans thousands and thousands of records, looking for a hidden gem that might fit in today’s vibe and sound. Then to my current record boxes and all the while doing the hard work of digging through record shops too. Once I eliminated things I wouldn’t use, I started trying to piece mixes together to see what worked and what didn’t. Once I found sections that were strong, I then worked back trying to piece those together with other tracks or via editing.

You started Fade Records in 1995, where is going now, and where do you hope to see it in the future?

The label was started as an avenue for my own music. Then more recently, it has been an avenue for other young artists. It is not something that is thought of in any financial way. This is a creative outlet for me to be involved with tracks and artists I like and feel are contributing something positive to the growth of electronic music. There is no bottom line with Fade. I sign tracks based on how I like them, not on if I think they will sell a lot of copies. I see us going forward and doing more artist development in the album arena. Working with artists who can make a complete vision and not just a club track. Creating an album is not an easy project and to get it right is an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

Any new projects in the works for after your tour?

I have been hard at work in the studio in between gigs whether it is on my laptop or in my home studio in NYC. I have a new original EP coming out very soon called “Downlow’d” as well as several remixes for Freaky Chakra, Add2Basket, Tonepushers. On the horizon is another EP early next year and a few bigger remixes for some more contemporary artists. My focus through the end of the year is to really concentrate on making as much new music as possible. The tour finished at the end of the year on New Years Eve. So we are still going hardcore until then.

The world tour has been a huge success so far, where will you be in the next few months?

September 03 Seoul, South Korea @ M2
September 09 Shanghai, China @ VIP Rooms
September 10 Beijing, China @ Mix
September 14 Bali, Indonesia @ Double Six
September 15 Singapore @ Attica
September 17 Tokyo, Japan @ Ageha
September 30 New York City, USA @ Opus 22
October 01 Detroit, USA
October 06 Calgary, Canada
October 07 Vancouver, Canada
October 08 Edmonton, Canada
October 14 London, England @ Turnmills
October 15 Berlin, Germany @ Ostgut
October 21 Budapest, Hungary @ Home Club
October 22 Barcelona, Spain @ The Loft
October 31 Lima, Peru

Chris Fortier ‘Balance’ 07’ 3xCD and vinyl sampler Part I & Part II out now.
www.djchrisfortier.com