Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?
When I was 10, my parents bought me a synthesizer for Christmas and it changed my life. I remember spending the whole evening, and most days since on it. So, that is when I figured that that was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Who or what were the most significant influences on your musical life and career?
First of all, my parents were great music lovers, so they are my first, and probably biggest influences. I grew up with Pink Floyd, The Who, Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, James Brown and Stevie Wonder and so many other artists ranging from rock, jazz, African music and soul.
While I listened to a lot of rock and punk, hip-hop had been the revelation. The list would be long but I would since to Wu Tang, NWA, RedMan, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and BIG.
A DJ friend of mine helped me discover house music too, and I would say he was a great influencer in that genre, helping me discover labels such as Trax Records and Strictly Rhythm.
What have been the greatest challenges/frustrations of your career so far?
My biggest challenge was learning to trust myself and my opinions when I decided to become professional in music. A lot of people around me would try to convince me to ‘get a real job’ but I trusted myself and stuck with my passion for music.
I don’t have too much frustration from my career so far, but if I had to pick one, it is that some of the projects that I worked on never came out when there was real potential at the time.
What are the special challenges/pleasures of working with other musicians?
I love working with other people because everyone comes with their own sensitivity, their vision of music, their own taste and it always gives something unexpected. I particularly enjoy working with musicians that come from other music genres than mine, it enriches the creativity, it allows us to explore paths that I would never have tried alone.
Of which songs/albums are you most proud?
To be honest, I wouldn’t say that I have a project that I am more proud of than anything else. I give my best every time and while some pieces of work may sound a little astonished when I listen back, every project still brings a new experience and explores a different path.
How do you work?
I have my own studio in Paris where I love to do my work. I also have some hardware gear which really helps me and I love using such as a Moog Voyager, an Ensonig ASR-10, Emu SP 1200 and Sherman Filter. I also have some Eq and compressors like Distressor, Chandler Ltd-1 and Fatso Ubk. At the end, I mix everything in the box and most of the time I do the mastering of my projects too.
Who are your favourite musicians/composers?
Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lewis Taylor
What is your most memorable live music experience?
It’s not a special experience, but every time I go to listen to the live performance of an album that I have worked on, I must say, it is a very proud and strong experience.
What do you consider to be the most important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians?
Do it with passion, and trust and listen to yourself. Be sensitive to the trends but do not be overwhelmed by them – continuing making your own sound and style, and remember that practicing over and over again can only make you better.
Where would you like to be in 10 years’ time?
In a large recording studio by the sea with ocean view!
Bustafunk started his career during the French Touch Era in the 90’s. First, he produced some house albums and signed a contact with an American label Trax Records.
In 2001, one of his title “Run Baby Run”, is used like official jingle for the first season of the reality show Star Academy. Quickly, he started to produce numerous albums for artists like Nadiyah, Amel Bent, Jena Lee, Cheryfah Luna, La Fouine, and Humphrey for instance.
In 2011, he decided to dedicate his career to production music. He produced the original soundtrack of the movie “Les Kairas” and collaborated with other composers on the movie “Dheepan” which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Festival in 2015.
His works are also used to illustrate ad campaigns of famous brands like L’Oréal, Teddy Smith.
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