CS EXCLUSIVE | Allen French
Over the past year we've gotten familiar with LA-based DJ and producer Allen French, quickly becoming enamored with his versatile style. So when we had an opening in our schedule, we didn't hesitate to reach out for an exclusive. He has the unique ability to bring a worldly yet contemporary sound to everything he does, effortlessly transporting a listener to exotic locales through myriad influences, and this is fully apparent in the mix he's put together. Dive into that, plus a quick interview, below!
Pro tip: keep your ears perked for the first listen of Allen French's brilliant new single Rosie around the 13-minute mark.
Track List •
01. Joris Voorn - Homeland ft Matthew Dear 02. Stanlie Diaz & Severyn Clain - Free State (Severyn Clain Sunset Mix) 03. Ovijay - Days With You 04. Allen French - Rosie 05. Enzo Siffredi - Sometimes 06. Fedor Limjoco - Candy Men 07. Jazzman Wax, Iban Montoro - Do it 08. NY’s Finest, Richard Earnshaw - Do You Feel Me (Richard Earnshaw Classic Rework) 09. Uner - Trumpets and Flowers ft Kafele Bandele 10. Phreo - One Moment 11. Tim Deluxe - Tryin’ Find a Way 12. Jose Burgos - Everyday ft Kenny Bobien 13. Paul Kalkbrenner - Sky and Sand
Interview •
Caveman Sound: First off, tell us about your aim for this mix you’ve put together.
Allen French: Thanks for having me guys. I was very pumped when you asked me to do this mix and I’m glad we were able to work it out on such short notice! The mix is compiled of tracks that have struck a chord with me at some point along my musical journey. There is an assortment of different vibes and I aimed to capture sounds that you might hear in an Allen French set near or far.
CS: Speaking of, you’re debuting a new original in there, can you speak to that a bit?
AF: Yes! My track Rosie (intro’d around the 13:00 mark) is my upcoming release which will also be the debut release on my label, French Press Records. There is a lot of history behind the sample as it was recorded in 1947 at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. The original song was recorded by Alan Lomax and was performed by prison inmates. The song and is about a woman who would sit right outside the prison boundaries who the men would never get to talk to or touch but she would tempt them none the less- a very moving performance to say the least. My Instrumentalist and co- producer on it, Joe Berry and I wanted to contribute to the soulful impact of the original sample while adding our own touch. We’re very happy with how it turned out!
CS: We know you’ve got a lot of experience as a DJ, how has the move into production been?
AF: It’s been great and a fun transition to say the least. I think DJing has really helped me hone in on my production skills. There is always something new to learn and it’s fun figuring out new engineering / recording techniques and discovering new sounds. The learning curve definitely keeps me on the edge of my seat at all times.
CS: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
AF: From a lot of different places. Touching back on the ‘Rosie’ sample, when I discovered that original recording via Youtube, I immediately felt inspired and Joe and I ended up building a song around a 2 bar sample from it. I also enjoy listening to and discovering musicians and artists from different parts of the world. It’s very interesting finding out about a particular sound or movement that is happening in different corners of the globe. You will hear a lot of worldly influence and inspiration within my sound.
CS: Who have you been listening to lately?
AF: Some house producers that i’m into at the moment are Kiko Navarro, Solomun, Joris Voorn and Louie Vega. Also, been listening to Jazz artists Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter and The Weekend's new album is also pretty fresh!
CS: Your music is best listened to while...
AF: Hanging in some foreign country, probably off the coast of the mediterranean sea somewhere or chilling in Vondelpark.
CS: Lastly, what’s coming up next for you?
AF: Just staying focused on the music! I have some upcoming releases towards the end of this year that I’m excited about and Ii’m looking forward to taking the show on the road in the new year.
Cheers to Allen French for sitting down with us. Be sure to connect with him on socials to stay up to date!
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