Arno Cost Set For FMIF

French house is more than a genre – it’s a trademark and a benchmark. One of its most promising purveyors is Arno Cost, who is releasing music on Size Matters and Protocol Recordings labels, hosting his own When In Paris radioshow and delivering contagious groovy sets, blending electronic, disco and a little bit of pop. The radio show quickly grew into a series of events, the most prominent of which will take place at ADE 2015 (namely, on October 14), where Arno and his partner in crime Nicky Romero will be hosting a big night at Melkweg club, opening this outstanding electronic music conference with a bang. The latest single by Arno, Coming Home featuring the vocals of James Newman, is tearing up the dancefloors right now and is also a very radio-friendly tune by the way. All in all, there are so many reasons to interview Mr.Cost – which we did, discussing his new studio, the state of French house currently and Arno’s forthcoming gig at Pacha for F*** Me I’m Famous on September 10.

You will be playing at Pacha for F*** Me I’m Famous on September 10, when David Guetta himself will not be present, and you together with Nicky Romero and Chuckie will be taking over his duties. Do you consider it to be more of a challenge or your lucky chance?
I think, with the artists that are playing, we can deliver a very diverse and cool night. I think it’s a good thing for the audience at Pacha Ibiza, to experience first a housier and groovier set by me, a more energetic EDM set by Nicky, and a more eclectic set by Chuckie. This diversity will make sure people are not stuck in the same style for the whole night. I think that’s the unique selling point of our night.

What does Pacha Ibiza club mean for you?
I love playing at Pacha. There’s quite a legacy over there, and it’s one of the best clubs on the island. The biggest names have played there, and that’s for a reason. I remember a lot of good nights there, playing myself or supporting friends playing there.

When was the first time ever when you heard David Guetta’s track or set? What is the role of this outstanding artist in your own creative progress?
I heard his track Just A Little More Love when I was a kid, and I immediately fell in love! Since then David has shown his ability to create powerful, magical and popular dance music tracks. He has been a true inspiration and a good help in my career!

How would you characterise the state of French house music now?
I can feel it gets better and better now! I’ve had the feeling that the French scene was getting tired these past few years, with no real big upcoming talent. But with Justice, Kavinsky, Madeon or even Martin Solveig, I am not worried at all!

On September 4 you are launching your first ever When In Paris event in Paris with Kryder, Hard Rock Sofa and Norman Doray in the line up. Why did you decide to do it now, and why did you choose these very DJs to accompany you?
I think that there is quite a demand for the progressive house and groove sound in Paris, but currently not that many parties that provide this sound and book DJs who play this sound. I felt it was time for me to organise my own event, especially since I launched the When In Paris project, and this is the sound that fits well with the vision we have. Kryder, Hard Rock Sofa and Norman Doray are all very talented producers and DJs, so I felt for this edition they are the perfect acts to fly in!

Can it be said that the main character of your Coming Home video is your alter ego to some extent?
Ha-ha, no not really. We wanted to go with this character because mime players are really French!

Another question inspired by the same track: how much time do you normally spend at home?
Normally not that much, it’s only during the week I’m at home in the morning and during dinner, for the rest I spend time in the studio, and at weekends I’m traveling and touring the world. But Coming Home is always nice, and a special moment for me every time.

Around one month ago you mentioned on Facebook that you were in the process of building a new studio. Tell us please about this studio! What’s so good about it, what equipment do you have there?
I have worked a lot on my laptop with headphones lately, because I was on tour a lot and couldn’t really have proper studio sessions. Now I want to go back in the studio and focus more on making music, so I really needed that new studio; it’s a big room with bass traps and good acoustic. I have put my monitors, Dynaudio, in there, my laptop, a big screen and a keyboard. That’s all!

ARNO COST PLAYS FMIF PACHA IBIZA ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 10