Duke Shin

Was it really a decade ago? Liam Lynch had a show on MTV called "Sifl & Olie." Sock puppets. Meanwhile, "electronica" burst forth from the rave to the collective consciousness of every consumer, as big-beat, trance and drum ‘n’ bass sounds were tamed to push lifestyle goods. And amidst all of this was a young French cinephile named Quentin Dupieux, who had already been directing and producing shorts for French television as a teen. His dad sells some guy named Laurent Garnier a car, and before you can say "F Communications," Dupieux was shooting music videos for France’s premier techno producer. Dupieux soon began producing tracks, too, under the guise of Mr. Oizo (with his debut single "#1" on F Communications, natch). Some more synergy and Dupieux found himself directing a Levi’s spot starring a sock puppet of his own named Flat Eric. The sharp and contradictory techno bump of "Flat Beat" was added to the maniacally dancing puppet and bingo…a global cult figure was born.

Fast forward to the present day. Gallic grindhouse once again dominates, fueled by the resurgence of Daft Punk (with equal parts nostalgia and hope), and the painfully hip purveyors of newer strains of virulent electro/disco/house in labels like Kitsuné Music and Ed Banger Records—who recently snatched up Oizo’s excellent "Transexual" EP. Somehow, within the half-life of electronic music, Oizo has remained as relevant as ever. Luckily, he found some time to email Newcity and share a little charm and self-deprecating wit on his good fortune in all his artistic pursuits so far.

Where are you writing to us from right now?

In my house in Paris. I'm wearing a black glove on the right hand and a blond wig. I'm ready.

Your video for [early Mr. Oizo single] "Kirk" showcased your preoccupation with the art of film. A few spots, videos, and now a full feature later, do you approach film as a parallel artistic outlet for your music, or do you see it as something different?

I directed short films before approaching electronic music. I'm highly [impassioned] by these two activities…

How long did you work on [your debut feature film] "Steak"?

It took me eight months to write the script. I had one month to prepare the film. Thirty-five days to shoot it. Ten weeks to edit it and three weeks to work on the music with Sébastien Tellier and sebastiAn. It's quite a "small" film (budget five million euros), but it's a lot of work. I already started to write a new [film]. It's like a drug.

Your Name is Quentin Dupieux, but you've exclusively used your Mr. Oizo moniker for all your music productions. What’s in a name?

Yeah, Oizo is only my music name…Oizo means "bird" in French, but with a bad spelling.

Any new plans for that lovable yellow fellow Flat Eric?

Yeah. Maybe.

And speaking of lovable, what was it like producing tracks for Uffie? Do you have more plans to work together, or any other artists, for that matter?

Yeah, you've only heard the first steps. We'll work soon on the album. Stronger! Deeper!

Your latest EP "Transexual" was released on Ed Banger Records. On paper, it seems like a good fit, but did it seem strange joining up with a label whose roster appears so heavily influenced by your earlier work?

I don't know. Every Ed Banger artist has his own style and talent. I'm just older! But yeah, maybe I'm like a dirty uncle…I like that.

Any short-term plans on a follow-up LP to 2005's "Moustache (Half a Scissor)"?

I haven't started yet but I really want to record a new LP before 2008. Probably something heavy. Probably on [Ed Banger].

There's been a lot of talk lately of repackaging old trends as new musical phenomenon like "nu rave." Meanwhile, your early hit "Flat Beat" seems as likely as ever to be heard in a set—with recent plays from disparaging DJs like Switch and Bassnectar. To what do you attribute the longevity of your music to?

It sounds like shit, maybe that's the key.

This is your first DJ visit to Chicago. What should our readers expect from your DJ debut?

I'm the worst DJ on Earth. But I play only good music and I like fun. I hate serious DJs.

Are there any records that you've been particularly fond of lately? Or maybe some old favorites that never get removed from your bag when you DJ?

Errorsmith, but I just lost it in Italy.

Mr. Oizo joins DJs Popstatic, Bald Eagle, Konsept, Zebo, Trancid, Mark Gertz, Willy Joy and a screening of Daft Punk’s "Electroma" at Metro, 3730 North Clark, (773)549-0203, on June 13, 11pm-4am. $15. $12 presale tickets available at smashandcrunch.com. Tickets for the cancelled Reserve show will be honored.

(2007-07-10)

Also by Duke Shin

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Spin Control
Reuben Wu of Ladytron sits on a recently recovered piece of luggage in an airport, taking a break to extol the virtues of DJing, and the good fortune of being in a popular band
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Sweet Sweet Swedes
At the first of two sold-out shows at the Empty Bottle, the crowd listens gamely to the closing number from openers Au Revoir Simone--three keyboard-wielding Brooklynite girls, with a thrift-retro style to match their vintage electronics. Applause. Roadies rush the stage, setting up what has to be the easiest stage show
(2007-05-14)

Disco Dream
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Back to the Future
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The Meat Offensive
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