As the Balance series approaches its 007 mix, it seems only fitting that Chris Fortier was the man chosen to deliver a mix that is full of stealth moments, killer sounds, and an overall mix that reeks of James Bond like class. The mix has finally hit stores in Australia and it shouldn’t be too long (for once) before the rest of the world hears and embraces the latest three disc album by Chris. So with the mix at the forefront, there has never been a better time to have a few words with the New York based DJ/Producer/Label Manager about the aspects of the album, and also about the just passed Miami Winter Music Conference.

"Miami is not even really about the conference."

- Chris Fortier

Miami has come and gone. How was the festivities this year?
I had a great time this, better then last year as well. We had a great launch party for my album at Rumi and also had a cool daytime event for the Balance Record Pool at the Marlin too. The success of both was exciting and relief that we got through them both with much ease. Beyond those parties, I went to some other great ones where I could just hang out and enjoy myself. The last few years, I have been more selective with the gigs I choose to do and it is really paying off in that I am able to enjoy the week as much as I ever have in the 13 years I have been going.

Do you think that the constant announcement of music conferences around the world, especially in Europe is shifting all of the focus away from Miami, or will Miami always hold a special place?
I doubt it. Miami is not even really about the conference. It has become about a week long event with work during the day and parties at night. A lot of people say they don’t do any work in Miami, but that is just lazy. You put in what you get out. If you want to be productive there, you certainly can be. I can’t see the European events having the same atmosphere as Miami with the sunshine and weather, you cant beat. And it shouldn’t be about competition, if we have a few more strong events during the year, it can only strengthen the industry and help maintain long lasting relationships.

How was the experience of putting together a 3 disc release for Balance 007 as opposed to the standard 1 or 2 disc effort?
Doing the 3rd disc was completely my choosing and actually not something that was even discussed until I was well into the production of the mix. I had already had a demo version done of the album, but after sitting with it, I thought that if I could have the 3rd disc, it would enable me to showcase the records a bit more and really expand on the vibes I was after. I was very hesitant to even ask EQ because I thought for sure they would say no. But I brought it up to Tom and even offered to pay for it myself if needed. When he didn’t shoot the idea down, I had what felt like the weight of the world off my shoulders and that is when the mix really came to life.

Does releasing a mix get any easier with experience?
Absolutely not. There is always a certain amount of pressure I put on myself to take anything I have previously done even further. You have to really look within yourself if you want to make something special, and that is what I was after. I want it to be as perfect as I can make it. And every detail is attended to. I take great care and patience with each mix. And I am sure the next one will be even tougher. I feel like I have set the bar high for myself, but I am up for the challenge. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The album features some tracks that may not be obvious anthems, but they gel together to form great mixes. Is it your intention to select tracks that all gel together as opposed to bigger tracks that may lose their appeal quicker?
My goal is always to find interesting tracks. I am not attracted to obvious records to begin with, but I am not afraid of them either. It simply finding great and interesting sounds that come together with a vibe and pace that is moving. The goal is to create a groove that is strong enough that it makes simple records stand out and makes them their own anthems in their place. Each record setting up the next. It is too easy to choose some obscure version of an Underworld track or only use unreleased mixes, I could care less about that. I don’t care if it is released or whatever, I want solid music.

On the track selection for Balance 007;
"I don’t care if it is released or whatever, I want solid music."

- Chris Fortier

Obviously heading the Balance Promotional Group must open avenues to a lot of music. Do you find the level of quality productions are increasing of decreasing from your experience?
I would like to think it is my DJ’ing that enables me access to the music. Many of the records we get through the pool are things that I have been sent ahead of time and I go back to the labels requesting it for the pool. But for me and where I have been moving musically the past few years, I find that I get more crap then ever. It takes a lot of work to find music that is not in your face obvious and I spend each day doing so. Some of my best music comes from the unusual places, not just from someone sending me an mp3 or whatever, but from the hardcore old school way of going to record shops in spending time digging deep in the crates.

Some would say you are a bit of a veteran in the scene. Do you still get a buzz with new Producers and DJ's these days?
Most definitely, but I think they are easy to find. I have built the Fade label off the beginnings of a lot of young producers. My label is a creative outlet for me, it isn’t there for money at all. And to find a great young producer making something interesting inspires me as well. To have the opportunity to be involved in their development and be of some assistance to them in the growth as artists is very rewarding. And is really all I ask for.

What can we expect from the Fade labels in the near future? Any new Chris Fortier productions perhaps?
I am always looking for interesting music. Trying to search out sounds or musical directions we haven’t been to before. I don’t want to put out the same record every release with a slight variation. I want the opposite of that. We have a very cool track coming from the Tonepushers, who are Canadian. It is a quite minimal groove with a male vocal. The original mix is what I love and stand by. After that, we have a new band from Iceland called Funk Harmony Park. These guys are very exciting and the track we have is something I am very proud to be able to put out. The remixes are great and cover a lot of ground. Most notably is the remixes from Marky Star and a newcomer Royal Sapien. Watch out for Royal Sapien, he will be something to watch down the road as he matures. I do have an EP of my own coming in the summer, as well as several remixes I have done for various labels. The Balance album took a bit longer then expected, so now I am playing catch up.

Any immediate plans now that Balance 007 is about to be released?
First thing is a tour of Australia in mid-April. Then to America and Europe, then to Asia and South America. The tour for the album is my main priority, but I will be keeping up with my studio productions as well in between gig as well as on the road.

And finally (for the male readers), where in the world can the most exotic women be found (from your DJ travel experience)?
South America by far. The girls there are on another level. Their attitude, the way they move, the way they speak. All very sexy without even trying one bit. Country by country there, there is a similar vibe with them, but if I had to choose a country, it would be either Argentina or Brazil.

Chris Fortier Balance 007 is hitting stores around the world shortly. You can read the RA review of the CD below.