A Cosmic Adventure with Kosme

Photo: Kosme

Back in March last year, Manchester house and techno exponents Love Dose set up their eponymous record label, and to celebrate invited one of the most charismatic DJs from France to headline the launch party - Kosme.

Virtually unheralded anywhere other than his native country, Kosme had come to the attention of Love Dose via his outstanding work in the Lyon club scene, where he'd been steadily supplying his Lyonnaise brothers and sisters with Cosmic Adventure, a regular club night showcasing the very best in nuanced, authentic house and techno.

That relative obscurity all changed though a few weeks prior to his Manchester debut, when he made a staggering appearance on Boiler Room's Nuit Sonores special, showcasing his energetic, passionate DJing skills to the world, and we amongst countless others were instantly smitten (relive that below).

Fast forward a year, and the Frenchman boasts a clutch of releases under his belt on both Thema Records and his very own Cosmic AD imprint, whilst Kosme himself is fast becoming an international power in the underground, with his infatuation of all things comsic leading to a unique approach to both production and DJing, unpredictable and emotional but always with the dancefloor in mind. 

Ahead of Kosme's eagerly awaited return to Love Dose on Saturday, we thought we'd get to know the man behind the enormous ginger beard, and in the process learn about one of Europe's most promising talents.

So after a brilliant party last time, you're returning to Manchester to play for Love Dose on the 7th. How was your experience there a year ago?

It was an unforgettable night! Positive atmosphere, full of energy and smiles in the air. It was a real pleasure to be there with music lovers: we enjoyed a special moment together!

You're one of those DJs that really puts in a passionate, energetic performance, one of the reasons we loved your Boiler Room set so much! What is it about your job that continues to get you so fired up? 

I need to have my music dose every day, it’s my drug! To make and share music, it’s my reason to live. I'm blessed to be able to do it each day.

Your releases on Cosmic AD (above) have been deep and powerful experiences that are pretty hard to categorise. Regardless of genres and labels, how would you describe your sound? 

I don't plan to do this or that with music; it's a matter of emotion, being in the moment. I'm inspired by the experiences I live, by the emotions I feel, by the people I meet, by the places I visit ... All of this is present in my music.

You had two great releases out last year, what can we look forward to from yourself in 2015?

I have a few things lined up that I can’t talk about just yet... but I can tell you exclusively that for the next remix I am fortunate enough to work with an artist who has inspired me enormously for many years, Sven Weissman.

How is Cosmic Adventure doing? How important has it been to maintain a presence in the scene in Lyon? And of the huge artists you've had there in the past, which DJs have really stood out to you as something special?

I'm very attached to my Lyon audience who have followed me for several years now and are always full of energy and give me massive love each time! BIG UP!

Each Cosmic is timeless; things happen naturally, a special atmosphere emerges over the course of the night as each artist comes to the stage. Each artist has his or her own perception of music and a unique and special commitment to the music they produce. The result is often spectacular.

You're a strong advocate of vinyl, what is it about this format that you enjoy so much?  And as lovers of vinyl ourselves, what place do you think it has in the modern world of laptops, controllers and USBs?

I grew up with records at home; it was my little brother who gave me my first record. It naturally became my preferred medium, knowing how to play LPs provides the technical understanding and above all a unique approach to music that remains fundamental for me.

How did your passion for house and techno start? Was there a record you heard or DJ you saw that made you think ‘I have to do that!’?

It started 17 years ago when I sway Derrick May playing for the first time; his enthusiasm behind the decks, his technique and his incredible presence literally shook me! I though wow, this is what I want to do! And I want to do it in this way! I still remember this moment vividly, and it's a memory I think about often.

What is the rest of your year looking like? Have you any gigs that you’re looking forward to?

I can’t wait to play at Panorama Bar again on the 14th of March. This place is out of the ordinary and really amazing. I feel good there, and I love playing there, in paradise.

And finally, hypothetical question... You have the power to curate your perfect party. You can play alongside any DJ past or present. Where would you have it, who would join you and what record would you play to define the evening?

Deep down, I’m a Cosmic guy! I would like to play on a spaceship, orbiting some new, recently discovered planet somewhere out there in the cosmos, accompanied by some DJ friends who I always have good times with.

Catch Kosme in action this Saturday by grabbing your Love Dose tickets here

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