This round's on… DJ Seb Fontaine

SINGAPORE - Few names are more recognisable on the international club scene than UK electronic DJ-producer Seb Fontaine - it does have a suave ring to it. But beyond the immediately obvious, it has been his high profile and long-standing residences, topped by success on the production front that has come to define his career for more than a decade.

He's equally at home rocking music festivals - including Zouk Out in 2004 - or entertaining Monaco's glitterati, most recently at the 2012 Red Bull Party. Fontaine recently revived his Mono-Type label, and even enjoyed a stint at the top of the Cool Cuts and Buzz Charts last year. This year, Seb will be headlining The Podium Lounge party, and after consecutive sell-out events (in 2009, 2010 and 2011), this poolside party is Fontaine's latest test of grit.

"Well, The Podium Lounge is such a special event that it takes years of planning," he teased. "It's a little like 'the great escape' but on a much larger scale and with more champagne."

But does he find musical inspiration in a well-made drink? "Well, I've been known to sing when happy, and a good drink always makes me happy."

'Nuff said.


 

How does music keep the party buzzing with the right energy?
Seb Fontaine: I only do parties where the alcohol and champagne is flowing and the room is buzzing. To be honest, it's what makes a good DJ. Anyone (except my missus) can learn to beat match, just like learning to drive. It doesn't mean that we are all going to be Sebastian Vettel on the decks.

I hear your preferred poison is vodka - how do you like it served?
With fresh lime and soda, or sometimes a tonic. I like to taste the vodka - not hide it under a blanket of sugar.

Fill in the blanks: I drink champagne when life is good, a nice cold beer to forget the bad times, and a strong vodka when designing some of the most intoxicating grooves.

Weirdest party drink you've come across on your worldly travels?
I was once at a party with people doing shots off semi-naked ladies. It all seemed very unhygienic but a lot of fun. Apparently!

What would a Seb Fontaine-inspired cocktail consist of?
I've never had a drink named after me but my friend has an amazing sushi restaurant called Blowfish in San Francisco and the chef made me a special roll that I named "the secret squirrel", only those in the know could ask for it. I didn't want to call it The Seb Fontaine, I needed it to be more underground.

Favourite drink philosophy (borrowed or original)?
When I read that drinking was bad for you, I acted swiftly and gave up reading. (On the wall at my local pub.)

Choice music and drink pairing outside of work?
Always '70s funk served with a good Mojito or a vodka lychee martini.


The Podium Lounge party happens Sept 21 to 23. Visit www.PodiumLounge.com for details