The Owl Interview with Niveau Zero

Hi Frederic. Where did name of your project “Niveau Zero” ?

I’ve been using the name “Niveau Zero” for a long time now in various video projects and music. I think it sits perfectly on the border between high-tech and Punk. [laugh]

What’s Your equipment of choice for your live sets?

For my live sets I use a laptop and Ableton Live which I think is by far without needing credentials the perfect tool for this exercise. I also have a Kaos pad and two Behringher controllers, a slider that allows me to control my separate tracks (Kick, Snare, Bass, etc. and a rotating one that allows me to assign my effects on each track.

What’s the story behind the white shirt and tie?

In guess I went for an aesthetic side. I wanted to make effort in presentation instead of wearing the same T-shirt I had all day. The idea to transform myself into Clark Kent instead of Superman on stage made me laugh. Check out ‘Office Freak Out’ on YoutTube and you’ll see what I’d love to look like a concert.

Your impression of Lebanon, and your concert to come here?

I took a real slap coming to Lebanon. I did not expect so much energy around the dubstep and breakcore scene. You have super talented musicians and audience (check the picture below). This night was crazy, I loved it. I’ll do it again whenever you want [Laughs]

I took a real slap coming to Lebanon. I did not expect so much energy around the dubstep and breakcore scene!

Who are your idols in the field?

That’s a tough question! I do not really have an idol, but if I would name one, it would be Chris Clark. There’s everything in his music. His album “Empty The Bones Of You” for me is a masterpiece.

How do you see your relationship with your label Ad Noiseam?

I’m very glad I got my album out on Ad Noiseam. Nicolas Chevreux has done a remarkable job. His label has a strong identity in which I can really find myself in. This year Ad Noiseam marks the 10 years old of the label and for the occasion several birthday parties are being thrown in Berlin, Lucerne, Ultrecth, Paris and Beirut which should all not be missed.

The idea to transform myself into Clark Kent instead of Superman on stage made me laugh.

What do you think of your title of ‘leader’ of the French electronic scene ?

I don’t think we could call me that. There are tremendous artists in France all aesthetically different in the electronic music scene. On the French dubstep stage, I certainly am known more, but i’m not a leader, I made a name of myself along Von.d, F, The Unik, Tamoura Casement, Habstract, Nibe, Absurd to name a few more.

What are your new or future projects? A new album maybe?

I did a lot of remixes this year (Bong-Ra, High Tone, As They Burn), which took me quite some time. I also did collaborations with Matta, Tambour Battant. ‘Tout est dans les tuyaux!’ as the French would say (All is going well), so yes you should expect some new tracks,  and i’m effectively working on my new album.

What made you decide to leave the metal scene for electronic one? Does your metal influence to play a role your compositions?

I moved away from the metal scene at the time the ‘free-party’ arrived in France. I thought there was so much energy around the electronic music scene compared to the metal that seemed more rigid. It’s by starting to mix some hard Drum’n'Bass that I realized a huge amount of its artists had the same musical background as me. Later on I passed to composition and live sets where I wanted to bring the power contained in metal and HxC. This is why Dubstep is the ideal playground for mixing all my influences.

A final word for Lebanese and our readers?

As Barry would say: Let the music play! [Laugh]