Kiddy Smile doesn’t take people on a journey, he takes them on a cruise. The French all-round talent—besides being a dancer, DJ, and producer, Pierre-Édouard Hanffou has for instance starred in Gaspar Noé’s Climax—has recorded a sweaty mix for our podcast series that heavily puts emphasis on the queer roots of house music.
What did you have in mind when recording this mix?
I like to think about my mixes a little bit like if I was the captain of a boat taking people on a cruise. The idea is to bring them through landscapes that really moved me. When I prepare a mix I try to create a kind of collage of memories and musical places that are very dear to me. Tracks that helped shape me as a DJ and also as a person. So the mix becomes almost like a little journey through the sounds that built me and that still define me today.
Where did you record it and which setup did you use?
I recorded it at my manager’s record shop. They have a really great setup there with CDJ 3000 Nexus and a DJM V10. It’s kind of the standard set-up these days and I have to say I really enjoy working on it. Everything feels very smooth and comfortable, so it’s perfect when you want to focus on the storytelling of the mix.
What’s the most memorable gig you played so far?
One of my most precious memories will always be the first time I played at the Whole Festival. There was a huge storm during my set but people still came and stayed, dancing in the rain and giving me so much energy. It created a very special connection because we were all supporting each other while the weather was completely against us. Playing almost in the middle of a tornado was quite something, but the love and the energy in that moment made it one of my most beautiful DJ sets.
Can you name a secret weapon that you use frequently?
I have this edit of Natasha Bedingfield that I play when the crowd is really into it, especially when I know there are a lot of girls and gays on the floor. It’s one of those songs people immediately connect to. Every time I drop it the reaction is the same, people just start dancing like crazy. I actually made the edit myself and I’ve been playing it for about two years now, so I think it’s time I finally release it on SoundCloud or Bandcamp.
Three recent releases that caught your attention?
Daniel Steinberg – Seven Sense
Bouffant Bouffant – Thinking Talking (Whitney Weiss Remix)
Ossie – Once Again
What do you have coming up?
Right now I’m working on a handbag house EP that should come out at the beginning of next year. And I’m also preparing something special for the 10th anniversary of Let A Bitch Know, with remixes from some house legends. I’m very excited about this one.
