Brand new label Undisputed Music breaks cover with its first release from German artist Chambray: a slick and uplifting house cut that sets out the label’s stall for delivering quality dance music that will stand the test of time.
Chambray is the alias of André Rost who has delivered some dancefloor heaters over the years on labels like Rekids, Figure, Dirtybird, Unknown To The Unknown and many more. He’s remixed artists like Boys Noize, Amtrac, Panteros666 and collaborated with Laurent Garnier, Truncate, DJ Haus, Kill Frenzy & VONDA7, so knows a thing or two about delivering a hot musical payload.
Hands Down is an incredible start to the Undisputed legacy: a timeless, uplifting slice of house that sits somewhere between the classic French touch of labels like Roulé and the slicker, more refined sounds that have emerged over the last decade: a devastatingly effective hybrid of underground credibility and crossover potential.
With the single out now, we caught up with Chambray for a Little Talk.
WWD: Hey Chambray, welcome to When We Dip. Are you still based in Berlin? What has it been living in a city famed for its nightlife and social gatherings during the pandemic?
Yes I am still based in Berlin, although during the pandemic I took the opportunity to stay for a longer period of time abroad. Berlin has changed during the pandemic, most clubs remained closed for the past half year, with the exception of a few open air clubs with limited capacity. I like the new online platforms which were introduced during the pandemic that brought music to your home such as “HÖR”, where I was able to play a DJ set a few weeks ago.
WWD: You’ve spoken previously about music being a healing process. How much has focussing on producing music helped you cope in 2020?
With the first lockdown in March we were forced to stay home, which isolated me from the outside world. I am very grateful that I can work comfortably on my music from home and I spent a lot of time focusing on producing music. This was for sure my coping mechanism of 2020.
WWD: Have there been any other artists you’ve found yourself listening to a lot this year?
No, nothing in particular. I prefer to rest my ears in my spare time when I don’t produce music.
WWD: Tell us about your new single Hands Down. For us it has a really vintage ‘french touch’ sound – was that an intentional direction?
I grew up in the 90s and this era influenced me the most. My previous release ‘LOVING U’ is dedicated to French House and this sound is quite recognisable in most of my recent releases. ‘Hands Down’ is a follow up of this idea.
WWD: Are there any artists, or eras you find yourself looking to for inspiration when you create music?
On the top of my mind, the record labels which influenced my sound are ‘Crydamoure’ and ‘Roulé’. Both are French House record labels which released great tunes in the 90s which until today left a mark on me music wise.
WWD: What’s your studio set up like? Any go-to bits of kit of software you’re really into at the moment?
I have a simple set up – Macbook Pro with an external 32 inch monitor and a good pair of JBL monitor speakers. I mainly work with Ableton which offers all the features I need to produce music.
WWD: What can we expect from you next year? Is there another album in the works?
I like to release single by single instead of releasing an album. I have released an album in the past, but I feel that the idea does not fit for Dance music – I want that each of my singles have their own momentum and space to grow. There are some great things in the making for next year, which excite me a lot. For now nothing is set in stone but follow me on instagram to get the latest news 🙂
WWD: Finally, what’s the first record you’re going to play when you have the opportunity to DJ again?
My collab with Laurent Garnier, “Feelin’ Good”.