“You sound like you are in a bad mood, is everything okay?” That’s how this interview with David Macklovitch, one half of Chromeo kicked off. But, once we got that awkward start out of the way and I told David that I was just losing my voice, the conversation proceeded comfortable, casual and energetic as Chromeo’s lighthearted, feel-good funky music.
Get to know 1 half of the duo that makes up Chromeo-oooo-o!
So why might people know Chromeo?
“People who are having sex might have heard or listened to Chromeo.”
What is something the internet might not know about Patrick Gemayel, that you think we should know?
“Hmm. Where do you start? Hold on let me think of something funny. Aah, this is a good opportunity to tell you something good. Oh, okay I got it. P thinks that Celine Dion, is gorgeous. He really thinks she is a beautiful woman. He adores her. This is a true story. We used to work in Montreal, out of the studio she owned. One time when we were there, Celine walked in with her husband and son. Unfortunately for P, she only said hi to me.”
What is overrated right now? “Television.”
What is underrated?
“Hmmmm. Education is underrated. (I start to laugh about David getting political.) Not that I am trying to make this all serious, but a good education for all is very much underrated.”
Do you remember where and who your first slow dance was?
“Yeah. My first slow dance was an extended arm dance. It was 5th grade, back home in Montreal. The girl was really hot. Way out of my league. Everyone was wondering how I hooked it up. Sad, but true, she started going out with someone else a month after our dance.”
And what song was playing? “Patience by Guns Roses.”
What are some people and things that are just so “1980′s” to you?
“Prince. Ronald Reagan. I think about Eddie Murphy. Most importantly I think about videos. I think of the amazing videos that I watched as a kid, that really shaped my modern vision and taste. I was born in 1978. But, as a kid I was just listening to my parents records, but then I started to acquire my own taste as music videos came out. I think of innovation, such as the microwave or neon socks. I think of a lot of hip-hop, a lot of the most music of our generation. It was the greatest decade for me.”
Check out Chromeo’s music video for ‘Turn The Lights On’:
Click here to view the embedded video.
What celebrity appears to be a lovely date and a match for you?
“Let’s see. Monica Belucci.
Who else, since I think she is taken?
“What is that others girl name I like? Hmmm that British chick. Alexa Chung. She is alright. Is she single?”
Do you have a favorite word?
“Oh, good question, I can relate. My favorite word changes each week. I have a lot of favorite words. Right now it’s Philistine. I mean I know it’s been around, but this week I am bringing it back. Last week it was assuage which means to alleviate.”
You have a great vocabulary.
“People always use the same five words – sick, sweet, awesome rad and legit. Which is of course okay when describing Chromeo.”
What are you favorite life sounds?
“I like the sound of expensive car door shutting. It’s just the sound of expensive. I like that. I like the sound of a snaffle bottle opening. I got an espresso machine, I like the sound when the espresso is made. That’s a pretty good one. I like the sound when I am wearing a leather jacket, and everyone of my movements.”
If you had to choose a food to eat for an indefinite amount of time what would you choose?
“My mom’s cooking. All the Moroccan stuff she makes. My mom is Moroccan. If I can’t have that I want Pat’s moms cooking, she is excellent at Lebanese stuff and Italian.
2010 is wrapping up, so what are some of your favorite albums you would have on your best of 2010 list?
“Hands down, my favorite album of the year is Gonzales “Ivory Tower” produced by Boyz Noise. Then I would have to say Kanye West’s album, cause that’s going to be a good one. The Roots album “Wake Up!”. Oh, I am adding a fourth. The Scissor Sisters album. That was slept on, but really should have been paid attention.”
What Scissor Sisters song do you recommend? “Any Which Way.”
Click here to view the embedded video.
(David goes hm and bum bum bum in between thoughts. It’s pretty cute and so relevant considering he makes music for a living and so his noises are entertaining when in conversation as well.)
What images come to mind when listening to “Business Casual”?
“White pants. Open shirts. And sunsets. Palm trees. Office romance gone wrong.
What track on “Business Casual” would you suggest I play if I want to set the mood?
“Don’t Walk Away is the sexiest song on the album.”
Lastly, who is an artist that you would like to interview to get to know?
“The Suzan all girl band. Signed to Fools Gold Label.”
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You can catch Chromeo on tour for the next few months. So either you can get to know them by catching the funky-electronic duo at a show, or you can just give a good listen to their new album “Business Casual”.
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In case you missed the last So, You Think You Know Me, check out the interview here with The Rolling Stone’s personal photographer – Gered Mankowitz.
