Hervé is a man I’ve been listening to for a while now. He plays a type of music that is very difficult to categorize. We can call it ghetto bass. Regardless, it’s a style that contains wobbles, unique robot sounding effects and synths, and a funky beat plus fat bass. Reminiscent of Jack Beats, who are actually signed to his label Cheap Thrills, each Hervé track is carefully constructed and beautifully mixed whenever he plays a set.
Having released a plethora of records under numerous aliases and remixing everyone from the likes of Beyonce to Mark Ronson, Hervé is finally releasing his own full-length album on July 26th, which, built on a solid, bass-heavy, 4/4 electro foundation is filled with dancefloor destroyers and solid-gold pop hits. ‘How Can I Live Without You (Make It Right)’ the albums first single, is a fantastic example of the kind of bass drenched pop that is included on the album. Featuring rising star Ronika, the single is due for release on the 15th July. You’re going to want to check out our interview with Hervé below, as well as some of his most recent tracks.
Tell us about all the aliases; why so many, and what’s the significance of each?
Basically they all represent different sounds. The main one is obviously Hervé, and all the others are satellites to that particular sound.
Right now I’m just focusing on Herve as it can be complicated using loads of different names simultaneously… However, I do have a couple of secret ones I’m working on at the moment… 
Your label, Cheap Thrills, has discovered and signed some of the most amazing talent around, including Jack Beats. Tell us what it was like starting Cheap Thrills; the early years and getting recognized, and what it’s like to run the label now.
I set it up just as I was breaking through and I think that played a big part in its success. I currently run it independently with my manager who sorts out all the paperwork and leaves all the creative stuff to me (thank god!). I’ve recently brought a couple more people on-board as well so things are gonna get waaaaaaaayyyyyyyy more organized. The website, which is coming soon, will be a great source of info, music and all Cheap Thrills stuff in general. Look out for that!
We’re very excited for your ‘Pick Me Up, Sort Me Out, Calm Me Down’ album release on the 23rd of this month. What can you tell us about the inspiration for this album? What is the idea behind the album, and what has your approach been to writing and recording tracks?
Most of it was recorded at my studio I built in my garden (to the right of the pond!).
I really wanted to make an album that worked as a whole. So it had to have a beginning middle end, not just a cluster of bangers. To achieve this I tried to create a good balance of instrumentals and songs.
Are there any special surprises or guest appearances in the new album that you can tell us about?
For me the main great thing was getting Steve Mason (former singer of the Beta Band) to sing on the album. I think all the vocals on the album are fantastic, but I have been a big fan of Steve for years so it was great moment when he came in on the album.
What has been your favorite part about working on your first album?
Working with all the great singers/guests. They are all such a talented bunch and it was great to be able to work with them.
What has been the hardest part about working on the album?
Knowing when to stop. Working out how many songs should be on it was really tough, but the album as a whole was great fun!
We’re always curious, what is your favorite city to play in? What has been your favorite performance to date?
I really don’t know. They have all been great in their own way… One thing for sure is European festivals are awesome! They really take care of you.
When you aren’t working on your music, who are you listening to?
Harold Budd, Brian Eno, Washed Out, Clams Casino, Boards of Canada, Tears For Fears, Aphex Twin, Tim Buckley, Cocteau Twins, Wild Beasts, Led Zeppelin, Austra, Grimes. I also really like Outer Limitz- ‘I Kontakt’… I guess I like all sorts really!
What’s next for Hervé?
There will be a few more singles from the album (some great remixes in there!). Ghetto Bass 3 is also in the pipeline 
. Just finished a collab with Kissy Sell Out 2 weeks ago… I played it recently at the Isle Of White Festival and it went crazy!! Working on loads of new Machines Don’t Care stuff for Sony/deconstruction with some cool collabs as well.
I’m also working on the follow up/companion album to “Pick Me Up…” It’s the flip side to the up-tempo stuff. I can’t say much more but got some AMAZING guests on it.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
You can preorder my album now http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pick-Sort-Out-Calm-Down/dp/B007X4E8CC
Please come say hi!
Album Tracklisting:
- Gloomin
- Better Than A BMX
- Return of the Living Dead (Zombies 2)
- How Can I Live Without You (Make It Right) ft Ronika
- Gnarly
- Show Me The Light
- Bike Ride In June
- Night Turns Into Day
- Let’s Make It Better Together
- Blamalama
- Happy
- The Mirror ft Steve Mason
- Keep Your Head Inside feat Willowz
Bonus:
Check out the official video for the first single from the new album; How Can I Live Without You ft. Ronika!
Connect with Hervé
