Akufen is Montreal-based producer Marc Leclair. After a series of singles, his debut full-length, My Way, is out now on Germany's Force Inc. label.
Current fixations:
Music, cooking and films, lots of films, tons of films, too much films. I'd love to buy one of those old neighbourhood movie theatres one day and bring it back to life. I hate those monstrous Cineplex. Someone should bomb those ugly blockbuster Disneyland, they're killing the repertoire film.
Mind-altering work of art:
The whole work of Maurits Cornelis Escher.
Most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
When I went to see Philip Glass about fifteen years ago at Salle Wilfrid Pelletier. It was totally out of this world, very fresh, very transcendent.
What has been your career high and low?
My high is with no doubt to finally witness Montreal becoming a major city in the electronic music international circuit. I am truly proud cause we deserve it.
My low is being away from home when I tour. It's tough to be a father and an international artist at the same time.
What should everyone shut up about?
Money. Any conversation you hear at random on the street is money oriented. How much do you make? Will you ask for a raise? This shirt cost me a lot. I saved on this. That's all you hear.
I would drop everything to play a benefit for:
I don't believe very much in benefits. I believe more in direct help. I'd roll up my sleeves and work with whoever need help. People in distress need more people than they need money. My priority would be to help children.
What trait do you like and dislike most about yourself?
I like my guts. I hate my guts.
What would make you kick someone out of your bed,and have you?
Snoring and yes I did kick that person out.
When I think of Canada I think of:
John Candy and the Kids in the Hall.
What is your vital daily ritual?
Surfing the radio airwaves in search of new sounds.
How do you spoil yourself?
A nice bottle of Chianti, some "Papillon Noir" Roquefort and salmon carpaccio.
What was your most memorable day job?
Butcher.
If I wasn't writing music I would be:
A painter or a serial killer.
What is your greatest fear?
Being buried alive.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Turning water into wine.
What makes you want to take it off and get it on?
To check if I'm alive.
Music and sex: Is there a difference? Why?
There is no substitute to music like masturbation is to sex.
Strangest brush with celebrity:
The first time I met Thomas Brinkmann was a disaster. I was in the shittiest mood and he didn't like it. We're now good friends but it always comes back in our discussion once in a while.
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
Canadian painter Jean-Paul Riopelle. I'd order pizza and beer.
What does your mom wish you were doing instead?
I don't know, I haven't talked to her since she died ten years ago. (You can write that down.)
Current fixations:
Music, cooking and films, lots of films, tons of films, too much films. I'd love to buy one of those old neighbourhood movie theatres one day and bring it back to life. I hate those monstrous Cineplex. Someone should bomb those ugly blockbuster Disneyland, they're killing the repertoire film.
Mind-altering work of art:
The whole work of Maurits Cornelis Escher.
Most memorable or inspirational gig and why?
When I went to see Philip Glass about fifteen years ago at Salle Wilfrid Pelletier. It was totally out of this world, very fresh, very transcendent.
What has been your career high and low?
My high is with no doubt to finally witness Montreal becoming a major city in the electronic music international circuit. I am truly proud cause we deserve it.
My low is being away from home when I tour. It's tough to be a father and an international artist at the same time.
What should everyone shut up about?
Money. Any conversation you hear at random on the street is money oriented. How much do you make? Will you ask for a raise? This shirt cost me a lot. I saved on this. That's all you hear.
I would drop everything to play a benefit for:
I don't believe very much in benefits. I believe more in direct help. I'd roll up my sleeves and work with whoever need help. People in distress need more people than they need money. My priority would be to help children.
What trait do you like and dislike most about yourself?
I like my guts. I hate my guts.
What would make you kick someone out of your bed,and have you?
Snoring and yes I did kick that person out.
When I think of Canada I think of:
John Candy and the Kids in the Hall.
What is your vital daily ritual?
Surfing the radio airwaves in search of new sounds.
How do you spoil yourself?
A nice bottle of Chianti, some "Papillon Noir" Roquefort and salmon carpaccio.
What was your most memorable day job?
Butcher.
If I wasn't writing music I would be:
A painter or a serial killer.
What is your greatest fear?
Being buried alive.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Turning water into wine.
What makes you want to take it off and get it on?
To check if I'm alive.
Music and sex: Is there a difference? Why?
There is no substitute to music like masturbation is to sex.
Strangest brush with celebrity:
The first time I met Thomas Brinkmann was a disaster. I was in the shittiest mood and he didn't like it. We're now good friends but it always comes back in our discussion once in a while.
Who would be your ideal dinner guest, living or dead, and what would you serve them?
Canadian painter Jean-Paul Riopelle. I'd order pizza and beer.
What does your mom wish you were doing instead?
I don't know, I haven't talked to her since she died ten years ago. (You can write that down.)
