Young Love With Felix Cartal

 INTERVIEW 

FELIX CARTAL

Taelor Deitcher, better known by his stage name Felix Cartal, is a Canadian electronic music producer and DJ. He released his first EP Skeleton in 2009 once he signed with Dim Mak Records.Since then he has gone on to release two full length albums, 2010's Popular Music and 2012's Different Faces and tour around the world with Wolfgang Gartner, MSTRKRFT, and Bloody Beetroots. Cartal set the trend of collaborating with unpredictable vocalists in the dance scene such as Sebastien Grainger of Death from Above 1979, Maja Ivarsson of The Sounds and Johnny Whitney of The Blood Brothers.

Signed to Dim Mak Records, Cartal’s  LP (Different Faces) debuted straight to the iTunes top 10 Electronic Charts.  Don’t Turn on the Lights, the lead single of Different Faces was nominated for a Juno Award in the Dance Recording of the Year category.This success lead to him being selected as headline DJ for Life in Colour – the world’s biggest paint party, as well as festivals including: Tomorrowland, Bonusz Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, and supported the likes of Diplo, Laidback Luke, Steve Aoki, Skrillex, to name a few.

Following a busy 2012, 2013 started off more of the same for Cartal, constant touring of North America and Europe as well as releasing brand new material and remixes for Zedd and The Bloody Beetroots. January 22, 2013 saw the release of "The Alarm" co-written with Autoerotique, which was eventually followed up with its own EP titled The Alarm Remixed, featuring remixes from Keys N Krates and Charlie Dicker. Continuing to create new music with other artists in the dance scene, Cartal and Clockwork released the single "The Fire" (featuring Madame Buttons), meanwhile producing a track for K.Flay featuring Danny Brown titled "Hail Mary" and releasing remixes for Zedd and The Bloody Beetroots as well as multiple track edits for his weekly podcast. On July 2, 2013 Cartal released "Young Love" (featuring Koko LaRoo) as the first single from his four-track EP titled Past, Present, Felix. On July 25, 2013 the music video for "Young Love" (featuring Koko LaRoo) was released online. Past, Present, Felix was released August 6, 2013. A remix EP was released August 20, 2013 for the single "Young Love" (featuring Koko LaRoo). The EP featured remixes from Valentino Kahn and various other artists. Also released August 20, 2013 was the remix EP for "The Fire" (featuring Madame Buttons), which featured remixes by LoveHigh and Henry Fong. A 16-date headlining North American tour was announced in support of Past, Present, Felix through September and October 2013. December 3, 2013 saw the release of "New Scene" featuring Ofelia as the final single from Past, Present, Felix. It was accompanied by remixes from TOKiMONSTA, Lazy Rich, Deorro, and a joint effort from Lucky Date & Felix Cartal. Following the release of the single, the music video premiered December 19, 2013 on MTVu. After a successful tour promoting Past, Present, Felix, Cartal entered the studio and completed a three-song EP entitled "Credits", featuring the lead single "Ready for Love" (featuring Chloe Angelides), which was released April 29th, 2014.

This question is our signature question what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear South Africa?
All I can think about is a safari to be honest. I can’t wait to do one.

You go by the name of Felix Cartal, but that’s not your actual name we are  dying to know the story behind Felix Cartal how did it come to be your name?
There isn’t a crazy story. I’ve just always liked artist names that sound like real names.

Who actually are you?
Still trying to figure that out….

How would you describe your sound in 3 cartoon characters and why?
Mickey Mouse, because of the pop elements, Tazmanian Devil as it’s a bit rowdy at times and Lisa Simpson for the cynicism beneath it all.

Who is the one person you draw inspiration from and admire?
Pharrell. I love when people can just be a part of a lot of different things and wear many hats (pun intended).

Everyone knows Felix is a fashionist..Who is your favorite designer and what is your favorite item of clothing?
It’s really hard to pick one. For something wearable I really like Club Monaco, Saturdays Surf, Our Legacy or Zanerobe. Then I like mixing that with sports brands like Nike or weirder eclectic brands like Kenzo or Eleven Paris. I’m a bit all over the place.

We have to ask, is it the hair that makes Felix or does Felix make the hair? Will you ever change the hair?

Haha, I’m not sure, I never really thought about it too much. This has always been my hair. I might razor it off for a music video because I think that would be interesting.

You have an Africa Tour coming up what are you most looking forward to?

Honestly, the safari and just to see what it’s like. I don’t know too much what to expect but have only heard good things. I can’t wait.

Lastly, what does a fan have to do to get a picture with you?

Just ask!

Ahead of Felix Cartal's South Africa Debut at Rage Festival and Space Ibiza we give you...

Our Top 10 Felix Cartal Songs

Win tickets to see Felix Cartal playing at Space Ibiza worldwide 25 Anniversary Tour at an explosive day-night music event on 29 November 2014 at The Riversands Incubation Hub.