Life+Times Premiere: DJ Magnum Paris Fashion Week Prêt-à-Porter 2013

Couture and music is the vodka tonic of each international Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Actually, the aforesaid comparison applies to every facet of the fashion industry – from the live music acts presented at the semiannual Fashion Week showcases (Icona Pop during this year’s Berlin Fashion Week) to the studded cerulean blue tee you see pictured in a rock n’ roll inspired photo shoot in a high fashion glossy. Music is the élan vital of fashion – where you see one, you hear its complement. DJ Magnum, hailing from Paris, uses his hefty musical expertise combined with a designer’s collection inspiration to compile mixes fit for a fashion show. In addition to DJing fashionable tastemaker events, Magnum has mixed at parties and shows for Kanye West, Diddy, and several other artists. We kick off Paris Fashion Week with a tête-à-tête with Magnum and the exclusive premiere of his Paris Fashion Week Prêt-à-Porter 2013 mix.

Life+Times: When you DJ an event such as Paris Fashion Week, what do you feel are the key elements you incorporate into your mixes?
DJ Magnum: Of course, I adapt my set according to the crowd. When I DJ events at Paris Fashion Week, I know that most of the guests have been working hard in whatever field of fashion they’re in and when the sun goes down I know they are ready to unwind and get a little crazy – so I always make sure the crowd is dancing non-stop!

L+T: Do you get to look at the collection or read the inspiration behind it in order to figure out what type of music you should play?
DJM: Yes, of course. I also sit down with each designer and their team to discuss their likes, dislikes, and what story they are trying to tell with their collection. I make sure the guests, the designer, and their inspiration is reflected in my set.

L+T: When did you mix at your first major gig?
DJM: My first major gig was a party for JAY Z and Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spade Champagne) in Cannes during the Film Festival. It was an amazing experience. I was a little nervous leading up to it, but once we got going it was incredible!

L+T: You have deejayed at parties and shows for Diddy, 50 Cent, JAY Z, and other industry heavies. What helps you to tailor your sets unique to each artist?
DJM: As long as I keep the energy up and hands in the air, those guys are happy. I always make sure to play their favorite songs and I always try to surprise them by playing some tracks they never expected or remixes they may not even have heard yet – but I never forget the dance floor as well.

L+T: Tell me about your plans for 2013. Any residencies?
DJM: For 2013, I’m planning a tour in Asia, South Africa, Russia, Brazil, and [the] USA. I’m also working on my own productions. I still have residencies at L’Arc Paris, Jade in Zurich, Switzerland, Java in Geneva, Gotha in Cannes, [and] Sass in Monaco to name a few. I am also working on a new possible residency in London.

L+T: Do you consider a DJ as a musician?
DJM: Some DJs are indeed. Naturally, those of us who produce have to be musicians in some right. Without rhythm, tempo, and a certain melodic sensibility you cannot be a truly talented DJ.

1. Louis Armstrong – “La Vie en Rose”
2. Justin Timberlake ft. JAY Z & Ryan Leslie – “Suit & Tie (Remix)”
3. Cassie ft. Trina & Lola Monroe – “All Gold All Girls”
4. Trinidad James – “All Gold Everything”
5. Rick Ross ft. Stalley – “Fuckin Problem”
6. Tyga – “Make It Nasty”
7. Tyga ft. Rick Ross – “Dope”
8. French Montana ft. Nicki Minaj – “Freaks”
9. Eve ft. Pusha T & Juicy J – “She Bad Bad (Remix)”
10. Drake ft. Wiz Khalifa – “Started From The Bottom (Remix)”
11. DJ Fresh Direct – “Mary-Kate and Ashley”
12. A-Trak x Kanye West x JAY Z – “Where My Money At”
13. Rita Ora – “Facemelt”
14. Will.I.Am ft. Britney Spears, Hit Boy, Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Wayne & Diddy – “Scream & Shout (Remix)”
15. Otis Interlude
16. Noir & Haze – “Around (Solomun Vox Mix)”
17. Claptone – “Wrong”
18. Rihanna – “Stay (Marius Hrsturz Remix)”
19. Him Self Her – “Gone Too Long”
20. Betoko – “Raining Again”
21. Tube & Berger – “Imprit of Pleasure”
22. M83 – “Midnight City”