Stephane Dri aka Scan X is one of the most enduring and highly-regarded European techno producers around, responsible for crafting critically-acclaimed releases since the early nineties. Check his current playlist, then read about his forthcoming releases.

What’s up in Scan X’s world?
Well, I’ve been touring this summer, mostly in festivals including Awakenings (NL), Monegros (SP), Summer of Love (CZ) or Sziget (Hu)…And now I’m back with 3 new releases : first is on the German classic label : Harthouse, released 24th of September (Vynil / Digital), it’s called “Prism” and it includes a remix from Alexkid. Second one is called “Limelight” on the French label : Initial Cuts, released 13rd of October, and third one is on Skryptom, including an edit from Laurent Garnier and 2 remixes from Maxime Dangles and Julian Jeweil. It will be released on the 3rd of November.

What’s your musical background, how did you get into electronic music?
I was playing guitar in a band when I was around 13 years old, listening to things from new wave, goth and later electronic music…In 1989 I went to my first “rave party”…Then back home I decided to sell everything including guitar, bass and record collection in order to buy my first sampler. At the time it was really expensive. So this was the beginning of the story

What are you currently listening to?
At the moment? I’m listening to Laurent Garnier’s new album nearly 10hours a day. In fact I’m doing the sound engineering of his new album so I don’t have much time to listen to something else at the moment.

You’ve been there since the beginning of techno in France, how did you live its evolution?
Very well as I’m still here…More seriously I think in music the most important thing is to continue to have challenges and to surprise yourself and the audience…I mean evolution is necessary for any kind of music to survive.

How is the scene in Paris, what artists should we check for?
Well, I don’t have any name in particular regarding Paris as to me the finest French producer are not necessary living there, but in other places in France.

What about cool spots, clubs, restaurants and so on?
The Rex Club is still one of the best places regarding music. About the restaurant you need a book to decide of the right place to go to in Paris

Do you feel the era of CD’s is definitely over?
I don’t feel so…It’s true that mp3s replaced most of the CDs, but mp3 can’t replace a jacket or a booklet. CD is an object and will always be. You can even see that people put music they wanna keep on CD’s.

Dream team line up for party?
The one you heard for the first time and who blow your mind.

What’s gonna be the big thing for club music in 2009?
I think that we all look for it

How important is the internet for you?
I think it’s so important for me that I have aleady forgotten how it was when I was offline. Sometimes when I travel I go in some hotel without Internet and everytime I tell myself “Oh my God, how could we live like that…”

As an artist, what kind of services do you expect from the internet?
I expect to share, to give, to receive, ideas and music, and it’s a fantastic way to make connection with other people.

Your favorite night drink and your trick to recover the morning after?
I like Red Bull / Vodka…And unfortunately no trick to recover the morning after…

Anything to add?
Thanks !!!

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