Clubbing Magazine


Belgium born Benoit Franquet started out his musical career in an early age, starting out by learning to play the trumpet and guitar before later learning the art of composition. As Benoit grew, so did his musical diversity and at and by the age of 18 he had formed his first band Dirty Slip where he added song writing and to his fast growing repertoire. Benoit soon became influenced by the techno scene being developed in clubs like Le Bocaccio and La Rocca, and with long time friend Alain Bultot, they set up a professional studio where their group Ragged Life was formed. The most notable track they produced “I'll Be Right Here” became a massive anthem in the Belgium club scene and grabbing the attention of Sony Records Benelux. Benoit was also in tune with the fast rising global dance scene and after discovering the sounds of DJs Sasha and John Digweed soon moved into a deeper direction under the name of Pole Folder. His first release “Apollo Vibes” was quickly signed to John Digweed's record label, Bedrock and since then two further singles have been released, in addition to the “Moon In A Blue Sky EP” on Sunkissed Records. John Digweed soon signed Benoit up to an album deal, one of few artists to be offered a deal on the Bedrock imprint. Clubbing Magazine got in touch with Benoit to get latest on his debut album “Zero Gold”.
You have been working on your album for some time now - why the long wait? - I spent 18 months in the studio to be sure that I will deliver an album which will answer my actual musical quest. This long process that I did almost alone was really necessary. Do you see yourself as a perfectionist? - I think so. It’s a necessary vision to respect the listeners. What are your feelings about the album - now it's done and released? - I’m proud to see my name in stores next to big artists. I’m a little worried about the success now but I’m most of the time confident and positive. You have been collaborating with some wonderful female vocalist - Shelley Harland, Kirsty Hawkshaw and Sandra Ferretti - how did that come around? - Fate played a big role on that. Specially for Shelley and Kirsty that I never met before. I was already working with Sandra before the production of Zero Gold. How was the process in creating the tracks and the intriguing soundscapes - did you make the music and then the lyrics was written and recorded? - Except for "Faith in me" I always sent a strong basis of the tracks to the singers. I always write a musical main line and then I’m adding the mental elements.
	The lyrics are very insighful - what is the deeper meaning of the whole album? - It’s a snapshot of fear’s life and human doubts. I tried to paint some of them but to give also a positive vision of Life. Has the title "Zero Gold" another meaning to you? - I think anyone can see the meaning of « Zero Gold » on his own way and depending of the mood of the days. It’s the same for me too. The constant feeling I have when I’m listening to this title is this phonetic quietness. Do you approach a remix differently from an original track by Pole Folder? - No, I’m just always trying to keep a strong connection with the original and then I’m adding elements which I would use on personal productions. What has the signing of "Apollo Vibes" to John Digweed's record Bedrock label meant for you and your career? - This changed everything to me.
Pole Folder live - what can one expect? - A mix of real live performance and improvisation on synthesizers combinated to a DJ set. What are your feelings about the Internet and piracy downloading? - I think Internet is like the Wild Wild West in the 19 Century. Amazing but without rules. I’m not pleased about downloading but at the same time the music industry took the customers as fools for so many times. I can understand people prefer to download an album than to buy it when there is only one track interresting of 10. Internet downloading was maybe necessary to regulate the system and to give back the passion in the music industry. At the end when you love an album you’ll buy it . Tell me a little about your background and where do you get your musical inspirations from? - I first learned and listened to classical music before going to pop and rock. My musical inspirations come probably from all the artists and music that I’m listening to. Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Queens of the Stone Age, Depeche Mode, Sting, Tori Amos, …. But also movie scores, classical master pieces, ethnic music, …I’m very eclectic in my choices.
	Could you compare the Belgium electronic scene with the rest of the world? - I think as everywhere there is a lot of people in Belgium who have an interrest for a music more interresting than the usual radio commercial tracks. But most of the people listen to what the major medias are proposing. If more and more young producers could be in contact with a different music it would give a stronger electronic scene in Belgium. What about the Belgium club scene - how is that? - It’s interesting. Could be worst but better too. We need more professional promoters with bollocks. What does the future bring from you? - Now I’m living incredible moments which make my life more clear. I hope the success will give me the opportunity to continue my work in the music.
Interview by: Christian Almind More info on Pole Folder here	Thanks to Benoit for his time and thanks to Nick for setting the interview up.