We grabbed a backstage chat with a slightly sweaty and totally elated DJ kArve just after he had been crowned the first ever Red Bull Thre3style World Champion.
In between congratulatory hugs with fans and pally goodbyes with fellow competitors, the French DJ told us why he decided to use his set to make '15 minutes of history.'
Congratulations kArve! Did it feel like a winning set from your side of the decks?
I’m so happy, I can't believe what has just happened! My set was... I was not happy after the show. I am a little bit of a perfectionist and after the show I was saying ‘oh no, I don't think this track was right.' I am a little shy. During the set I couldn't tell the reaction of the crowd or the judges, so I just focused on the show.
You’ve got a home crowd here. You realise you’re going to have to shake hands with everyone in the club tonight?
Yes, maybe! I just have to thank them.
Did you take any big risks in your set?
Oh, all of my set, all of the tracks are a risk! Because I edit my songs and do it with Red Bull BPM without headphones, and I didn’t soundcheck, I only discovered the sound while I was on stage playing. I didn’t practice a lot of my show.
What went through your head over the course of the 15 minutes?
Something crazy! My head is like a warzone in this kind of competition. When I play parties, it is more groovy, but here it is more of a battle and you have to play tracks with energy. Hip hop, house, rock, dubstep, indie rock, whatever it may be. I really wanted to put some history into my 15-minute set. For this championship I really wanted to make it a journey.
Has meeting and chatting to the other DJs been a good part of the competition experience?
Yes, of course, but for me it is more important to have a human relationship and so I prefer to talk about other things in life and not just about scratching and music.
Were you impressed by the competition?
I just focused on my show. I did DMC before in 2005 but after that I just wanted to focus on making music and making a party. That's why I entered the competition. Red Bull are the first to have offered this kind of competition – it's more music-based and it's all for the crowd. I've waited a long, long time for someone to create this kind of competition.
What’s the best thing about winning Red Bull Thre3style?
Meeting the other DJs and travelling to all the different countries. They are the most exciting things for me.
How will you be celebrating?
Tonight I will have fun and party! Tomorrow I will play in a club in Lille in France.
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