Nicholas Sechaud considers himself a citizen of the world. With 12,000 Facebook likes from around the globe, he might just be.
The French Canadian was born in 1973 and has a Vietnamese grandmother and Vietnam-born French parents. He grew up a globetrotter, living between Spain, Brazil, Greece, Egypt, Italy, the USA and Canada, a colourful journey that has been soaked up by his musical style.
His career is an extension of his upbringing, taking him around the world.
“I’ve worked everywhere from Italy, Spain, Monaco and Turkey to Uzbekistan and the Philippines,” he told tabloid!. “I was fortunate enough to have a number of residencies across famed bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants worldwide.”
With more than two decades of experience under his belt, Sechaud came prepared for his latest gig: resident DJ at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar in Grosvenor House Dubai, one of the town’s hot spots.
What does he look for in a fellow disc jockey? “Culture, passion and a good ear. I have a lot of respect for DJs that are great at what they do and have a real passion for life and creating their own unique sounds.”
As for his own story behind the decks, Sechaud filled us in about his earliest memories — a chance encounter with a Depeche Mode member notwithstanding — and why people’s varying perceptions of sound shape his understanding as a DJ.
Q: How old were you when you began DJing?
A: I was much younger that’s for sure! I started in the lovely 90s. I’ll be 41 in November and am still loving life and DJing as much as ever — it’s what keeps me going. I often say music is my life and my life is music.
Q: What’s your earliest memory as a DJ?
A: Meeting Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode (by luck) and giving him a cassette and proudly telling him that I was a DJ, even if I was still just DJing in my bedroom. I’ll never forget that moment!
Q: Pick a favourite, and tell us why: cassette tapes, vinyl, CDs or MP3s?
A: This is really showing my age, but I have to admit that I grew up with vinyl, cassettes and CDs! Nowadays I would have to go with the MP3...audio. This really has changed the world that we live in.
Q: How would you describe your style behind the decks?
A: My music is full of passion and inspired by my travels and always following the latest trends and needs of the new generations.
Q: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt over the years of doing what you do?
A: Different people’s perceptions of music based on the fact that we all hear and interpret sounds very differently. This is something that I’ve always found fascinating, and I bear in mind when I’m compiling my music.
Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve as a DJ?
A: It would have to be not having the proper equipment to perform. Fortunately, that’s not a problem I’ve faced, here in Dubai.
Q: In your opinion, what’s the recipe for a perfect night out?
A: It’s a simple recipe — good food, good music and good friends.
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar is located at Grosvenor House Dubai on Al Sufouh Road. For reservations, call 04-3998888.
