Soundbites: Meet ‘We Are Your Friends’ DJ Le Jackal

Musicians can always do with a little mystery. Think Deadmau5 or those French jokesters Daft Punk, who for many years DJ’d and went to events wearing helmets to disguise their identities. Perhaps that’s where Dubai-based French DJ Le Jackal, who will be playing at this Friday’s indie-electronica mash-up Loaded Vs We Are Your Friends, got the idea for his mysterious name. We chatted with him (by email) about cheese (Camembert, not the musical kind), Napoleon and indie music.

Tell us about your name, Le Jackal? Are you actually French?

Mais bien sur! I was born in the beautiful town of Calvi in Corsica, also the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. I was DJing recently on my close friend Jonny Halliday’s yacht in the Mediterranean. I was so taken by the music that there was an incident of mistaken identity involving an old flame who is now the glamorous wife of a certain French ex-president. As a result I am unfortunately and unjustly no longer legally welcome in France. So for reasons of prudence I assume the moniker Le Jackal and I take my special disco to wherever extradition treaties don’t exist.

What makes French house different from other house music?

Like French food and French women, it is simply better. Really though, French house... is more of a spirit than a nationality. I like to play the best disco, house, electronic music that makes you want to dance.

What are some French house acts we should be listening to?

Well of course, there are the godfathers of French house and electro, Daft Punk and Justice, Air and Cassius. Our Belgian cousins Aeroplane and the Magician are making and playing some of the best disco right now. And of course there is Sebastian Tellier, the most sensually bearded man in music.

Tell us about some of the music you’ll be playing on the night. Is it old tracks, new stuff?

I think it will mostly new songs from the last few years, alongside lots of classics. There will be lots of disco edits and classic electronic pop that everyone will know too — Talking Heads, the Human League, Pet Shop Boys, Prince. I will be taken by the mood.

How does it mix in with indie — do they work well together?

They go perfectly together. Like fine Camembert and a fresh baguette. You will of course hear me play some very great bands on Friday night also. Many mixing guitars and cowbells. And also pop music. The Scandinanvians are very good at this — Robyn, Lykke Li, the Knife.

You’re a house DJ. Do you listen to any indie tunes? If so, what are your favourites right now?

Yes, not only to listen to but also to play of course. My countrymen Phoenix have been favourites for some years now. And many bands that combine indie and disco — the perfect combination. Some names include Friendly Fires, the Rapture, Metronomy, and the Rapture.

Why is going to Loaded vs We Are Your Friends better than heading to one of Dubai’s big and sparkly clubs?

You know, there is a famous Corsican saying that is perfect for this situation: “It is not a big glass bottle with a sparkler in that makes the party. It is Le Jackal that makes the party.” And when you add Le Jackal to the best electronic music in the world, you make the perfect party.

Catch Le Jackal (and Andy Buchanan) at Loaded Vs We Are Your Friends, Friday at Casa Latina, Ibis Al Barsha, from 9pm.