Welcome to the latest edition of Six Questions With..., a regular short and sharp interview with a live music figure. Email james.hanley@futurenet.com if you would like to take part or recommend someone for inclusion.
This week's Q&A is with DJ Tommy Vaudecrane, president of trade body Technopol, organiser of Techno Parade and Paris Electronic Week.
What was your first job in music?
I started off as a DJ in 1993 and then created a group called BudBurNerZ (hardcore, breakcore, etc) in 1997. We produced six albums, 20 EPs and toured in many events and festivals between 1998 and 2005. This was the first time I could get paid to do what I love.
How long have you been in your current role?
I've been president of Technopol - Techno Parade, the promoter of the Paris Electronic Week. since 2010.
What is your favourite thing about working in the live music industry?
It's doing what you love, being able to live from your passion, connect with awesome people. When you run as association like Technopol, whose purpose is the defense, promotion and recognition of electronic music in France, you defend what you love and create better conditions for the future generations. It's all about sustainability and transmission!
What is the one thing you would like to change about the business?
In France we would like to create a sustainable market, where promoters, artists, clubs and all the ecosystem can work in secure conditions, without facing restrictive laws and policies, discrimination. This to create the conditions for our market to grow strongly in the next 20 years.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being able to organise 10 editions of the Techno Parade, including the 20-year anniversary, is clearly one of the highlights. When you see 300,000 kids dancing behind 10 trucks in the streets of Paris, it brings a unique and intense feeling.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
This is a harsh one. I've been DJing and playing live at many, many gigs since 1993. The two festivals that were among the best I've played at were Ground Zero in the Netherlands and Astropolis in France.
