Rosé infused music festival appropriately named – Pinknic returned to New York City's Governors island for its third year. The festival brought out patrons draped in fashionable pink and white outfits seated on picnic blankets whilst sipping rosé cocktails and jamming to festival artists such as C.M.A, Willy Monfret, Great Good Fine Okay, Aeroplane, Elderbrook, Hayden James, Autograf, and headliner Klingande.
EDMSauce had the opportunity to sit down with headliner Cedric Steinmylle better known as Klingande before his set on Sunday evening. Known for his relaxing tropical house beats and live musicians rockin' it on stage along side – Klingande let us in on his musical inspirations, how he manages touring, his dream collaboration and what his fans are to expect in the months to come!
Photo cred. Chris Lavado
Klingande was asked to perform as the headliner for the two day Pinknic event as well as perform at Brooklyn's Shamanski for the 4th of July celebration.
Being in New York City is great and playing at this festival is really nice, it's really good for my music! Very excited to be here.
Klingande has performed a lot this year in both club and festival settings. He spoke about his preference between playing at festivals like Pinknic and club shows.
Depends, I love festivals when there is a big stage of course and I love playing in a club when there is a big stage because I have 2 musicians with me so when there is just a DJ stage it can be problem because we have to share the stage but I like both.
Klingande has traveled and preformed throughout the world from North America, Asia, and Europe. He discussed the music markets in various countries and what market he likes the best.
I think Asia is a great market and I think the U.S. market is one of the main markets for me they really like my music. In Europe, I have played there a lot but in the U.S. and Asia it's a bit more new for me. U.S. is more special for me because my music is more new than in Europe.
While, there is absolutely no question about how great Klingande's music is, many people including myself have wondered where exactly Cedric's stage name – Klingande originated! He explains where his inspirtation came from in choosing the name Klingande.
Yeah, my name is Swedish! In the beginning I wanted to stay anonymous and I would share my songs to my friends and they didn't know it was me…. it was a good way to stay under the radar. But, I was really inspired by Axwell, Avicci and all of those guys when I chose the name and I am still inspired by them. I think as far as melody goes, they have the best melodies.
Photo cred. Chris Lavado
Klingande's latest track, “Rebel Yell” is one his most popular songs. He shares the special way in which the track was born.
I got the vocal and lyrics from Krishane [the vocalist on the track]…he wanted to keep the song for himself but I loved his voice and I needed to do a session with him to make a new song and when we spoke about the song again he [Krishane] told me he was dreaming and he dreamt that he had to do the song with me and he did the song with me! And I really love this song because the message is really special for me.
Aside from “Rebel Yell” Klingande lets us on new music we can expect from him in the coming months
In September I will be releasing a new track called, “Wonder” with Broken Back. We did a song together maybe three years ago called, “Riva” and now we are working together again. Next year I hope to release like 4 or 5 songs. This year I was doing a little bit less releasing 2 songs, I was spending more time in the studio but I'm excited!
Klingande also discussed his dream artist and producer collaboration and his wish to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Avicci.
I would say Coldplay and for producer, Flume. Not really my style but his music is really beautiful
EDMSauce: Coldplay is great! I know Avicci did “A Sky Full of Stars” with Coldplay.
Yeah and I would have loved to make a song with Avicci as well!
Klingande will be performing at a number of festivals and events in France. While, he is a French DJ people do not always realize he is French!
I think I am more popular in U.S. than in France…because my name is not French people do not know I am French! I was speaking to another DJ here today, Willy [Willy Monfret] and he was speaking to me in English and this guy is from Paris and he asked where I am from and I told Leid and he didn't know I am French because of my DJ name haha.
Touring can sometimes take a toll on the mind and body; Klingande shared his advice and his experience with touring.
I think I manage it well. Just have to be careful not to do too much. You have to be clever not to do a gig here and then right after book another one far away. Also, it's not just me but I have 2 musicians with me and my manager so we try not to spread it out too much.
After our interview, Klingande killed it on stage playing a wonderful melodic set filled with deep, tropical summer beats and bringing to the stage his 2 musicians, Renato Marquez on violin and Arnold Po on the saxophone. It was the perfect set for the 90-degree weather and a great way to kickstart the 4th of July celebrations here in New York City!
