Justice: The Trailblazing French Duo Reshaping Dance Music
Since their explosive rise in 2003 with the iconic remix of Simian’s “Never Be Alone,”widely known as “We Are Your Friends” , Justice has firmly established France as a key player in the global dance music scene.
The dynamic duo, comprised of Gaspard Augé, 45, and Xavier de Rosnay, 42, is renowned for their innovative fusion of diverse genres, merging elements from heavy metal to classic disco, all within their distinctive techno sound.
New Music and Recent Achievements
After a seven-year break, Justice returned with their fourth studio album, Hyperdrama, released in April of last year. The album’s standout single, “Neverender,”featuring Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, clinched the Grammy for Best Electronic/Dance Recording last month, marking the trio’s third Grammy win.
The band is currently embarking on a grand world tour. Following their headlining performance at the Hollywood Bowl last October, they are set to tour Mexico and South America. Their recent appearance included a surprise DJ set in Hollywood, where they treated fans to both Justice hits and beloved classics like “Maniac” from Flashdance and “Freedom” by George Michael.
On Creativity and Collaboration
I really love what you do ever since “D.A.N.C.E.” with vocals by a children’s choir. Whose idea was that?
It was a concept we both embraced, inspired by the disco track “Stand on the Word” sung by children. Our previous work, “Waters of Nazareth,” was rather aggressive and chaotic. We wanted our next release to contrast that energy.
So you went for a ’70s Sesame Street vibe.
Exactly! We aimed to grant ourselves the creative freedom to explore diverse sounds. Our motto was, “If we can release this without alienating our audience, we’ll have the liberty to experiment with whatever we want,” and it worked splendidly. It affirmed our belief that authenticity resonates with listeners.
On Stage Presence and Live Performance Dynamics
Do you prefer to be on the road, or are you more homebodies?
We are definitely homebodies at heart. Even after all this time, performing on stage feels more like a challenge than a natural fit for us. We don’t see ourselves as natural performers.
I vividly remember seeing you at Coachella in 2007. It was your debut, and I loved it, but all I can picture is the two of you leaning over the board, smoking cigarettes.
We don’t pretend to be something we’re not on stage. Our approach prioritizes music creation over interaction. Last year at Coachella, we were so intensely focused that our movement was minimal as we concentrated on delivering a flawless performance amidst the stress of remembering everything.
Technical Aspects of Live Performances
So how much are you doing live in terms of producing sounds?
We incorporate live elements, using keyboards and managing samples through Ableton software, which has become a standard in live performances. Each track is divided into eight audio channels or “buses” that we control during the show, keeping us actively engaged rather than idle on stage.
And you don’t want to interact with the crowd at that point?
Interaction is challenging due to our shyness. The realm of electronic music performance is still evolving, and many artists are exploring what’s possible with advancing technology. Every act has its unique style that reflects this creative exploration.
Live Performance Mishaps
What’s the biggest technical mishap you’ve ever experienced live?
These hiccups are common. In London, both of our computers crashed simultaneously during the show—an unlikely scenario! The most embarrassing moment, however, occurred at Red Rocks in 2012, when our soundboard failed. While we could hear everything on stage, the audience sat in complete silence for two minutes.
Acknowledging Success and Future Collaborations
Congratulations on your Grammy—your third!
Thank you! Winning a Grammy is a tremendous honor for us.
So, are the Grammys a significant milestone for you?
Absolutely. Such accolades serve as recognition, extending beyond just the music industry to resonate on a broader cultural level. Growing up, we were aware of the Grammys’ prestige, making it all the more special to be honored as representatives of France within that context.
Your award-winning song, “Neverender,” is a collaboration with Tame Impala. Do you think this could lead to a super band like Fleetwood Mac?
While we certainly enjoyed working together and may consider future collaborations, forming a super band is a delicate matter. History shows that few super groups manage to surpass the success of their original bands, though we embrace the creative process we shared.
And you’ve contributed to The Weeknd’s “Wake Me Up.” Is that song featured in the film soundtrack?
While I’m not certain about the film’s contents, I believe The Weeknd performs the song in a scene. He reached out to us three years ago to craft orchestral elements for the track, ultimately resulting in this significant collaboration.
I assume many artists approach you for remixes. How do you decide whom to work with?
In truth, we’ve stepped back from remixing over the past decade. Initially, remixes allowed us room for experimentation, but now we find ourselves labeled as an electronic dance music band and prefer not to create club music, making such requests less pertinent.
What is your relationship with Daft Punk, regarding their influence on you personally and professionally?
On a professional level, Daft Punk opened doors for many French artists, allowing us to gain international recognition without sacrificing our identity or sound. Their success gave us the confidence to pursue our authenticity. We occasionally connect with them, and Thomas has helped us with certain projects in the past, due to connections through our shared label, Ed Banger Records.