It’s official: a Parisian electro invasion is in full effect (and most likely headed for a club near you).  In recent weeks NYC dance floors have overflowed with partygoers eager for a taste of the City of Light’s brightest imports – many of which have included Ed Banger Records (co-founded by Daft Punk’s Pedro Winter) alums.  But while aforementioned artists like Uffie, Justice and Sebastian may be at the forefront of Paris’ current dance-crazed pack, Black Strobe’s Arnaud Rebotini can tell you the techno trend is nothing new. 

For more than a decade Rebotini, DJ and co-founder of electro-meets-metal-meets-punk rock band Black Strobe, has been blending the likes of Bo Diddley, Norwegian Death Metal… even classical.  The Paris-bred and based ingénue, who got his start selling records at the now-defunct Rough Trade, currently, in addition to performing solo and with Black Strobe (whose last release was produced by Paul Epworth of Bloc Party and The Futureheads fame), works with GRM (Groupe de Recherches Musicales) – a French, musically-minded organization founded by mid-century avant-garde composer Pierre Shaeffer.

In light of Rebotini’s current two-day stay stateside (he played premier NYC-party promoter GBH’s two-year anniversary celebration at Hiro Ballroom last night), we sat down with the seasoned artist in hopes of shedding light on the current dance phenomenon, and uncovering the best-kept-secrets of his beloved hometown.  In his own words: 

What are you working on right now?
I just finished the [Black Stone] album [slated for release in June] and am touring with the band.  On my own, I’m doing a few 12”’s of clubby music. 

What’s your take on the current electronic phenomenon – which, according to some includes everyone from London’s Klaxons to Paris’ Ed Banger Records clan?  Are you a fan?
No [laughing].  I think the Klaxons and the whole new rave thing is really funny; they’re just a rock band and it’s not really new.  It’s not rave and it’s not electronic.  And there’s quite a lot of French stuff, following Daft Punk, but I’m not really a fan.  I do like the energy and that it’s bringing something fresh.

Do you think it’s on its way in, or out?
I don’t know.  Maybe because I prefer non-vocal stuff, something more long-term, like Shy Child. 

What do you think is the most distinct difference between American audiences and Parisian audiences when it comes to electronic or dance music?
The dance phenomenon doesn’t really exist in the US.  In Europe the people have the education – dancing in a dark room, with a DJ behind the booth.  It’s a bit different in the US.  I have the feeling that it’s on the way to change.  Here, the people like live bands and they don’t trust the DJ.  In Europe a guy playing techno makes sense.  But I think we do too much with the DJ.  I mean he’s just a guy playing records in the dark at the end. 

What are you most homesick for whenever you leave France to go on tour?
The atmosphere of Paris.  There is something special, like with NY.  I always say that NY is the second town where I can live.  But, Paris is my hometown, it’s the feeling that you are a part of the town and that the town is a part of you.  You just feel it. 

Where do you go in Paris to get inspired?
I do not look for inspiration in places.  I’m not that kind of artist, or musician.  I guess the area of Montmartre, though.  Down on the hill there’s a special atmosphere.  Between popular Paris and more expensive areas, and you’re close to Pigalle and Moulin Rouge and all of the clichés, yet it looks like a village. 

What’s your favorite place to go in Montmartre?
The first experience everyone should have in Paris is to buy food.  In Montmartre there’s an amazing cheese shop close to my house.  Chez Julie on the rue Rambuteau.  Julie is the girl that runs it.  She’s got an amazing selection.  My favorite is the Mont d’Or, or one of the classic Bries. 

Where do you go next?
On the same street there’s an amazing bakery for fresh bread. 

What is it called?
The bakery has no name [laughs].  Ask Julie.  And on the same street there is a cave [wine cellar] called Les Grands Caves.  They have lots of underground wines, most come from the Southeast of France.  There’s lots of Cotes du Rhone.  Taste a little and they’ll choose a bottle for you.  Take all of that back to the hotel for an amazing French night. 

And which hotel would you recommend?
Oh, the last hotel I’ve found in Paris is the Hotel Amour on the rue Navarin.  They have the most amazing hamburger. 

It’s owned by Andre [the famed graffiti artist and nightlife impresario], no?
Yes.  And they have a really cool little garden, hidden from the street and the cars.  I like to go on Sunday for brunch and have a hamburger. Oh, and there’s a good new place on the same street, a fish restaurant, Wimch.  It’s a very small restaurant, with a small carte [menu] with only a few items but everything is good.  All the good restaurants have really small cartes. 

Are there any up-and-coming bands or musicians in Paris that you’re excited about?
No.  I guess we’re all waiting to see what happens with the Ed Banger thing.  Though I’m not really concerned with that type of music.  So, no. 

What’s your favorite record shop?
My favorite record shop is Bom Bad.  There’s one record shop and one dress shop for men.  There you can find Rockabilly, punk, all alternative music and clothes.   

I read recently that some consider Paris the punk disco epicenter of the universe.  Do you agree?
No!  Punk disco… [laughs].  We have the worst punk in the world and the worst disco producer [laughs]. 

What about Paris’ nightlife?  Any favorite late-night spots?
Le Triptyche has a wide range of cool underground dance music.  Electro, rock, industrial, German minimal.  And they have a quiet area so you can rest.  Le Rex has an amazing sound system.  It’s electro and they have the best European DJ’s.  If you want to go to a club and get a true European Electro vibe, it’s it. 

Do you spin regularly anywhere in Paris?
Right now every two months I have a residence at Le Triptyche called La Scandale.  I play electro and rock tunes. 

What’s Paris’ best-kept secret?
I don’t know.  Just go in the street and find cool-looking people and ask them what are their favorite spots… Oh!  There is the most amazing restaurant in the center of the city called Le Ruby.  It’s like if you go to have dinner or lunch at my grandmother’s house [laughs].  Americans have the equivalent – everything is very ‘70s - except it’s really French.  It’s exactly what your French grandmother would cook for you. 

~Alisa Gould-Simon

Go There:
Les Grandes Caves, 70 rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, 01 47 05 69 28

Black Strobe photo by Sebastien Cuvelier