Man… what can I say about this guy? I have been listening to this guy for a long time, and I have enjoyed watching him change his brand over the last few years. 2010 was a HUGE year for him, as he released one great dance track after another. He also hit the top of the Beatport charts and is in the running for the top 100. He is playing all over the world too, hitting a new club night after night. I just can’t over his new brand, and his relationship with David Guetta and F*** Me I’m Famous. They have toured the globe together playing everywhere from Miami to Paris. One of his most recent remixes is a Toni Braxton tune that I dare you not to dance to. Anyway, I’ll stop talking so we can learn more about this guy. It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Norman Doray.
Oh boy, am I excited to talk with you. I am a HUGE fan of your work. Where shall we begin… tell me a little bit about your most recent tour. You are all over the world on this one.
Yeah, it was pretty crazy… what a summer. I have played nearly everywhere during these last few months…. I don’t even know where my own bed is these days.
How long have you been performing?
I have been a DJ for about ten years now… but I’ve only touring the world since three years now.
Since you get to travel the world, is it possible to pick a favorite city?
Favorite city is between Los Angeles and Tokyo. Both are completely different but amazing.
How was your US tour? Tell us some more about it?
I’m was so excited for that one… more than anything else. The USA is the place to be these days. I got to play in five cities including Miami, Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles. I did new clubs too, and that is always fun!
Tobita was a huge release for you. Out of all the stuff you have released, what are you most proud of?
I don’t know to be honest… they are all different but I must say that Tobita was really special when it became the “Essential New Tune” two weeks after I finished it.
How did it feel to release on such a classic label like Strictly Rhythm?
It’s a big HONOR for me… the label is a legend. I have all the vinyls at home so when they told me that they were gonna sign my new single, and asked to mix their new compilation, I was really happy!
How pleased are you with Kalifornia?
I’m really happy about it. It was a big fight to release it. I did it two years ago for WMC and I had to fight with the sample to release it. Now its done and everything is clear. I hope the people will like it!
I am just hooked on electronic dance music. Have you always been involved with EDM?
Yeah… always; since the beginning; my roots are in disco and funk.
You just have SO many great tracks. I can’t even pick a favorite. Are you working on anything new right now?
I’m working on many at the moment… new remixes, new singles and new collaborations!
You were on the road with David Guetta for a while. How sick is his live set? Did you get the chance to hang out with him between sets?
David is a showman… he is a really talented guy and he deserves everything that has happened to him now. We were hanging out a lot; we are good friends. I remember for the last show of the tour, we were all together in his backstage room, and he was so happy, was talking to everybody with a big smile on his face… this is David!
I am sure it’s hard to count… but what’s the biggest crowd you have ever played for? The smallest?
Smallest is probably 1… and biggest 25,000, maybe.
I really want to check out LAVO New York this fall. I hear it’s a really small venue. What’s it like performing there? (And Pacha for that matter! But that venue isn’t so small.)
I haven’t had the chance to play Pacha yet, but I’m really hoping to! Concerning LAVO, it’s a really nice venue but there are too many tables for me! (laughs)
Do you ever get tired being on the road all the time?
It happens for sure… when you do not sleep at all since three days, your body and your mind are starting to be crazy, and at that time you just want to stop everything and go to bed. But after a nice twelve hours of sleep, you just want to leave again. (laughs)
You seem to have all of the social networks covered. You are on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube… how do you keep up with all that?
I’m not gonna lie, I have a great team of people working with me. It has helped a lot because I really need to focus on touring, producing etc. But I’m also checking everything, and I’m doing my Twitter!
What would you be doing if you were not performing?
Probably surfing…
I have to say, it looks like you are having a lot of fun out there. Is being a DJ work for you?
It’s work… but what a nice one! (laughs)
You are still pretty young… but where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to still be doing music and touring, but not as much as now. Later I would love to be in studio and produce music for movies.
A long time from now, when this is all said and done… what do you want to be remembered for? What’s your legacy?
My music, my sets, my style and always for being honest and respectful to others.
I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Peace & Love
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