Firstly, for all the Kandi fans out there who are getting in contact with your music for the first time, who is Michael Canitrot and where does he come from?

Hi there Hed Kandi! I am a French DJ & Producer based in Paris. My musical profile is primarily clubbing but I am also involved in fashion and cinema. I am also the originator of “So, Happy in Paris?”, one of the most famous house parties, not only in France but worldwide! I tend to DJ around 100 international “So Happy in Paris?” parties a year.

‘You and I’ is released through Hed Kandi on March 7th, what was the inspiration for the track?

I wanted to create a mix between emotions and energy, the song is beautiful, the lyrics are positive and the chorus is so powerful. It feels like a wave on crashing on you!!!

You are friends with some of the best European DJs such as Bob Sinclar, Martin Solveig and Norman Doray, who would you say is your biggest musical influence?

To be honest I'm more influenced by bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, Radiohead or Nirvana, they are my musical background. A mixture of Soul, Funk and Disco mixed with Pop and Rock. Also, at the beginning of my career, I was extremely fascinated by the most famous French Robots, The Daft Punk. They are living legends for all the French DJ's!!

One of your side passions is fashion... You always look so stylish! Are you purely a follower of Parisian fashion or are there any English designers you follow? Also, who would be your dream designer to DJ a fashion show for?

I like Stella McCartney, she is definitively a perfect, sexy and a trendy women. She communicates in a different way. I also love the pictures with Natalia Vodianova and the Dalmatian.

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

Without any doubt Marvin Gaye, the most emotional voice in musical history!

Remixing vs original compositions... which is your favorite?

I prefer to create something new, for me the most important thing is to produce a song not just a track!

With music production software taking the forefront in many ‘bedroom producers’ studios would you say hardware is a thing of the past or is a combination of both the best solution? Secondly what equipment do you have floating about in your studio?

I like all the hardware stuff. A good synth at home is important, it creates an atmosphere. My favorite one is the Virus TI from Access. However, a young producer can start off only with software and a good computer with logic or live.

In my studio I have a Mac Pro with Logic 9, Genelec 1031A for the speakers, a Virus TI, a Korg M3, A digitally controlled analog Fatso JR and a Manley Massive Passive EQ.

You are also notorious in Paris for throwing incredible parties under the name ‘So, Happy in Paris?’ which have just celebrated their tenth birthday, what is your most memorable party and why?

The 10th Anniversary of 'So, Happy in Paris ?' on the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Amazing party on the top of Paris, absolutely magical, you have to check out this YouTube video.

Quick Fire Questions:

1. What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?

N.E.R.D - Hypnotize U

2. Where do you see yourself in 20 years time? 



I don't want to know!

3. Celebrity Death Match! Bob Sinclar vs David Guetta...who’s your money on?



Hard to say, I like them both. But I'll never forget that David has given me the chance to start my own party at his club "Les Bains Douches" and all the precious advice he gave me at the start of my career.

4. If you weren't in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Professional surfer, Witch doctor or F1 driver?



F1 Driver, to live fast as you can!

5. What’s your favorite Kandi (sweet)?

Crocodiles from Haribo.