Glitterbox are proud to present Qwestlife’s debut album Prophecy, an 11-track collection of music that encapsulates the boundless energy of their exquisite DJ sets. The duo’s dedication to crafting authentic, heartfelt and original disco tracks has been well documented over the course their partnership, a cross-European collaboration between Southern French maestro Tom Laroye and London mainstay Andy Williams (aka Yam Who?).
The pair came together in 2013, and with Tom’s song-writing abilities and Andy’s club track mastery, they were a match made in musical heaven. Using old school methods and analogue techniques to produce enchanting boogie-filled numbers, the feel-good qualities of this album highlight not only Qwestlife’s production abilities but also their expansive knowledge of the genre.
We caught up with them ahead of the release to find out more…
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How did the Qwestlife project come about?
Andy: The magic of the internet - where musical alliances and life changing encounters occur for the better. Tom was sending me his demos, I have a slight tendency for the boogie - he had some dandy vocal tunes and a few instrumentals which I totally knew what to do with. The project needed a name and some direction etc.
How do you balance the production, do you each have specialities?
Andy: We both play instruments and love technology mixed with analogue equipment. We both live in England although Tom was initially based in Paris, we have very different backgrounds but are united through the funk and both have a love for live performance.
Tom: Andy has the right ear to keep the tracks club and boogie at the same time, I have a good vision of the songs and the final arrangements. Over the years I've learned how to make the Sequential Circuit Prophet 5 sound like in the old times but with a modern twist. He is the centre piece of all the analogue synth sounds you can hear in the album. The white Stratocaster is the one I used for all the funky guitar licks.
What have been some highlights from working together so far?
Andy and Tom: Recording Sugarhill Gang & Melle Mel at Redbull music studios, recording Teni Tinks was a blast, she's got that fierce behind the mic… wow! Djing on one of the boat parties at Defected Croatia. Our collaboration doesn't stop with music, we love doing outdoor BBQ’s combining French and UK specials.
Tom: Andy is a gentleman with no ego, so it’s always a pleasure to be in the studio with him, always relaxed and positive, something that’s essential when you work with so many singers.
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How long has Prophecy been in the works for?
Andy and Tom: It’s a lifetime of work - just part of our journey in music. We've been working on this project with Glitterbox with the support of Luke Solomon for almost three years now.
There’s a lot of live instrumentals on the album, how come you decided to take this route?
Andy: We both love to play instruments which I guess is a bond. Nothing can beat it.
Tom: The idea was to create songs inspired by the Classic Funk & Boogie era - made between the late 70's and mid 80's. So mixing real musicians and electronics was something that came naturally. It also brings that human groove to our music, made essentially with sequencers, drum machines and synthesisers.
Do you have the dancefloor in mind when making records?
Andy: Always about the groove and we love DJing together. Qwestlife has a very special vibe.
Tom: We want to please the dancefloor and also make songs you can easily listen in your car.
There are a number of collaborations on the album, were there any artists in particular you enjoyed working with?
Andy & Tom: All of them are very special human beings. Meeting Siedah Garrett was out of this world. What a honey!
Tom: Spending an entire day with the Sugarhill Gang, Melle Mel and Scorpio is something that will make me smile forever. And on top of that, we've had an amazing connection that day in the studio, something you can really feel in the recording.
Are there any favourite tracks on the album either of you?
Andy and Tom: 'Fever' - such an amazing and random journey and the concept was tight.
Tom: I also have something special with ‘Don’t Break My Heart’, a track I wrote with my dear friend and incredible artist Zee aka Lady Z. A powerful funk tune.
PRE-ORDER 'PROPHECY' ON VINYL NOW
Tracklist
Vinyl
A1. Qwestlife featuring Teni Tinks ‘Hit It Off’ (Disco Soul Version)
A2. Qwestlife featuring Alena ‘Can't Stop’ (Boogie Mix)
A3. Qwestlife featuring Mary Moore ‘Twilight’ (Extended Mix)
B1. Qwestlife featuring Sugarhill Gang, Siedah Garrett & GrandMaster Melle Mel & Scorpio ‘Fever’ (Extended Mix)
B2. Qwestlife featuring Lady Z ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ (Extended Mix)
C1. Qwestlife featuring Jacqui George ‘Give Me A Minute’
C2. Qwestlife featuring Alena ‘Cut You Loose’ (Extended Mix)
C3. Qwestlife featuring Lola & Qweck ‘What You Like’
D1. Qwestlife featuring Bobby Saint ‘Shooting Star’ (Extended Mix)
D2. Qwestlife featuring Andre Espeut ‘Universal Love’ (Extended Mix)
Digital
1. Qwestlife featuring Teni Tinks ‘Hit It Off’ (Disco Soul Version)
2. Qwestlife featuring Alena ‘Can't Stop’ (Boogie Mix)
3. Qwestlife featuring Mary Moore ‘Twilight’
4. Qwestlife featuring Sugarhill Gang, Siedah Garrett & GrandMaster Melle Mel & Scorpio ‘Fever’ (Extended Mix)
5. Qwestlife featuring Amp FIddler ‘Step On It’
6. Qwestlife featuring Lady Z ‘Don’t Break My Heart’
7. Qwestlife featuring Jacqui George ‘Give Me A Minute’
8. Qwestlife featuring Alena ‘Cut You Loose’
9. Qwestlife featuring Lola & Qweck ‘What You Like’
10. Qwestlife featuring Bobby Saint ‘Shooting Star’
11. Qwestlife featuring Andre Espeut ‘Universal Love’