IN CONVERSATION WITH BAMBOUNOU

interview by THORE DAMWERTH & MAGDALENA ROE

Bambounou, born Jeremy Guindo, is a Parisian DJ and producer whose sound emerges from diverse cultural influences and musical experimentation. With a French-Malian-Polish heritage, his music weaves together the futuristic threads of UK techno, IDM, and tribal rhythms. Over the past few years, Bambounou has established himself as a strong force in the Parisian electronic music scene, gaining international acclaim with his genre-blending productions and electrifying DJ sets. Whether he's spinning at iconic venues worldwide or curating his own artistic projects, Bambounou remains a forward-thinking presence in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music.

In this conversation, we dive into Bambounou's artistic evolution, his innovative approach to sound, and the exciting projects and wild stories behind his dynamic performances.

top DIOR MEN
pants GUOVARDE
necklace and bracelet NHAT-VU DANG

Can you tell us about your journey into electronic music and how your multicultural background has influenced your sound?

I did not grow up in a “musical” family. As far back as I can remember, the only music we used to listen to was during Christmas when my mom would play this very old cassette of Kolendy, which is basically some old and sad Catholic singing. Then I wanted to know more about my African roots through music, and it was a bit more… groovy [laughs].

Your music often blends elements of UK techno, IDM, and tribal sources. Can you describe your approach to sound design?

Sound design is my favorite hobby. When I have some free time, I always launch a VST so I can mess around and find new sounds. In the genres you mentioned, the attention given to sound aesthetics is really important, and it is something I enjoy incorporating into my music.

coat and pants EMPORIO ARMANI
necklace NHAT-VU DANG

Working with Modeselektor’s 50Weapons label was a significant milestone in your career. What impact did it have on your artistic development?

Pretty much everything, from their vision to their kindness and the experience it gave me. It truly put me into an “international” artist spectrum, and for that, I am forever grateful!

What vision do you have for your own record label, Bambe, and what more is there to come for it in the future?

My label is an experiment for me. Coming up very soon, I have a collab EP with Francis, aka PRIORI, one of my favorite producers, DJs, and human beings. The EP is a bit moodier and more deep house-oriented—definitely one of my favorite records that I’ve made!

Apart from that, I have a poetry album ready with one of my favorite writers, Morgane Ortin. It may sound pretentious, but I can assure you the album is fire. From the lyrics to the music and sound design, nothing will remain indifferent.

jacket ZEGNA
top used as head piece and pants HADERLUMP
gloves SF1OG

Your live sets are known for their energy and innovation. How do you prepare for a DJ set, especially the one at Lighthouse Festival? How was it for you?

Funny story about the Lighthouse Festival: I lost my USB key at the gig before, I believe it was in Berlin. Even funnier, I realized it pretty much 30 minutes before my set. So, I had to rush back to my hotel room with a random USB, throw the latest 60 tracks I had downloaded onto it, and there it was—pure improvisation! But it was amazing! I loved every second of it.

With your background in playing at fashion shows and parties, as well as modeling, do you see a creative connection between electronic music and fashion?

Both are forms of expression that influence and shape culture, and they also influence each other. The collision of these two worlds creates a new, richer, and more dynamic energy. How amazing is that? At least, that’s how I see it.

What is there to come from you in the future? Any new projects you’re excited about?

I’m always working on a thousand projects. Apart from what I said about Bambe, I can only tell you that it’s going to be very, very interesting and extremely diverse.

top and pants ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
necklace and bracelet NHAT-VU DANG
ring WILD YOUTH

And finally, let’s do a fiery Q&A: Favorite line-up or artists to be with on a line-up?

Only the open-minded ones please. 

Favorite festival essentials? 

Lip balm, ain’t nobody wanna have dry lips.

What to not miss in the festival season?

Do not miss having fun. Holidays aren’t supposed to be that serious, enjoy!

What’s the best part of playing at festivals like Lighthouse? 

The location, the music, and the friends

full look SF1OG

What inspired you to drop Multimillionaire Pro DJ Tip on Instagram and approach the DJ lifestyle with such openness and humor?

My big ego trying to do “something different” and my ongoing existential crisis hahah

Lastly, another fashion question – what's your personal connection to fashion these days? Does it still influence you?

These days, I’m OBSESSED with pants—any pants, really. I’m buying a pair a week. It does influence the fact that I need to work MORE to get MORE, hahaha!

TEAM CREDITS:
talent BAMBOUNOU
photography SVEN MARQUARDT
styling THORE DAMWERTH
production MAGDALENA ROE
make-up SASKIA KRAUSE
photography assistant HARDY PAETKE
editor-in-chief TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview THORE DAMWERTH & MAGDALENA ROE