David Guetta breaks down his formula for success, talks new album

FLE – In this Nov. 12, 2017 file photo, French DJ David Guetta poses for photographers at the MTV European Music Awards in London. The 50-year-old performer credits his longevity to his persistent work ethic, adding that he thinks the formula for success is “talent 20 percent, work probably 70 percent and 10 percent of luck.” Image: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File

LONDON — Grammy-winning DJ-producer and hitmaker David Guetta says success is mostly down to hard work and luck — not talent.

The 50-year-old French performer, who says he feels “very complete as a man and an as an artist right now,” credits his longevity to his persistent work ethic, adding that he believes the formula for success is “talent 20 percent, work probably 70 percent and 10 percent of luck.”

Guetta released the album, “7,” in September. His last album was 2014’s “Listen.”

Despite “7” being his seventh record, he said the album’s title has a deeper meaning.

“Seven is like a full week, seven days to create the world in the Bible. And I feel like (I’m) starting a new cycle in my life,” he said. “It’s actually a similar feeling … (to) when I did my first album, which is a great place to be in.”

In an interview with the Associated Press, Guetta discussed how he stays healthy on the road, the addicting energy of live performances and his new album, which features collaborations with Justin Bieber, Sia, Nicki Minaj, J Balvin, Bebe Rexha and Martin Garrix, among others.

AP: What was it like to collaborate again with Nicki Minaj and Sia?

Guetta: Nicki Minaj and Sia, they are like old-time partners. I really appreciate that they are so loyal to me. I think we made records that were really life-changing together. And I feel like they became such huge stars and I think it’s amazing that they’re always here from me and really appreciate it.

AP: You have a crazy schedule. How do you stay healthy with such a hectic lifestyle?

Guetta: Yes, it’s sometimes a little too much. I’m not going to lie, because at the moment I’m doing one city per day. It’s a lot. But it’s the life I chose, and it makes me very happy. I have the best job in the world. So, I don’t want to complain. Every job has a little bit of a downside and probably jetlag will be the big downside of my work. And even after all those years I still didn’t figure out how to beat jetlag. But yeah, that is very small compared to all the amazing things that come with my job.

AP: If you’re playing in Ibiza, for example, do you get carried away with the audience’s energy?

Guetta: Obviously when you get onstage it’s like a huge rush of adrenaline because you receive all this energy, all this love. It’s actually crazy because in my entire career I only canceled two shows, and it was two times because of the plane, not because of me. Doesn’t matter if I’m sick, have (a) fever, I always do it. And I can be really shaking with (a) fever the moment, I get onstage it’s all gone. It’s like magic because you receive so much energy that, you know, it’s just crazy and that’s addicting. You know, that’s probably what keeps me going to the studio. You know, like, I think a lot of new producers, DJs … they start by being producers and then because of having a successful record they go to (the) stage and become DJs. For me it’s the other way around. I go to the studio because when I’m making music, I’m imagining the moment I’m going to drop this record. And the amazing feeling of happiness … (is) what makes me want to work those 16 hours a day sometimes in the studio.”

AP: Does it help to have friends in the industry?

Guetta: Well, we always traveling so we don’t have so much of a family life or like a normal social life, so we kind of create a new family. We all do festivals, we usually play in the same places during the summer … it’s like a circuit of festivals. So that’s what is happening. We created a new music family and yes, it’s great. It’s great.

AP: Is there anyone else that you really want to collaborate with?

Guetta: There are many people that I want to work with. I would love to work with Adele, which I never did. But, at the same time, probably the biggest dream is to find a new Sia. Someone that can write and sing and that is unknown and that we can develop something together. That’s the ultimate dream really. MKH

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