CHAMBORD | LATAM 2025 #05

What began as two teenagers experimenting with sounds in a small French town has evolved into one of the most evocative stories in contemporary electronic music. Their sound is cinematic yet intimate, a bridge between continents and emotions, crafted with equal parts instinct and precision. Whether playing Parisian rooftops, the Playa at Burning Man, or the coastlines of Tulum, Tim and Pierre turn every stage into a space of connection.

More than a decade into their journey, the duo has refined a language where melody becomes emotion and rhythm becomes memory. There is something deeply human in their music, a balance between light and shadow that feels both spiritual and grounded. Their evolution mirrors that of their audience: constantly searching, evolving. Behind every release lies a quiet devotion to storytelling, to crafting moments that outlive the night.

As they prepare for a new chapter with the release of The Art of Falling EP on Frau Blau and the launch of their Latin American tour, Chambord stands at the edge of renewal. Both members have recently become fathers, a transformation that has reshaped their rhythm and purpose. This new phase is not about slowing down but about moving with intention, turning experience into resonance.

In this Mixmag Cover Interview, the duo opens up about their creative process, the philosophy behind their label, Around Midnight Records, and the art of balancing instinct and structure. From late-night studio sessions to sunrise sets, from friendship to fatherhood, this is the story of two artists who continue to prove that, at its core, music is a dialogue between the soul and the world.

When Chambord launched Around Midnight Records in 2022, it wasn’t a business decision. It was a declaration of intent. The label became their way to protect what first drew them to electronic music: a time when the track itself, not the name behind it, mattered most.

Tim explains that this vision has existed since the very beginning.

“Starting a label was always part of our vision from the very beginning of our duo in 2011. It was something we truly wanted to do from day one. Back then, we were inspired by the rise of incredible labels whose releases felt special. Even if the artist wasn’t super established, we could trust the quality of the music.”

He remembers watching labels like Hot Creations, Diynamic, and Crosstown Rebels shape the culture of an entire generation.

“Our goal was to capture that same energy, to build a community around the sound itself, not just the names behind it. We wanted each release to carry a sense of authenticity and artistic integrity, focusing on the music first and foremost.”

That philosophy was crystallized in their remix of Animal Trainer and Noah Kulaga’s Running, a summer anthem that received support from Keinemusik, Jenia Tarsol, and Tripolism. For Pierre, the collaboration carried both nostalgia and destiny.

“Having an Animal Trainer on the label is an incredible feeling. I remember playing their tracks during our residency in Biarritz back in 2013. When we played at Hive in Zurich for the first time, we instantly connected, both personally and musically.”

Tim recalls that the partnership began almost by chance, through a simple Instagram story that turned into a release.

“They had shared a story with Running playing in the background, and I immediately messaged Adi asking for the promo. I didn’t realize the track wasn’t even signed yet. We reached out and proposed to release it on our label. After a lot of back and forth to explain our vision and strategy, we finally convinced them to come on board.”

Their sense of purpose extends beyond the label. Chambord’s roots are deeply connected to Paris, a city that defined generations of producers and shaped their own beginnings.

“We’re lucky in France to have such a strong musical identity, one that’s become synonymous with our country: the French Touch. Growing up, we were raised on the sounds of Daft Punk, DJ Mehdi, Dimitri From Paris, Étienne de Crécy, or Zdar. But by the time we started producing, that scene had lost some of its momentum. So we looked beyond our borders and fell in love with artists like Maceo Plex and his album Life Index, and Miguel Campbell and Art Department. I think our music sits somewhere in between all of these influences. It’s a bridge between the legacy of French electronic music and the sounds that inspired us from around the world.”

For Pierre, returning to Paris now carries a new sense of perspective.

“The energy of the city still shapes us. But our relationship with it has evolved. It’s not just about nostalgia, it’s about bringing something new to the table while honoring the roots that made us who we are.”

This evolution continues across oceans. With a Latin American tour taking them through Costa Rica, Mexico, and Brazil, the duo feels more connected than ever to the emotional power of dance music.

“As the year winds down, there’s a special kind of excitement that comes with returning to Latin America. Every time we’ve played there, the experience has been nothing short of magical. It’s a place where music and people connect on a deeper level, especially among the younger crowds. There’s a purity to the energy in clubs, festivals, and parties across Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, and it feels rare and precious. It’s cooler, unfiltered, and free from the distractions that sometimes dilute the experience in some places in the world. People come for the music itself, not just the spectacle, and that authenticity is something we’ve come to cherish.”

He adds a final reflection that distills the duo’s entire purpose.

“Playing there reminds us of why we fell in love with electronic music in the first place. To unite people through music.”

Few artists understand atmosphere as well as Chambord does. Whether they’re surrounded by fire-lit dust on the Playa or the glow of Bangkok’s skyline, their performances feel alive, shaped by the space itself. For them, every setting carries a story, and their role is to listen to it.

“Every place in the world has its own story to tell,” Pierre explains. “We try to understand, analyze, and draw inspiration from it. Burning Man, where creativity knows no limits; Bangkok, with its neon skyline and relentless energy; Pacha in Ibiza, the temple of our music; or Berlin, in the intimate darkness of an underground club. These spaces have so much to tell; they shape the narrative.”

That philosophy extends to how they build their sets. Rather than scripting every moment, Chambord prefers to surrender to spontaneity.

“As Laurent Garnier says, preparing a DJ set is heresy. You have to let the moment take over. Some of our most magical sets were born from spontaneity, a sudden shift in the crowd’s energy, the way the sunrise spills onto the dance floor at six in the morning. Those unscripted moments are where the real connection happens. It’s not about imposing a vision, it’s about listening to the space, the crowd, the energy, and crafting a story together in real time.”

That same instinct guides how they now navigate a more personal transformation. Both Tim and Pierre became fathers within weeks of each other, a chapter that has added new rhythm and meaning to their music.

“Becoming fathers has been a game changer,” says Tim. “It’s a whole new adventure, and we’re still figuring out how it fits into our lives as artists. Experiencing fatherhood at the same time is pretty unique, I think. We’ll definitely be sharing the cost of the babysitter, that’s for sure.”

Pierre smiles as he reflects on how their priorities are shifting.

“One thing’s for sure, we’re determined to make it work. We don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re committed to finding that balance between being present for our kids and continuing to create and tour. It’s a challenge, but it’s also incredibly inspiring.”

Tim adds that this change has opened a new emotional dimension in their work.

“Right now, we’re taking it step by step. We’re not going to pretend it’s easy, but we’re excited to see how this new chapter shapes our music and our priorities. Maybe these tracks might one day be the soundtrack to our kids’ memories, just like the records we grew up with shaped us. That thought alone makes everything feel even more meaningful. We’re not slowing down, we’re just learning to move differently, with more purpose and intention.”

That renewed sense of purpose is evident in their upcoming release, The Art of Falling on Frau Blau, a project that brings together artistry, emotion, and collaboration.

“This EP is the result of a collaboration with the incredibly talented Jaw,” says Pierre. “He’s half of dOP, one of our favorite duos when we first started, and the voice behind so many iconic tracks. Working with him was a real honor and a pleasure.”

Pierre describes The Art of Falling as one of their most emotional works to date.

“I love how the track evolves over time. It begins with a dark, raw electronic vibe, pure and unfiltered, then gradually unfolds into something dreamier. The chords and synths come in like rays of light, transforming the mood entirely. Jaw’s addition of the lyric ‘the less we believe, the more we are’ feels incredibly powerful. It adds a philosophical depth that resonates long after the track ends.”

He adds that releasing it on Frau Blau feels symbolic.

“The label has impeccable taste, and it’s a place where music is truly respected. And to top it off, having Made By Pete, one of our favorite producers, remix the track is an absolute dream. His interpretation brings another layer to the story, and it’s an incredible feeling to see this project come to life with this team.”

Chambord’s ability to weave emotion through rhythm reaches new depth in their remix of Lamomali – Secret Garden. The project connects the duo to one of France’s most visionary artists, M, and to a lineage of musicians who blur the boundaries between cultures and genres.

“We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to remix one of France’s most iconic artists,” says Pierre. “M is truly unique, an extraordinary guitarist, singer, and songwriter who brings unparalleled creativity and authenticity to the French pop scene. So when our friend Creange approached us to remix a track from his latest album, Lamomali, a collaborative project with Fatoumata Diawara, Patrick Watson, and Toumani Diabaté, it was an absolute yes.”

He describes Secret Garden as “pure nostalgia: a love letter to Malian music, rich with warmth and soul.” Chambord’s challenge was to bring their own identity to the piece without losing its roots.

“Our goal was to honor the beauty and energy of the original while weaving in raw, deep electronic elements. We wanted to create a balance, preserving the authenticity and emotion of Lamomali’s music while adding the evolution and intensity that define our sound. The result is a fusion where the organic meets the electronic, where tradition and modernity coexist. It’s a remix that feels like a bridge between worlds, and we’re proud to be part of this project.”

Their sensitivity to storytelling and emotional tension has become Chambord’s signature. Each production balances melancholy and euphoria, instinct and craft. Tim reflects on the creative process that allows that balance to emerge.

“We both come from musical backgrounds where evolution and experimentation were key, Pierre with his roots in French Touch, and me in progressive. Even though our influences are slightly different, there’s a common thread: both styles are built on emotion and movement.”

He pauses before explaining how that synergy comes alive in the studio.

“Pierre is an incredible musician; melodies and chords come naturally to him. For me, it often starts with the drums, the rhythm that sets the foundation. But once we’re in the studio, it’s all about feeling. We let the track guide us, whether it’s through an unexpected chord change, a groove that takes on a life of its own, or a mood that shifts as we work. The process is organic; we don’t force anything. If it feels right, we follow it, and that’s how our sound comes to life.”

That instinct also guides their curation for Around Midnight Records, now home to artists like Mira, Chris Schwarzwälder, and Roderic. The label has become a sanctuary for emotion-driven music that refuses to follow formulas.

“This is exactly what we strive to create with Around Midnight,” Pierre explains. “A home for artists to express their true sound, not just what the crowd expects. When we sign new music, we’re not looking for trends or formulas. We’re looking for something that moves us, emotionally, intellectually, or even spiritually. Whether it makes us happy, think, or simply chill, the music has to resonate with us on a deeper level.”

For Tim, the label’s identity is rooted in freedom and authenticity.

“Our label is a reflection of our own musical journey: diverse, boundaryless, and rooted in authenticity. Just like our DJ sets, we don’t believe in genre barriers. If a track makes us feel proud to share it with the world, that’s the only logic we need. It’s all about trusting our instincts and staying true to the music's spirit. That’s how we maintain the label’s identity, by letting our sense of what’s real and meaningful guide every decision. And at the same time, we leave room for artists to experiment and grow, because that’s how scenes evolve and stay alive.”

The story of Chambord is one of friendship, evolution, and relentless curiosity. From high school parties to international stages, from Parisian rooftops to desert sunrises, they’ve built a world where emotion and community define success. Looking ahead, their plans are as expansive as ever.

“This adventure is far from over,” Pierre says. “If anything, we’re just getting started. There’s so much we still want to achieve, both as artists and as a label. Musically, we’re dreaming of bringing Chambord to new corners of the world, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Lebanon, South Africa, Japan, Australia, places where the energy and culture inspire us to push our sound even further.”

Tim adds that Around Midnight will soon expand its reach.

“The next chapter includes launching a new series of free downloads to share music without barriers, hosting more label nights internationally to build real, raw connections with our community, and releasing vinyls.”

Pierre closes the conversation with a vision that goes beyond sound.

“We’re exploring the idea of our first album, a project that could translate our journey into a cohesive musical story. And we’re excited to experiment with new formats, like creating a live set for concert halls, where the sound can breathe differently.”

For them, the future is not just about expansion but about transmission.

“What we find truly fulfilling is helping to lift the next generation of artists. We want to mentor talents who have something unique to say, who can bring fresh energy and depth to this scene. We remember what it was like to be those young DJs at high school proms, dreaming big. Now, we want to be the ones who help others turn their dreams into reality, just like others did for us. The next phase is about growth, connection, and leaving something meaningful behind.”

Chambord stands at a point where past and future blur into one luminous horizon. Their journey has never been about chasing trends, but about preserving emotion, crafting stories that feel human, tactile, alive. From small-town studios to world stages, their bond has remained their compass, guiding every beat and every risk. With Around Midnight Records, a new generation of artists now walks beside them, carrying the same fire that once drove two teenagers to dream of dance floors they hadn’t yet seen.

As they prepare to tour Latin America and release The Art of Falling, Tim and Pierre move with the serenity of artists who have found their truth. They know that evolution isn’t about speed but about depth, about finding new ways to feel and to make others feel. In the end, Chambord’s story is not one of arrival, but of return to emotion, to instinct, to the sacred act of connection through sound.

31 Oct – Û Kóko, San José, Costa Rica

1 Nov – Papaya Playa Project, Tulum, Mexico

5 Nov – Essex, CDMX, Mexico

6 Nov – Ondalinda Festival, Careyes, Mexico

7 Nov – Majahuitas, Quimixto, Mexico

9 Nov – Private Event, El Laberinto, CDMX

20 Nov – São Paulo, Brazil (TBA)

21 Nov – Mayan Warriors, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil