The Kool Kids » EP

Justice: The story

Jelmer — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:41:50 +0000

Justice are, after Daft Punk, one of the most influential acts in Electro. It all started in 2003, in Paris…

Justice first produced tracks together for Musclorvision’s “Hits Up To You,” a concept compilation where tracks were designed to sound like they were meant for the Eurovision song contest. The compilation included two of their songs, and a track by Gaspard Augé’s alter-ego Microloisir.

Breakthrough

Not long after that, Simian – which later became Simian Mobile Disco – created at remix contest on their song “Never be Alone”. It was created for a Paris college radio station’s remix contest and Xavier and Gaspard entered with the name “Justice“. It was aired, a big success and soon after group was signed to Ed Banger (who released it) and it became a hit in clubs and on the internet. After the original release of “We Are Your Friends” Justice worked on remixes for a number of French groups (Vicarious Bliss, Scenario Rock, and Gambit) as well as for larger mainstream acts such as Britney Spears, N.E.R.D., Fatboy Slim, and Daft Punk. Justice’s first solo single, “Waters of Nazareth”, was released on Ed Banger Records in September 2005, which we consider it being amongst one of the best Electro tracks every made. The duo’s remix work continued, as they turned in mixes for Franz Ferdinand, Mystery Jets, Soulwax, and Mr. Oizo.

†

Then “†” came. The debut album, which might be the best Electro album ever produced. It was released on Ed Banger Records on 12 June 2007. Almost every track featured on the album was a straight hit in its own way. “D.A.N.C.E.” became a hit worldwide, being placed as #4 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. “Stress” became a re-memorable track because of its frightning yet brilliant video clip. Justice uploaded their music video for “Stress” to YouTube on 1 May 2008, having had several TV stations boycott the video. The clip features a group of youths committing acts of vandalism and harassment, wearing jackets bearing the Justice cross on the back. Accused in some quarters of racism for its stereotypical depiction of youths of African descent (both black and North African) from Paris’ socially deprived banlieues, others saw the video as a critique of their portrayal in the French media. There are more great songs, like “Genesis”, “Waters of Nazareth”, “D.V.N.O.”, “Phanton Pt. II”. Almost every track is brilliant.

A Cross The Universe

In July 2008, Justice was revealed to have done a mix for the Dior Homme Summer 2009 Fashion Show, much like Daft Punk did for Louis Vuitton in 2007. The track, now known as “Planisphere”, was released in four parts on the band’s MySpace page, with an extra final cut that did not make it into the fashion show mix (known as “Planisphere IV”, or “Planisphere Final”). In November 2008 the DVD A Cross the Universe was released. It contained a documentary of the band’s tour through the US in 2008. It also contained a Live CD of their show in San Fransisco. In January 2009 French group Birdy Nam Nam released their album “Manual for Successful Rioting”, Justice produced the last song on the album “The Parachute Ending”. In April 2009 they released a remix for U2′s “Get On Your Boots”, and after they released a remix for Lenny Kravitz “Let Love Rule”, which was also also featured on Kanye West’s blog.

Audio Video Disco

On April 4th 2011 Justice released “Civilization”, the first single off their upcoming album “Audio Video Disco”. The song has also been featured as the soundtrack to a new Adidas campaign spearheaded by French director Romain Gavras, with whom Justice has worked in the past. On October 24th 2011, the second album was released. They described their album like “a progressive rock record, played by guys that don’t know how to play”. For this album, the duo played every instrument on their own and no samples were made. On 6 September 2011, a music video for the single “Audio Video Disco” was released. The video features Xavier and Gaspard in a studio setting, and details the lengthy, rock n’ roll style recording process that was experienced in making the single, and album. Within the clip various instruments are seen: an electric guitar, a piano, and a drum kit, standing as the quite literal symbols for the Justice progression into a more rocky, less electronic sound. The second album is quite different from the first one, but very unique. The Parisian duo has adopted the brash sounds of late-1970s progressive rock, like bands such as Queen, Led Zeppelin and Yes.

The crusade continues

Now Justice is on their second Live World Tour. Will it be as intense as their first one? Will the band continue leading the top of Electro music, creating a perfect collision between rock and dance? Tomorrow the band will be playing at Paradiso, Amsterdam, as part of their World Tour. The crusade continues…

Order now on The Kool Kids:
Justice – Audio Video Disco (Limited 2LP + CD) for only €22,-
Justice – Audio Video Disco (Limited EP) for only €12,-

D.L.I.D. – Colour in our Hands

Jelmer — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:37:20 +0000

We received a mail from D.L.I.D /Dick Laurent Is Dead, which has just released its latest EP “Colour in your hands”. The same-titled track featuring FINK is an ambient/leftfield track, comparable to the likes of Apparat.

Dick laurent is dead feat. FINK – Colour in your hands from leneopen on Vimeo.

The music video is directed by Neopen who has worked with Danger.
The EP “Colour in your hands” is now out on Leonizer Records.

The Kool Kids Shop now online!

Jelmer — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:41:34 +0000

The Kool Kids Shop is now online!

It’s accessible by clicking on “SHOP” at the top of the site.
The link is: http://thekoolkidsshop.com

Soon in the shop: The Kool Kids Shirts!

Products that are available:

Boys Noize – The Sessions, Pt. 1

Jan Driver – Amatilda (2LP & CD)

Justice – Audio, Video Disco (Limited version, 2LP + CD)

Justice – Audio, Video, Disco Limited EP + Download Card

Spank Rock – Everything Is Boring And Everyone Is A F_Cking Liar CD

ZZT – Partys Over Earth CD

Haezer – Fists In The Air (Free Download)

Jelmer — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:47:47 +0000

If you haven’t heard yet, Haezer unfortunately lost most of his latest productions. The good thing however from this is, that we will be getting a new Haezer EP for free.
And the first thing you can grab is “Fist In The Air”, which you might have heard previews from.

Download Haezer – Fists In The Air

If you want to check out a preview, do so below:

Interview with Q.G.

Jelmer — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:44:01 +0000

We’d like to introduce to you Q.G.! For guys and girls that don’t know him yet, he’s a very talented and young producer from Fance, who’s single RAZOR is just out today! You can check the video later in the article. We did a short interview with him to see what he’s up to and what his thoughts are at the moment.

First you can listen to a mixtape he recently made, consisting of a lot of good and powerful electro.

Tracklist:
1. Dj Antention – Spider (Ninetynine Terror Remix)
2. Arnaud Rebotini – Personal Dictator
3. Ninetyne – Revenge (Vakkuum Remix)
4. Soda’N'Suds – Heavy (The Oddword Remix)
5. Autodidakt – Nitro (Trashing Teenagers Remix)
6. Dead Cat Bounce – Religion (Q.G. Remix)
7. Tom Deluxx – Run (Cyberpunkers Remix)
8. Fat Boy Slim & Lazy Rich – Gangster Trippin
9. Porter Robinson – Say My Name
10. Gesalffestein – Variations
11. Zombie Nation – Chickflick

First of all, for the bigger audience, can you tell uw who Q.G. is?
Q.G. is a one guy band from South of France man!

So I understand you grew up with a few other talented French artists. Can you explain us how important that was and in what way that influenced you?
I don’t know, maybe to find my proper style. I love many differend kinds of electro, from minimal to drum and bass, but to be honest classic french acts like Daft Punk, Justice, Sebastian and Jackson And His Computer inspired me like no one else.

Can you tell us how you’ve progressed over the years?
Working, working and working again and again.

What is the main kind of music you would like to produce?
HEAVY SOUND + BIG DnB SYNTH + EPIC/DARK MELODY + HEADBANGING

Are you already having a live show and of not, is that something that you’re going for?
I was playing live till 2009. Live act for me was a show with only my own tracks & remixes. It was a great experience but i prefer to do a DJ set now. I think I’ll seriously work on a new live act for 2012.

Are there any releases and collaborations that we can expect?
My new single will be release on june 20th: RAZOR, signed on Dga Fau Records. At the same time a remix contest will be open and offer opportunity to the winner to figure on RAZOR EP for september with Haezer and Ninetynine remixes. Check also the RAZOR videoclip produced by my friend ANARKY (Melbourne/Australia) online also June 20th. I cannot really talk about collaborations now, but good things are coming for my first mini LP (released late 2011).

What should the readers check out or pay attention?
My home label Dga Fau Records for sure & also my label mates!

Last question, as we’re called The Kool Kids, what makes you so cool?
I’m not sure I’m cool man and don’t really care about it. I’m just a normal young guy who travels around the world as much as possible, plays guitar in a hardcore band and produces electronic music!

Links:
Facebook
Soundcloud
Dga Fau Records

Rocket interview

Nash — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:47:54 +0000

A few weeks ago The Kool Kids discovered Rocket. Benjamin Arce is 23 years old and lives in Guadalajara, Mexico. He just released his ‘Death…Cheers!’ EP.
Directly we fell in love with his songs, his sound is filthy, disgusting, trashy. Rocket says it’s ‘Death.Electro’. He already has been compared on the internet with big names such as The Bloody Beetroots and SebastiAn. He not only produces very creative tracks he also mixes metal songs into Death.Electro. By that we mean artists like Arch Enemy or Machine Head. In a indescribable way he changes the whole feel of the song.
We did an interview with the man himself, to learn him a little bit more and talk about the Electro scene in Mexico.

-Hey man, how are you doing?
Haha! Very good!

-Can you introduce yourself to us?
Well… My name is Ben! I am 23 years old and I like music and photography.
In my spare time I like to walk aimlessly, and I listen to music all day long!

-Can you explain the name “Rocket”?
Rocket is a name that I like very much since a long time ago…And it refers to “ROCK” .
Rocket is Death.Electro

-Right, you live in Mexico. How about the whole electro/dance scene in Mexico?
México has some interesting artists with potential. Especially the genre is evolving in many branches, with electro trash, banger and fidget! (talking about artists like: RDHS, Crimen, PlayCats, Alooner), They represent the new electro scene in México)
And you can trust me the scene is growing up very fast!

-I can imagine you want to be part of it, what made you think to produce this kind of music?
I started producing and mixing tech/house and electro/house… but my body felt the need to more noise! And I decided to produce Death.Electro and trash.

-Your tracks and remixes have a huge variation between genres, you can hear (death) metal mixed with hard electro beats, how did you come up with that?
I’ve always liked the classical music, instrumental music, metal (in all its forms), heavy rock, and electro… So I decided to mix them all together and I named it Death.Electro!

-Looking at your mixed metal songs, what were your influences?
I had no influence… I just decided to make some different, mixing electro and metal.

About the “Death….Cheers! EP”

-In “Blood Symphony” it seems like you have used a whole orchestra, especially with the violin in the beginning and the guitar at the mid, did you use a program like VSTi, or is it live recorded?
All the productions were created in Reason and AcidPro and some were done with VST’s.

-And what about all the grunting in “Suicide in Venice”? Did it yourself?
Haha, no! I don’t even know how to grunt like that. I have a very good friend in a metal band, so he helped me out with that part.

-In “Death…Cheers!” and “Suicide in Venice” we can here again some dramatic remarkable sounds, in the beginning and in the mid, do you use often these sounds?
I really like these sounds, because they give a great force, personality and intensity to the track!

-The hard filthy beats used in “Hello Hares” kinda reminds me of Haezer, do you know him?
Haezer!!! Dirty trash !!!!!!!!!!!! one of my favorites!!

-Are there any plans for performing abroad?
I would like for sure…!! And gradually get to that goal

- Since our name is The Kool Kids, could you give us a reason why you are kool?
I’m kool because I’m here to promote and represent the new Mexican Death.Electro scene!!

Cheers!
Rocket.

Make sure to check out his:
Soundcloud
Facebook
Twitter

Download his ‘Death…Cheers! EP’

The Toxic Avenger

Jelmer — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:48:50 +0000

“The Toxic Avenger, a.k.a. Simon Delacroix, is an electro thrash producer hailing from Paris, France. Taking cues from intelligent hardcore and punk, all the way to 60’s pop, The Toxic Avenger brings us a unique blend of melodic rage and screaming synths that create a sonic epic audiences can lose their minds to.
Toxic has come a long way since 2007’s Superheroes release. Where we last left off, our hero’s shimmering, distortioned riffs called for a new generation of dance staples. The colorful and hopeful single became the theme to Toxic’s rise to power, and helped shape the standards to which we have come to know in the electro community.

Toxic is Dead, the first single from the “Angst” LP release (due April 2011), continues to propel the ever-growing mystique of the man behind the mask. Far from deceased, the Toxic Avenger’s ghostly orchestrations and pulsating rhythms, not to mention his colossal bass lines combine for a dangerous and deadly etherealness that is sure to slay dancefloors around the world straight into the afterlife. Additionally, eccentrics Drop the Lime and heavy hitters South Central provide their talents on remixes that further project the dark evolution of our once Superhero turned sinister.

Previously hailed as one of Rolling Stone’s Artists To Watch, The Toxic Avenger has secured a place as one of the top electro producers, and has provided his signature touch on a number of remixes for artists such as Ladytron, Late of the Pier, Chromeo, and IHC labelmates Heartsrevolution. Additionally, he has performed worldwide with a slew of respectable artists including MSTRKRFT, Late of the Pier, Black Lips, Yelle, The Teenagers, Vitallic, and the infamous Public Enemy.

The Toxic Avenger is currently on tour worldwide, playing in clubs and at festivals from Paris to Melbourne.
In April this year he will release his first LP titled “Angst”.”

Videos:

Music “Angst One” LP version
Composed, produced & performed by The Toxic Avenger
Featuring & strings arrangements SomethingALaMode
Extra video track “Angst One” – Remixed by Kid 606
Video & Music
(p) & © 2011 Roy Music

N’IMPORTE COMMENT – EXTENDED video version The Toxic Avenger
Geüpload door The-Toxic-Avenger. – Bekijk de laatste uitgelichte muziek video clips.

The Toxic Avenger – Toxic Is Dead from IHEARTCOMIX Records on Vimeo.

Download:

The Toxic Avenger – SMILE Mixtape
This is mixtape compiled by The Toxic Avenger, in which you can hear all the sounds and artists that influence him. From Metal to David Bowie!

Interview:

The last material we have is an interview we did with The Toxic Avenger back in 2008:

Interview: The Toxic Avenger from The Kool Kids on Vimeo.

DJ-Set & Tour

06-JAN-11 Toxic Live & Dj Ep release party @ Social club — Paris
21-JAN-11 Toxic Dj set @ Alte Borse – Zurich
22-JAN-11 Toxic Dj set @ Dadada Club – Cannes
23-JAN-11 Toxic Dj Cannes @ Midem – French vibes — Cannes
28-JAN-11 Toxic Dj @ Mezzanine – San Francisco
29-JAN-11 Toxic Dj @ Clandestine only party – Mexicali
05-FEB-11 Toxic Dj @ La machine Lost & Beyond party – Paris
11-FEB-11 Toxic Dj @ Clermont Ferrand — Nuit du Court Festival
12-FEB-11 Toxic Dj @ Liege w/ Orelsan – Liege
18-FEB-11 Toxic Dj @ Elysée Montmartre – Paris
19-FEB-11 Toxic Dj @ Monza Club – Frankfurt
25-FEB-11 Toxic Dj @ Nancy – L’envers club
18-MAR-11 – LIVE Marseille, Cabaret Aléatoire
19-MAR-11 – LIVE Mediator, Perpignan
25-MAR-11 – LIVE EMB Sannois
26-MAR-11 – LIVE Festival Nouvelles Scène — Niort
01-APR-11 – LIVE Confort Moderne, Poitiers
02-APR-11 – LIVE Zeclectiques festival, Cholet
07-APR-11 – LIVE Paris, Nouveau Casino
08-APR-11 – LIVE Reperkusound festival – Lyon
09-APR-11 – LIVE Razzmatazz, Barcelona
10-APR-11 – LIVE Garorock Festival, Marmande
22-APR-11 – LIVE Olympic Nantes

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/toxavanger
http://savoirfairecie.com/booking/the-toxic-avenger
http://www.roymusic.com/toxic

Boys Noize To Release Nott/Trooper EP

Jelmer — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 10:00:50 +0000

Boys Noize is already releasing his fourth EP after his second album “Power”. This time he asked the likes of Robert Hood, Paul Chambers, Strip Steve, Mixhell and others to remix the pounding techno tracks “Nott” and “Trooper”. Plus you will get a Hey Today! Remix of “Nerve” and remixes by Strip Steve and Mixhell of “Trooper” too as digital bonus!

“One year ago Boys Noize released his second album “Power” and here come the last singles: the double A-side “Trooper”/”Nott” plus remixes by Robert Hood, Paul Chambers, Shadow Dancer, Mixhell, Phon.o and Strip Steve.

Listen to “Trooper” and you immediately feel part of a movie – a dark, powerful tech strength, big drum sounds and the scary voice “machine system” is something you haven’t heard before, for sure! Boys Noize had the big honor of getting a remix by Techno-Godfather ROBERT HOOD. The legend from detroit (co-founder of Underground Resistance together with Jeff Mills) takes “Trooper” into a techno-machine, with big dry kickdrums and static percussions that reflect the original idea of “Trooper”. A very special vocalist supported his work, Robert Hood’s daughter sings “left, right, left, right” all the way through this mix which does magic on the dancefloor! Berlin buddy PHON.O turns “Trooper” into an epic Warehouse dub mix – oldschool meets new school.
“Nott” is a modern tech-rave track a la Boys Noize with it’s strong robot voice that claims “I am nott techno” and because rave was born in belgium we choose local hero PAUL CHAMBERS to take you on an adventure through bleeps and Acid, a sure shot to turn the club to the next level. UK’s finest SHADOW DANCER reduces the important bits from the original and adds nice percussive rythms so it gets less techno and more house! A great alternative, nott? As a digital Bonus you get MIXHELL (!) and Strip Steve’s take on “Trooper” and Hey Today’s bass mix on Power album track “Nerve”.”

Nott/Trooper Remix EP
A. Nott (Original Mix)
B1. Nott (Paul Chambers Remix)
B2. Nott (Shadow Dancer Remix)
Dig. Bonus: Nerve (Hey Today! Remix)

C1. Trooper (Original Mix)
C2. Trooper (Phon.o Remix)
D. Trooper (Robert Hood Remix)
Dig. Bonus: Trooper (Mixhell Remix)
Dig. Bonus 2: Trooper (Strip Steve Remix)

The vinyl release will be on: November 8th
Digital release for Nott will be on: November 8th
Digital release for Trooper will be on: November 22th

Shook – The Glow EP

Jelmer — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:12:24 +0000

Shook is one of the most talented producers in The Netherlands, perhaps in the world even. Having played several gigs throughout The Netherlands and Europe, releasing his first 12″ EP will take him one step closer to the top fame in this music world.

This is the début 12″ by Shook. Shook crafts a more musical sounding sound in the electronic/banger world. He follows suit in other electronic acts such as Kavinsky, Danger and Daft Punk by creating an alternate universe with an animated self that produces a mystique and allure, allowing his music to speak for itself. The record comes with a full colour mini-comic and a double A-side for extended listening pleasure.

The 12″ is limited to 200 copies and RED vinyl! The Vinyl Release includes a full colour mini-comic and a double A-side for extended listening pleasure.

Tracklist:
1. 1986
2. Flash
3. Something About You
4. The Glow
5. Missing Without You

You can buy the EP over at the online store. For worldwide shipping information, please follow the instructions at the store page.

Here are some other monster tracks from Shook to play and download:

Shook – #2 by shookshookshook

Jupiter – CHiP (Shook Remix) by shookshookshook

Penguin Prison – The Worse It Gets (Shook Remix) by shookshookshook

Make sure to check out his website, Soundcloud, Twitter and Myspace.
Website: http://www.shookmusic.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/shookshookshook
Soundcloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/shookshookshook
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/iamshook

Jaimie Fanatic – Photobook EP

Jelmer — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:20:33 +0000

Jaimie Fanatic, believe it or not, started out being a techno dj for many years. At the time the repetitive drum programming got him bored and he switched to a more house type of music. Now after many years of producing Indie Electro tracks he gets back to his roots and gives us “Photobook”. A simple but beautiful repetitive Techno tune that goes deeper than anything he has ever done before. This track has immediately got support from Techno king Angel Alanis, who will deliver a remix when the remix bundle is due for release. For now, the original is pre-released for an exclusive 2 week period on Beatport as of 2nd of September.

Extra note from Fanatic – “I’m going to make a new mixtape today and am only going to share it with the people that can prove they bought my new single “Photobook” on Beatport… The mix will be filled with exclusive new promos from artists worldwide.” To get the mix follow him on Twitter.

Jaimie Fanatic – Photobook by Jaimie Fanatic aka Suelo

Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/jaimiefanatic/jaimie-fanatic-photobook

Beatport: https://www.beatport.com/en-US/html/content/release/detail/278974/Photobook