- Record Makers
Record Makers was founded in 2000 by AIR and their associates Marc Teissier du Cros and Stephane Elfassi, following the release of their soundtrack for Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides. It was borne out of their desire to focus on more interesting, ambitious projects that would have been difficult to achieve in the confines of a major label.
They were united behind the belief that music of differing styles with strong French influences can have a global impact and that the successes of acts like Daft Punk, AIR or Serge Gainsbourg were not just exceptions to the rule. Modern music imbued with the elegance and traditions of France has clear potential outside of these exponents of dance and chanson.
In 2004, AIR's involvement with the label ceased, but this parting of ways only served to give the label a new lease of life and expand their creative freedom. They were driven forward by the maverick Sebastien Tellier, who announced himself to the world with La Ritournelle, an emotive piano-led piece, which evokes beautifully the contrasting joy and sadness of being in love. It received critical acclaim around the world and has been used extensively in the fashion and advertising sectors.
Strong networks in these other fields, allied to a keen interest in cinema, allow Record Makers to develop its publishing arm without compromising its focus on production. Notable collaborations include DSL's work for Hedi Slimane's Dior Homme 2003 couture show, the inclusion of a track by Kavinsky, who supported Daft Punk around the world, on the soundtrack for Grand Theft Auto 4 and the release of the influential soundtrack of John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13. In addition to this, the score for Quentin Dupieux's (Mr.Oizo) feature film Steak was co-written by Sebastien Tellier, who also starred in the movie. His song, Universe, featured on the soundtrack for Daft Punk's Electroma.
The Daft Punk connection continued for Sebastien Tellier as he enlisted Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of the duo to produce his third album, Sexuality. The lead single, Divine, was selected to represent France at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade – a task which Sebastien fulfilled with typical aplomb.
The best Eurovision entrant since Abba's Waterloo - the song is a frothy, fun-tabulous Beach Boys homage. "Sunday TIMES, May 08
A unique collaboration has also been reached with American Apparel to distribute Sexuality in their stores around the world alongside the creation of an exclusive garment tailored to the release. It is clear that the sensual overtones of the album fit perfectly with the ever-provocative stylings of the retailer.
Innovation is the key to everything that Record Makers do. This is reflected in our attitude to signing artists, often choosing to work with talented people whose ideas don't conform to whatever happens to be in vogue at the time, whilst possessing strong concepts that underpin their musical vision. The goal is to help the artists make the most of their abilities but with a certain sense of style, as demonstrated by the label's commitment to producing quality visuals and videos to accompany their releases. In support of this, a sister company focusing on visual arts has been set up by Record Makers as they make their first forays into the world of film production.
Record Makers is not tied to any exclusive label deal, which allows the steady nurturing of each artist's work over a long period of time. The label itself consists of a small, focused group of employees, which leads to a rapport with each artist that bears a closer resemblance to a strong friendship. Working in this way allows a continued emphasis on ensuring that everything created by Record Makers retains a certain individuality and sophistication.
There is no specific musical style one could ascribe to Record Makers. The label is fiercely proud of its diversity, which encompasses everything from the dark, brooding electro of Kavinsky to the rock disciplinaire of Turzi, the synth-disco chic of Hypnolove to the rich compositions of Sebastien Tellier. What is important for Record Makers is the hazy romanticism inherent to their vision of modern music, which all the artists on the label share.
Artists produced
*
ARPANET
* A VISIBLE BOY
* DAMIEN
* DELIA
* D.I.E.U
* DSL
* ELECTROMENAGER
* HYPNOLOVE
* I LOVE UFO
* JACK LAHANA
*Kavinsky
* Klub des loosers
* LOSChicros
* MARKE NEWTON
* MATHIEU PERSAN
* MAXENCE CYRIN
* MR LEARN
* NOTRE DAME
* RAINBOW BROTHER
*Sébastien Tellier
* SEX IN DALLAS AND BILADOLL
* THOMAS WINTER
* TURZIReleases
2000
* B.O.F. The Virgin Suicides2001
*Sébastien Tellier : L'Incroyable Vérité
*Arpanet : Wireless Internet2002
* I Hear Voices compilation
* Air / Alessandro Barricco: City Reading2003
* DSL: Jaym
* B.O.F. Assault on Precinct 13 (John Carpenter)2004
*Sébastien Tellier : Politics
* Klub des Loosers: Vive la Vie
* Sébastien Tellier + divers: B.O.F. Narco2005
* Hypnolove: Mademoiselle EP
* Turzi: Made Under Authority EP2006
*Kavinsky : Teddy Boy EP
* Damien: L’art du disque
* I Love UFO: Wish EP
*Sébastien Tellier : Sessions
* Hypnolove : Eurolove
* I Love UFO: Wish
*Arpanet : Reference Frame EP
*Arpanet : Inertial Frame LP
*Arpanet : Inertial Frame CD2007
* Sex in Dallas: Hit Back Bow EP
*Kavinsky : 1986 EP
* Turzi: 'A' LP
*Sébastien Tellier : Sexual Sportswear 12"2008:
*Sébastien Tellier : Sexuality LPExternal links
* [http://www.recordmakers.com/ Record Makers website]
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