Circuit Sweet Interview, Feature, News

RAD RELEASES 18 – JEAN JEAN

December 31, 2018

It’s that time once again, as the countdown to the end of 2018 rapidly approaches we take a personal look back on familiar names, features and musicians’ best releases of the past 12 months. In what has been another crazy year of highs and lows- it’s the releases that have pulled a lot of people through the year. Now in it’s 8th year, Circuit Sweet will be hosting takeovers from the featured artists/musicians/labels and promoters of the site with their personal top releases of the year.

As we near the end of our annual end of year tradition; we let our favourites take over the site to tell us the records that have made their end of year lists. Telling us their favourite events/gigs and what we can look forward to from them next year.

Our next take over comes from a trio who released our personal favourite album this year and one which we were so thrilled to welcome to our shop. Paris based instrumental pioneers Jean Jean released their stunning new album back in February and have been soaking up the rewards of that record since. Consisting of Sebastien Torregrossa, Edouard Lebrun and Gregory Hoepffner; this talented trio have blown us away with their promising evolution and their ability to captivate any listener. The trio have been touring hard with shows in 2018 at Download Festival and ArcTanGent. We hand the site over to the band to find out more about their year in music…

  • Top 5 releases of the year

DAUGHTERS – You Won’t Get What You Want

Edouard: If I have to erase all the heavy rock bands and keep only one, it would be Daughters for sure!

Since the first album, this band have a special place in my music library.

Fav moment to listen: very loud in your headphones with as much people as possible around you.

Greg: Honestly don’t remember the last time I heard such a good heavy music record. This is proof that you can still make Noise/Hardcore with original ideas and sounds. Love the fact that the vocals are so much more than just screams. Who wants to scream « Don’t tell me how to do my job » during their back commute from work ? I do !

SOPHIE – Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides

G: If you’re not familiar with Sophie, I strongly suggest that you check out the video for « Ponyboy » -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uERIXLWeik0

It’s weird, it’s catchy as hell, it’s unique, it’s the future. The album is not all bangers, but I personally enjoy it’s diversity, and the talent that can make an ambient track feel dangerous.

E: Not my favorite release from Sophie, but maybe the best to discover the artist.

Just after this, go to listen Vroom Vroom EP, from Charlie XCX, produced by SOPHIE, Such a great and futuristic production.

MARC MELIÀ – Song For Prophet

E: An ode to the legendary Dave Smith synth.

Furthermore, he did such a cool video for this album, simple and mind blowing.

Go check: YouTube > Marc Melia > Music For Prophet (Full Album)

BLOOD ORANGE – Negro Swan

G: This man is a genius. This album was harder to get into for me, it’s more ambitious and the sugar comes later than « Freetown Sound » and « Cupid Deluxe ». A bit more on the r’n’b / soul side also, but still with this crazy blend of styles that make it interesting after countless spins. As usual the running order and the transitions / cinematic breaks are flawless, which make the 16 tracks seem like half of it. I’d like to live in a endless Blood Orange album, thanks bisous.

TIM HECKER – Konoyo

E: Lay back, don’t be afraid of being afraid, do everything to stay on the edge, don’t fall asleep, don’t wake up, see you in 60 minutes 😉

As always, thanks Tim Hecker for this unreal moment.

FAILURE – In The Future Your Body Will Be The Furthest Thing From Your Mind

G: I’ve been a Failure fan for a long time, and I think it’s their best work. Not a single weak track on this one, even the Segues never feel disposable. The opening and closing tracks are masterpieces, and everything in between is just classic awesome Failure, with a little more edge and experimentation. Ken Andrews delivers the best vocals and production of his career, reassuring us that yes, it’s very much ok to get older.

POLO & PAN – just for the song “DOROTHY”

E : Wow, what a track. I can’t explain why I love it, it may be the sound and the arrangement choices, very modern and timeless in the same time.

  • The best show you have played this year and why

ARCTANGENT 2018

It was really the perfect place for us to present our music, and we had the extra chance to play on the big stage. Huge sound, great strobing lights, great crowd, and not too many messing up. What more can you ask ? It was quite a big deal to make 1000 people clap on a song about sad ghosts !

>>> https://youtu.be/qCjtUGEfz98

  • The best gig you have attended and why

E: CHARLIE XCX  and A. J. Cook

@laMaroquinerie, Paris.

I love this artist, I can’t explain why, I just agree with a lot of things she does.

We just danced during the whole show, that’s the best reason I guess 🙂

  • Highlights of your year

– Touring with Carpenter Brut in the US

– Playing Download Festival along with Marilyn Manson and Thrice

  • Artist/Band to watch for 2019

G: MYKKI BLANCO with his new album « Stay Close to Music, Stay Close to God ».

Really curious to hear what will happen with such a title.

HOT CHIP who are currently recording with Philippe Zdar in Paris. Nothing could wrong with the mix of these 2.

And our buddies APOLLO NOIR & CLAUDE VIOLANTE who will release their albums during the year.

E: I guess BOYFRNDZ are working on a new album. We played with there guys during our 1st US tour, they are absolutely mind blowing.

I’m also waiting for these pop singers I love (Carly Rae Jepsen, Charlie XCX…) to release new stuff

I used to play drums for an artist called Appalache, and Greg is currently playing guitar/synths for him.

I know he’s working on a new album. I listened to a few tracks and I’m sure it’s gonna be a beautiful album 🙂

  • Plans for the New Year

G: Heading north to spend the NY in Sweden with a Prince.

E: Compose more music

G: Oh yeah and that too, obviously !

Thank you so much Jean Jean, can’t wait to hear more from you all next year.

www.jeanjeanband.com

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