Superfuture Superguide Paris

Superfuture Paris

I Am Somebody: French Techno's New Wave

Two robots. That’s all it took to bring the sound known as French Touch to the world. By 1994, the duo of Thomas Bangalter and Guy Manuel de Homen Christo (Daft Punk) was at the forefront of a nascent scene, composed of like-minded producers, DJs, and label-heads that had a serious fetish for both soul and disco. Their debut single “The New Wave,” released by Soma Records that year, sparked a worldwide interest in what was happening in France at the time. Those who looked into the origins of the robots and other up-and-coming French acts soon found that they kept running into the same two names: Pedro Winter and Gildas Loaec. Winter managed Daft Punk, Cassius, and a host of others during the late 1990s, helping to bring their music to larger and larger audiences. Loaec, on the other hand, co-ran the Roulé label with Bangalter, which was responsible for, among other things, Stardust’s classic French Touch anthem “Music Sounds Better with You.”

It’s now more than ten years later and the French have returned. Those two names are still the same: Pedro Winter runs Ed Banger Records and Gildas Loaec is the head of Kitsuné, but the music is very much different. The two have been absorbing the recent progress, reinterpreting it, and forging something altogether new in the process. But while each label is leading a resurgent French scene, the two work in very different ways. In a recent email exchange with Mr. Winter, he elaborated the differences as such: “I don’t think we’re doing the same kind of music. I’m trying to push new, young French artists. Kitsuné feeds the big clubs and sell a lot of records. We deliver underground hits for indie club kids, and I sell fuckin’ less!” Fair enough.

Although Ed Banger has yet to push a release of the magnitude of either Daft Punk or any of Kitsuné’s flagship acts, they have released a number of records of note—Justice’s remake of the Simian hit “Never Be Alone,” Zongamin’s “Bongo Song,” and Sebastian’s “Smoking Kills” are probably the best. While all of these releases are easily individuated, there are common threads: volume, a consciousness of the medium, its physical limitations, and its power. The connection between dance and the overdriven distortion more commonly found in rock music that’s become one of Banger’s hallmarks is described thusly by Winter: “maybe it’s because the crew is not only listening to dance music. Other labels are into their own world, too much club culture.” It’s this approach that ties Ed Banger to other like-minded labels such as Fine, Gomma, Kitsuné, and Output. Whether it’s Zongamin’s driving bass lines, or Justice’s pure and total desire to bottom-out every possible set of speakers, it’s obvious that there’s more on the mind of Winter’s stable of artists than simply making the audience move their feet. They also want to make heads bang.

The scope of the label is by no means restricted to the intersection of indie and dance, though. In fact, Winter himself is busy recording hip-hop under the moniker Busy P, and the label recently put out another single, “Pop the Glock,” by Uffie. While it’s hard to say what exactly Uffie is, she serves as a further testament to the musical cross-breeding of the label nonetheless. In the same exchange, Pedro puts it this way, “The French scene is ready to show something else other than ‘French Touch.’ We are proud of the 1997 era, but now it’s time to present new stuff. French kids discovered house music with Daft Punk, and pop music was hip-hop for them. Now they want a mix of those two influences, here we are!”

That 1997 era is more heavily referenced by Kitsuné Music—the logical continuation and heir apparent of Roulé and the French house scene. Kitsuné is the French Japanese label and clothing company run by Gildas Loaec, Masaya Kuroki, Patrick Lacey, Benjamin Reichen, Kajsa Stahl and Maki Suzuki. Much less subtly than its namesake (translated from Japanese, Kitsuné means “fox”), Kitsuné is continuing the French ruination begun in 1996, albeit with more than a hint of the French Touch. For instance, Benjamin Theves hit 12” “Texas” is nothing if not an updated electro-fucked version of the best tracks from that era. It makes for a sound that goes down easier, but you won’t find fans complaining about the work artists like Digitalism, Playgroup, The Whitest Boy Alive (the new project from Kings of Convenience’s Erlend Oye), Volga Select (a Blackstrobe alias), and a handful of others. Kitsuné is the label that will release tracks from the likes of Carlos D and Bloc Party and get away with it.

They do so by packaging and marketing all Kitsuné releases to create a recognizable visual aesthetic, while not necessarily presenting a unified sound. For instance, there have been four compilations released, and each has a distinct theme. Kitsuné Love was released both as a CD and as individual 12”s, each of which featured neatly organized vegetable displays so as to suggest a dish to enjoy while listening. Kitsuné Midnight focused on temporal and spatial ideas—the artwork featured a picture from each of the world’s 25 time zones. Kitsuné X was all about juxtaposition: pitting pictures of Darwin’s finches and the work of British font maker Eric Gill against one another. By placing the two together, Kitsuné’s stated goal was to celebrate both clumsiness and the right to change one’s mind. The fourth, Kitsuné Maison, serves as a general introduction to all the previous compilations, and is probably the best starting point.

Their newest project, Kitsuné Maison 2, proves that they’re moving nowhere but forward, and fast. While retaining labels stars Digitalism, Joakim, Simian Mobile Disco, and Popular Computer, there are plenty of new faces. (Cazals, Azzido da Bass, and Stylus favorite Fox n’ Wolf to name just a few.) But even the faces we know are returning with a twist. Sure, Simian Mobile Disco’s “Hustler” holds true to the harsh electro wave of the day, but it only bleeds through a self-effacing veneer of hip-hop kitsch, “I’m a hustler, baby. That’s what my daddies made me.” And even the steady Digitalism and their track “Jupiter Room” finds them refining their sound, but with a few changes. Its first minute is an experiment with space, complete with Traum-ish muted thunder rumbles before the beat drops. Then as it progresses, guitars, snares, and everything else seem to be drench in reverb, cue a thundering climax and you just might have the world’s first progressive dirty electro track. Slated for release later this year, Kitsuné’s Maison 2 seems poised to take the ruins left in the wake of Daft Punk and pulverize whatever chunks were inadvertently left behind.

James Murphy once famously claimed that he was losing his edge “to the kids from France.” With nothing left to prove, Murphy’s DFA label is losing its edge. The kids that they brought to dance music from the world of indie rock are now looking elsewhere, as their productions become increasingly similar, and space disco timely. Ed Banger and Kitsuné are two of the labels that are busy tinkering irreverently with both dance-punk and The French Touch, and in the process are creating a new strand of post-dance-punk electro that is as addictive as it is carefree. Edits, cuts, splices, returns, and more splices … it’s all about dynamics, volume, destroying speakers, and moving your feet.

[via stylusmagazine.com]

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A New City Guide | Paris

Top 10 Paris hotels

Tomorrow, the first high-speed Eurostar leaves from St Pancras. Angelique Chrisafis helps you find your ideal Parisian pad with her insider guide to the capital's hotels

1. In pod we trust: Everland

If you've ever wanted to be part of a Paris modern art installation while you sleep, here's your chance. On the roof of the neo-classical Palais de Tokyo — Paris's cutting-edge contemporary arts centre — you can spend the night in a designer pod with the best view in the city. The Everland hotel is an art installation by Swiss artists Sabrina Lang and Daniel Baumann. Described as a kind of ultra-modern tree-house on one of Paris's best-placed rooftops, it has a panoramic view of the Seine and the Eiffel tower. The lone capsule — with bedroom, bathroom and lounge area including a record player with a selection of vinyl and a well-stocked mini-bar — is serviced like any other luxury hotel. But remember, you're not a guest, you're a work of art, so you can only stay one night, to ensure a "unique experience". With only one room, this is Paris's smallest hotel, but also its most sought-after – it will only last until December 31 2008. You must book online two months in advance.

· €333 (£235) Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. €444 (£313) Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Closed Mondays.

2. Time-warp: Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais

Furnished in the style of a private townhouse in the time of playwright Beaumarchais (Marriage of Figaro) and Mozart, this "bonne adresse" on the edge of Paris's chic Marais district is cosy and atmospheric, but also good value. Fear not Paris chintz, this is the tasteful historic version. A rare piano from 1792, an abandoned card-table by the fire, candles, chandeliers and an antique harp welcome you into a late 18th-century time-warp. Even the bedrooms and bathrooms have an air of Louis XVI, with chandeliers and elaborate heavy curtains. The hotel's location is a definite plus point. Turn left and cross the busy boulevard, rue de Rivoli, and it's a quick walk from the Seine and its islands. But turn right and meander through the narrow streets of the Marais, and you're in a warren of bars, restaurants, chocolatiers and stylish shopping — a short walk from Places des Vosges, the Picasso museum and the Jewish delis of rue des Rosiers. On the same road as the hotel, are some of the Marais's favourite cafes, including the literary bar, La Belle Hortense, and opposite it, the typical Paris bar, Au Petit Fer à Cheval.

· Doubles from: €125 (£88) a night.

3. Parisian dandy: Windsor Home

Its name might make it sound like a Berkshire retirement home, but this smart Parisien house in the 16th arrondissement is in fact a quirky but chic hideway with a B&B feel. With only eight rooms, decorated like the home of a true Parisian dandy, it feels more like staying with posh friends. Good value and not far from the Eiffel tower, it's a good starting point for exploring western Paris.

· Doubles from: €120 (£85).

4. Art of the left Bank: Hôtel Mayet

A colourful, chilled-out, family-friendly and nicely-priced small townhouse hotel on the Left Bank. Modern art murals decorate the entrance hall while modern white, grey and red colour schemes dominate the simple upstairs and attic rooms. On a quiet street south of the Invalides and L'Ecole Militaire, it's perfect for visitors who like long Paris walks — you can easily head into the Latin Quarter or up to the Eiffel Tower, the river and beyond.

· Doubles from: €120 (£85) to €140 (£99).

5. Boudoir boutique: Daniel

Hotel Daniel, Paris Grand designs ... hotel Daniel For a more expensive weekend break near Paris's priciest shopping streets, le Daniel is a boutique hotel which shuns the notion of all-white modernism. In a quiet street behind the Champs Elysées, it likes to think of itself as a miniature palace, a blend of chinoiserie, satin sofas and cosy lounge areas that recreate a colonial past. Its boudoir style involves a riot of patterned wallpapers and fabrics. Like all Parisien hotels in picturesque buildings, some rooms are small, but the décor more than compensates. If you tire of the crowds of the Champs Elysées or the designer boutiques of rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, it's a pleasant walk to Parc Monceau.

· Rooms from: €370 (£261).

6. La bohème: Hôtel Arvor Saint Georges

A cosy house near Montmartre and Pigalle, with rooms winding up a staircase to a rooftop view. Its mix of white minimalistic bedrooms and funky downstairs décor makes you feel more like you're in a Parisian bourgeois-boheme flat-share than a hotel. Be sure to ask for one of the recently renovated rooms – particularly with a good view over the patio and backyard.

· Rooms from: €150 (£106)

7. Homes from home: Alcôve & Agapes guest bedrooms


To stay in the guest-room of a genuine Paris flat, browse through the options on offer from the company Alcôve & Agapes which acts as an intermediary. Possibilities include staying in the homes of hosts across Paris from the Ile Saint-Louis to Montmartre, from modern apartments to 19th-century mansions, or even an artist's studio in Saint-Germain. The French chambre d'hôtes system that's so common across the French countryside also works well in the capital.

· Double rooms from €75 to €195 € per night (£53 to £138).

8. Budgeteering: Hôtel Beaumarchais

Hôtel Beaumarchais is a cheap and cheerful option for young people on a budget, or those travelling in a group and sharing a room. With incredibly bright carpets and décor with oddities like plastic bathroom furniture, it provides a basic but chilled-out Paris base on the edge of the hip Oberkampf district with its bars and clubs.

· Rooms from: €75 to €90 for a single (£53 to £63.50), €110 to €130 for a double (£78 to £92).

9. True romance: Hôtel Bourg Tibourg

Hôtel Bourg Tibourg, Paris True romance ... Hôtel Bourg Tibourg A gem in the Marais, not far from Paris's city hall, Hôtel Bourg Tibourg is a calm hideaway on a quiet street with décor that can only be described as modern oriental baroque. The little sister of Paris's vastly expensive Costes hotel, this is a romantic option for a cheaper but nonetheless opulent weekend break. There are good bars and cafes within staggering distance, yet it's quiet. Again, be warned: it's a historic building, so the rooms are small, but perfectly designed.

· Rooms from: €160 (£113) for a single room with bath, €220 (£155) Double room with bath.

10. Pension-style: Hotel du Nord

Tucked away in a quiet street near the Gare du Nord, this is a simple, down-to-earth and incredibly good value Parisian house, that's very proud of its local neighbourhood feel. With homemade jams served at breakfast, it feels more like a cheap but cosy B&B than a hotel. They have 10 bikes available to guests free of charge. There are 22 bedrooms and one suite. But for a brighter, lighter room ask for one high up or facing the street.

· Rooms from: €65 (£46) for a single or double

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Hotel Everland Paris

Hotel Everland Paris - booking


Currently all available nights are booked.
Bookings can be made within the next 60 days.

The next night Sunday, 13 January 2008 will be available for booking on 14 November 2007 at a random hour on this page.

Room price per night:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 333 Euro
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 444 Euro
Monday closed



The night of 31.12.2007 (New Year's Eve) is auctioned.
The auction starts on the 15.11.07 on this page and will run for seven days.

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