RAC, a mysterious collective behind a series of excellent remixes, I have always been curious about Kitsuné, the label behind a series of excellent compilations.
I only knew three things: It’s French. It’s also a fashion label. And the people behind it seem to be really ahead of the curve, with compilations that gave us an early introduction to bands like Two Door Cinema Club and more.
Their latest compilation, “Kitsuné Parisien II”, is out this week so I decided to do a little investigating. It’s full of dance pop gems like Jason Bentley’s favorite “Lescop” by La Foret.
LESCOP / la foret by ‘John and Jehn’ Radio
Check out the track and read an interview with Kitsuné founder Gildas Loaëc below!
What is Kitsuné?
Kitsuné is a music label and a clothing brand … a real true music label and a real true clothing line, taking care to provide the best in both areas.
We’re not making the music label to be the accessory of the clothing brand, and not making the clothing brand the merchandising of the music label. Both have credibility in their own world. Positive word of mouth is doing the rest.
What does Kitsuné mean?
Kitsuné means fox in Japanese. In the Japanese folklore, the fox is a beautiful furry animal with many different faces. Kitsuné is not only a clothing line but also a music label, just like the fox it has many different faces.
How do you discover the artists you include on the compilations?
At the moment, for example, I’m putting the final touches on a brand new compilation dedicated to your beautiful country, a compilation called Kitsuné AMERICA.
It will feature cool new upcoming American artists I love. To make that one, I spent lot of time online. I also asked for advice from some friends in the business — bands, managers. I also get in touch with bloggers, asking them for tips. I even ask our communities about their tastes.
Among the tons of submissions I get, I have to make my way. Not the hardest job on earth. J
There are a few artists in particular we started playing based on your compilations, including Two Door Cinema Club and Delphic. Can you tell us a bit more about how you found those bands in particular?
The idea behind all our compilations is to be a way to scout, cast bands.
In the past, we made a lot of one off singles, including first singles from La Roux, Klaxons, Phoenix to name a few. Over time as it got better, we signed the bands and put out the albums ourselves — Two Door Cinema Club, Delphic but also French band Housse de Racket, which will tour in the U.S. soon, and forthcoming project Citizens.
From the most recent comp, Jason’s been playing La Foret’s LESCOP – how did you find this band? Tell us a bit about them?
Great .. thanks Jason! Lescop are a young French band and we featured them on our 100% French compilation Kitsuné Parisien.
Are there any big plans for the future we should know about? Anything cool on the horizon?
We want to develop more in the United States. We love USA so much.
Kitsuné Club Night US Tour Dates
THR 3/8 New York NY Santos Party House $10
Crystal Fighters (live), Gigamesh, Plastic Plates, Computer Magic (live)
FRI 3/9 San Francisco CA Mezzanine $12/$15
Crystal Fighters (live), Gigamesh, Computer Magic (live)
SAT 3/10 Santa Monica CA The Central $12/$15
Crystal Fighters , Kevin of Two Door Cinema Club DJ Set, Plastic Plates
FRI 3/16 Austin TX, SXSW, Malverde
THR 3/22 Miami FL Pool Party, Standard Hotel
SAT 3/24 Miami FL Soho Houseur biggest moment is going to be the opening our first Maison Kitsuné store in NY in March 2012. Also, the release of the above-mentioned Kitsuné AMERICA compilation. Big plans for us include a few Kitsuné club nights happening in March.