Some things are better when combined with an unlikely mate: peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup – heck, even gin and juice. But these are just a few American examples of quirky combinations. To broaden our palates, both culinarily and musically, we must take a page from our international artisans.
Enter the multifaceted, multinational Kitsuné.
Kitsuné is unique in that it’s both a music and fashion label. Founded after a 2002 visit to Japan by Gildas Loaëc and Masaya Kuroki, everything about the Paris-based company screams “international.” (“Kitsuné” is actually a Japanese word that means “fox.”) Kitsuné’s website goes on to say Loaëc and Kuroki “both decided to create a structure that would combine all the things they were into: clothes, image – and music, of course.”
Together, the dynamic duo has released more than 23 albums/compilations, and probably double that number in singles and EPs. Some international artists who’ve previously been featured in Kitsuné compilations include Wolfmother, La Roux, Crystal Castles and Simian Mobile Disco.
Of the 12 tracks on Parisien, only a handful are in English. However, just because I couldn’t understand most of the album doesn’t mean I didn’t like it. In fact, my reaction to the international techno-pop was very positive – in Parisien, innovative beats and catchy hooks need no translation. My favorite tracks include the bouncy remix of Housse de Racket’s “Château” and the funky, bass-laden sound of Jupiter’s “Saké.”
If Parisien is the latest French export, I predict it’ll be flying off the shelves faster than you can say avant-garde. American musicians, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do…
Kitsuné’s clothing is not available for sale in the U.S., though you can buy it online. Parisien hits the music market today.
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