Kartell - EVERYTHING IS HERE (Album) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Dimitri Lanctuit
French DJ and producer Kartell is gearing up to release his highly anticipated album, ‘EVERYTHING IS HERE,’ out now, courtesy of the esteemed Roche Musique label. The album features the standout track ‘LUSH’ featuring Tkay Maidza, known for her infectious energy and collaborations with the likes of Flume, Martin Solveig, and Troye Sivan.
‘EVERYTHING IS HERE’ takes listeners on a cosmic journey, drawing inspiration from the ethereal realms of prog rock and the dreamy allure of psychedelia. Combining these influences with the accessibility of French electronic music and the groove of R&B and disco, Kartell crafts a mesmerizing experience that blends nostalgia with a modern edge, showcasing a progression from his earlier EP work.
On the lead track with the chameleonic Zimbabwean-born Australian singer-songwriter and rapper Tkay Maidza, she adds: “Kartell is super dope and the French dance scene inspires me a lot, much like the title of this song their sonic boards and landscapes are super lush and I wanted to capture that essence in a song. I’m so grateful to be a part of this album.”
The album's musical landscape reflects a fascination with 60s and 70s aesthetics, embracing themes of outer space, exoticism, and the burgeoning possibilities of technology and science fiction. Each track is rich with nebulous textures and otherworldly sounds reminiscent of space rock, yet grounded in catchy melodies and a pop sensibility.
‘EVERYTHING IS HERE’ marks Kartell's debut full-length album, featuring collaborations with Tkay Maidza, Barney Bones, Kurtis Wells, and other notable artists. Through lush production and cinematic quality, the album paints a vivid sonic portrait where live instrumentation merges seamlessly with atmospheric synthesizers, offering listeners an immersive auditory experience.
Reflecting on his musical journey, Kartell shares, "This album began with me asking myself, ‘OK, how did I fall in love with music in the first place?’ I started to visualize childhood memories of me listening to music in the summer and wanted to create something that worked in that scene and landscape."
Hailing from Tours, France, Kartell's musical upbringing was steeped in his father's eclectic record collection, spanning soul, disco, and early house. With influences ranging from Air to Justice, Khruangbin, and Tame Impala, Kartell's music radiates warmth and nostalgia, reflecting his evolution from experimenting with Fruity Loops in his teens to becoming a fixture in Paris' vibrant club scene.
After a hiatus to focus on fatherhood, Kartell returned with the ‘Daybreak’ EP in 2021, signaling a new chapter in his artistic journey. Now, with ‘EVERYTHING IS HERE,’ Kartell continues to push boundaries, seamlessly weaving together elements of rock, R&B, and electronic music into a cohesive and captivating masterpiece.
Kartell sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I grew up in a family where there was always music playing. It all began with my dad's record collection at home with early house and soul records, the car trip playing trip-hop or soft rock records, and also discovering some amazing compact disc albums at the public library when I was a kid.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Definitely JB Dunckel or Nicolas Godin from Air. I grew up with their music and it has been present throughout the best moments of my life. Phoenix would be a dream collab too.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I have just released my first album ‘EVERYTHING IS HERE’ and it’s kind of a big step and a new era opening for me after making music for the last decade.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I’ve explored a few genres that evolved around groove, soul and disco but the common thing In terms of feelings would be nostalgic and contemplative, dense and spacey.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Honestly being able to have the time to develop my sound and experiment for the last 10 years through different EPs until this first album is a proud achievement in itself.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Do it for yourself first and be a listener of your own music, patience and consistency can build the rest.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Portraits of Tracy.
Close Counters.
A/S/L.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Psychic Mirrors - Ophilia.
Blue Iversion - Hotep.
River Tiber - Dreaming Eyes.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Taking care of my kids.
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My Yamaha bass, a basic one but I enjoyed playing it so much lately.
Sonarworks - Sound ID Reference: a software that gives you a neutral sound when mixing.
My vintage orange lamps and lights.