Label Project, with support from Future Generation 93.8, returns with another internationally renowned headliner in Kavinsky, performing at Klein Phönix Park on Friday 29 July. Vincent Belorgey, under his renowned moniker, is the French musician, producer, and DJ known for his signature style that can be best described as 1980s style soundtracks with contemporary production and stylings. He became a household name in the electronic scene after his song “Nightcall” achieved international acclaim through its inclusion in the 2011 film Drive starring Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. Tickets are currently available on GM Ticket, but likely to sell out soon, so act fast if interested.
The fictional, but fun origin story behind Kavinsky is that in 1986 he crashed his Testarossa, only to rise from the dead two decades later as a zombie with an affinity for 8-bit and old films, with a drop of French house influence to boot. His first EPs Teddy Boy (2006) and 1986 (2007) show the roots of his distinct sound and were strong entries into the electronic music scene which soon saw him touring alongside other French legends such as Justice and Daft Punk. Following the widespread popularity of Drive, Kavinsky went on to coincidentally find his music used in a popular Sega game featuring a Testarossa, and shortly following he dropped his single Odd Look which of course features music megastar The Weeknd.
While enjoying monumental success at the top of the genre, and having his work charting internationally, Kavinsky then embraced the untraditional and disappeared from the limelight for some time. Despite this, his music continued to be utilized in montages and nearly every 80s throwback compilation you can find. Indulging millions of monthly listeners on Spotify (Nightcall features nearly 250,000,000 plays to date on that platform alone), there was quite a bit of chatter on message boards wondering when he’d return to the fray and release some new music.
Those waiting were not to be disappointed. In 2022, true to form, with usual quiet humility, Kavinsky released a few singles before dropping his much anticipated full-length Reborn. The album offers much of what fans love most about his work, while also pushing his repertoire in new and interesting directions. Including features from the likes of other late night veterans Morgan Phalen, Kareen Lomax, and Sebastien Tellier. The album retains his penchant for 80s era soundscapes, with seductive lyricism that lends itself to late night drives, lingering under streetlights, and general midnight hour madness.
Following the LP, David Guetta remixed Kavinsky’s latest single ‘Cameo’, one that’s certain to be a dancefloor crowd pleaser. Of which, Kavinsky has deservedly earned his place among those hailed for fantastic live performances. Fans in Istanbul are sure to find out for themselves this Summer.
You can keep up with all the developments by following the official Instagram for Label Project. Tickets are currently available on GM Ticket.
Maslak, Atatürk Sanayi Sitesi 1. Kısım 43. Sk. 52. Sokak D:No:12, 34385 Sarıyer, İstanbul
Images courtesy of the organizer.