Leonard De Leonard Live @ Club Transmediale 2008
Leonard is something of a stalwart in the French electro mash-up scene, blending everything from hip-hop, French chanson, old school electro, electroclash, crunk, and club. He's known for the apocalyptic videogame rap he releases on Ekler'o'shock.
Born and raised in 70's suburban Paris, Leonard was in high school band, Cosmogonifutil, with Olaf Hund; together they released an album did a series of gigs. Later he started working with young director Laurent Hart, for whom he composed the music for the video game Borderland, and also for a series of short films, Cartonman. Both were nominated and awarded at festivals in Germany, Austria and Biennale de Lyon. In 2002, he traveled throughout France and Europe as a DJ and sound designer for Philippe Decoufle's Cyrk 13 (soundtrack by Olaf Hund). He's also composed music for a play, Universal Dancefloor (Night Fever Theatre Company).
Associated with the Musiques Hybrides label since 1999, Leonard began releasing music in 2003 beginning with the De Leonizer EP. His debut album, Leonizer Fever, followed in the same year. By the end of 2004, Leonard had finished his second solo album, 2, which featured appearances from guest rapper Maxx (ex The Goats). The album appeared on his own label Leonizer Records. A collaboration with Maxx was included on Matthieu Gazier's Ekler'o'shock label compilation, The Unexpektheadz, in 2005, leading to the production of Leonard's next record, Coup de Foudre, an EP with Maxx and French vocalist Meninamandine, an exploration of old school electro, crunk and electroclash.
Leonard de Leonard's newest EP Screaming Dance, is due for release on Ekler'o'shock, with remixes by Chris de Luca and Phon.o.
www.deleonard.com
www.myspace.com/leonarddeleonard
