3x1 launch with College featuring Electric Youth Photos by Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc.com

Last night I went to celebrate Denim atelier 3x1’s official opening in Soho hosted by Scott Morrison who had College featuring Electric Youth’s first US performance, ( yes the song A Real Hero from the film Drive).

College, from his real name David Grellier, is a French electronic music composer born in 1979 in Nantes. At the end of the 90s, he purchased his first computer, with which he realized numerous demos influenced by artists such as Jeff Mills, Aphex Twin and labels such as Soma Records, Peacefrog or still Warp. In April 2007, he met Anoraak and decided to create a blog to share their most recent productions: the Valerie project was born. Other artists such as The Outrunners, Maethelvin or even Russ Chimes would soon join the blog. His first Ep Teenage Color was released that same year and allowed him to meet the German illustrators The Zonders.

A collaboration started then with the latter for all the flyers related to the Valerie Parties, as well as all the records and projects which are associated to them. An identity and a musical movement evoking a kind of nostalgia from the 80s arose and the international press started to notice the productions associated with Valerie. In 2009, while his first album entitled Secret Diary was being released, College toured with Anoraak all through the biggest capitals in Europe, the United States and Australia. College also collaborated closely with the Canadian duet Electric Youth, who participated to the Ep A Real Hero, released on the Belgian label Flexx Records. In the meantime, Valerie became a real label by producing two 7inch with the support of the New-York collective Free Danger. After four years of existence, Valerie creates today a new subdivision in its catalog. Entitled Composer Series, this entity aims at releasing a series of special pieces composed and interpreted with one or several hands. Real items, these special pieces which are mainly unique instrumental works will take the shape of short-lived projects. This new collection will be available soon in laser disc (limited edition) as well as in digital, and the new record by College, Northern Council, will be its first release.

If you haven't been you need to go check out 3 x1 on Mercer street and get a pair of Limited Edition, Custom Made or Bespoke jeans. I noticed the amazing pink neon lighting blocks away and was really excited to find out that my sage friend David Abir did the lighting production for the event, that really set the mood for the celebration and although I didn't make if to the after party at Westway after, I heard it rocked. Bring on the 80's!

3x1 launch with College featuring Electric Youth Photos by Neil Rasmus/BFAnyc.com