Valerie Ma’Cheri
Valerie is a bit of a paradox. It is, at the moment, a ‘collectif’ of – in order of composition – upcoming French DJ/artists College, Anoraak, The Outrunners, Maethelvin, and Minitel Rose, and the only non-French member Russ Chimes of London. However, it’s not a label. The group was initiated by David Grellier, aliased College, who first named a blog ‘Valerie’ based on the popular name of the ’80s (his inspiration). The Outrunners and Maethelvin, both as longtime friends of the 30-year-old blogger, and Anoraak and Minitel Rose, also born out of Grellier’s hometown of Nantes, France, were more than enough persuasion to unite the musicians under the single title – Valerie. In a celebratory party to kick things off, Russ Chimes was invited to play a DJ set, and, becoming very friendly with the artists, would later join forces.
Much speculation has been made as to whether or not Valerie will become a label, and with it’s impressive line-up many had already assumed so. In an interview with Grellier, the Valerie frontman said that no label was in store — yet. Mostly as an issue of funds, the contingency from western France will for now remain a collective, but seeing what these Frenchmen can do individually is proof of the group’s promising future. Theirs is a style intent on re-imagining retro futurism and making a mark in Italo-disco. With increasing prominence and hype all too hopeful, keep your eyes on the boys from Nantes.
Lovin’ the ’80s feel these tracks got going. I’m in the mood to dust off the playstation and coast vice city’s sun-burnt highways. For the complete albums of the three bands below, click here
Tags: Anoraak, College, David Grellier, France, Maethelvin, Minitel Rose, Nantes, Russ Chimes, The Outrunners, Valerie
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October 30, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Nice post.