From August 21 to 27, 2011
This culturally offbeat event in Nice will mix musical cultures as well as audiences and venues around several key moments: “Concert” at the Théâtre de Verdure, “Beach Party” on private beaches, “After” in clubs, and “X-Tra” for events outside the walls.
Pioneers of French hip-hop and spearheads of independent rap, ASSASSIN, will rub shoulders with the fusion music — between punk, funk, and reggae — of Californians FISHBONE, and the three French DJs from the SCRATCH BANDITS CREW for a mix of mutant sounds. The next day will feature one of the founders of the “French touch”, ETIENNE DE CRÉCY, for a spectacular show where the DJ will mix at the center of his now-famous giant RUBIK’S CUBE (6m by 6)! The evening will also be completed by CARTE BLANCHE (under the famous “Ed Banger Record” label, home of Daft Punk and Justice), which brings together the French DJ MEHDI and the English RITON for an innovative house mix, and local rising stars HYPHEN HYPHEN with their powerful and fresh electro rock, disco punk, and the Toulon duo KELLY UND KELLY, known for their highly danceable electro punk pop songs.
Crossing cultures, the Festival Crossover also proposes connections between music, visual arts, and cinema by working with various structures in Nice! Free rein is given to the cultural platform Keskon Fabrique? which has chosen to bring the street inside its walls with the exhibition “Art Terre de Rue” blending photography, graffiti, collage, writing, and sound, resonating with the urban image of the festival.
The Euphonie association proposes “Culture en Herbe”, with days of approach and discovery of electronic and electro-acoustic music in a friendly setting, the Arènes de Cimiez, where children and adults can be initiated into these “emerging cultures” with professionals from the local scene. Finally, La Zonmé, a revolving platform for exhibitions, conferences, installations, etc., will offer festival-goers two film screenings, including “Heretik System: We had a dream”, a film tracing more than 10 years of free party activism without taboos, and a window on the 2011 edition of “Un Festival C’est Trop Court”.
PROGRAMMING
Sunday, August 21
X-Tra :: La Brasserie de Monaco
BRODINSKI [Turbo / Paris]
Brodinski is an avid “digger” who misses no record release. He shares this passion through impeccable technique, constantly renewing his set where discreet novelties and gems that have marked the golden age of techno and house meet. The man is more into ghetto tech or hip hop and does not hesitate to switch from “big American hip-hop sound” to minimal techno.
THE G.E.E.K [Skinparty / Nice]
A messiah of advanced electro music, THE G.E.E.K delivers dynamic and punchy sound. A devoted record spinner and jack-of-all-trades in the 2.0 electro realm, he handles Vinyl, House Glitch Step CDs. Each of his performances characterizes by powerful energy that electrifies crowds, a mix of powerful and experimental tracks.
PETE KASSIDY [Monaco]
Practical information: Port Hercule, 36, route de la Piscine – Monaco – from 10 PM to 5 AM – 20 € with drink
Monday, August 22
X-Tra :: Keskon Fabrique? – Nice
Exhibition “ART TERRE DE RUE” (from August 22 to 27, 2011)
Opening on August 22 at 6 PM
Aiming to integrate art into its musical programming, the Festival Crossover has given free rein to Keskon Fabrique to organize an exhibition on the mix of genres, directly affiliated with the festival. This proposal directly echoed the concept of “connectivity” defining Keskon Fabrique, an openness to other artists and other art forms, coupled with a willingness to create a link, a “connection,” between art, people, and daily life. Keskon Fabrique wished to organize an exhibition resonating with the festival’s urban image and has chosen to bring the street indoors with the exhibition. Keskon Fabrique has gathered around this project artists from various disciplines – from photography to graffiti, via collage, writing, and sound – by inviting them to work on this urban theme. The selection of artists places the mix of genres, the “crossover,” at the level of both forms of expression and each artist’s background.
Invited artists: Simone Simon (photography), Le Labo Photo (photography, collage, installation), Skuse and Big O (graffiti), Marie Nicola (writing).
Artist from the KKF collective: Nicolas Pennaneac’h and David Galimant (photography, sculpture, installations, performances).
Practical information: Free Entry – 3 rue Molière, Opening from 6 PM to 9 PM – Exhibition from August 22 to 27, 2011
Tuesday, August 23
X-Tra :: Le Palais Club – Cannes
BUSY P [Ed Bangers / Paris]
The history of Pedro Winter alias Busy P merges with the explosion of what was called the French Touch, the French techno, at the beginning of the 1990s. The Parisian Pierre Winter, born on April 21, 1975, a fan of metal, hip-hop and an avid skateboarder, frequent nightclubs and raves. Noticed by David Guetta who introduced him to the club Le Palace, Pedro Winter crossed paths with the main figures of the French Touch such as Dimitri From Paris, DJ Cam, and the rising Daft Punk who asked him to become their manager in 1996 when the duo was about to release Homework. The collaboration between the seminal electro duo and their manager lasted about twelve years, after which Pedro Winter decided to start his structure, Ed Banger Records, and focus on his solo career under the name Busy P. Always on the lookout, Pedro Winter signs other artists who quickly make a name for themselves: Mr. Oizo, SebastiAn, Uffie, the duo Justice whose first album released in 2007 makes a splash worthy of Daft Punk ten years earlier, then Krazy Baldhead, Breakbot, and Crookers. Early 2011, the mix album Let The Children Techno realized with his protege DJ Mehdi celebrated the eight years of activity of the Ed Banger label through new internal or external productions.
BOOMBASS OF CASSIUS [Cassius records / Paris]
Boombass or Hubert Blanc-Francard, is a symbol of French musical evolution since the late ’80s. He collaborated with Zdar and MC Solaar opening the doors to Mo’Wax and acid jazz, then under the name La Funk Mob, always with Zdar, created music for Qui Sème le Vent Récolte le Tempo in 1991. He was later drawn into house by his same accomplice and Etienne de Crécy by participating in Motorbass. But it wasn’t until 1999 that he experienced musical consecration, with Zdar, as part of Cassius with the album 1999.
WARM UP: DRAGO ERES [Nice]
Always passionate about music, it was in 1989 that DJ Drago discovered a particular affinity with techno and the sonic revolution it represented at the time thanks to sounds from Detroit or Chicago. Over the years, DJ Drago has been able to evolve, flirting with techno, house, nu-disco to adapt, always with his little personal touch, to the trend of the moment. His main reference remains the groove, groove, and groove above all! His strength lies in his experience and his ease in ensuring the atmosphere both in a bar and in a club.
Practical information: 83, Boulevard Croisette – Cannes – 20 €
Thursday, August 25
Concert :: Théâtre de Verdure – Nice // 7 PM
ASSASSIN [Livin’ Astro / Paris]
True pioneers of French hip-hop and a spearhead of independent rap, those who took their first steps alongside Joey Starr and Kool Shen have become, like NTM or IAM, a true legend in the French hip hop scene, hardcore rap version. Originally composed of Rockin Squat, Solo, and DJ Clyde, Assassin first made a name with “Note mon nom sur ta liste”. Philosophically, Assassin fights against the media and political system both through their lyrics and their actions, making him one of the most politicized rap groups of its kind. Musically, the band aims to be open, using elements of blues, rock, as well as soul and funk…Their music freely draws from diverse influences while never denying its origins and integrity, thus offering us clear and conscious rap that mixes groove and ragga.
FISHBONE [Controlled Substance Sound Labs / Los Angeles]
Formed in Los Angeles by a wild lead singer with an elastic voice (the crazy Angelo Moore, also known as Dr. Madd Vibe) and a group of Afro-American friends, Fishbone is a band that draws from all styles to offer fusion music: they successfully combined punk, funk, reggae, and ska into the same box, united by a monstrous energy, wonderfully showcased in their LP “In your face”. This is THE band bridging George Clinton’s funk and Rush’s roar, a hybrid fusion where Led Zeppelin and Sly Stone would dance a frenetic ska. On tour in 2011 presenting their new album, the kings of neo-metal-funk madness stop this summer in Nice to the delight of festival-goers!
SCRATCH BANDITS CREW [Lyon]
Geniuses of strong-flavored electro trip hop, the three DJs of the Scratch Bandits Crew offer a mix of mutant sounds, juggling between instrumental music and modern techniques. A comprehensive project combining image, light, and scenography on a highly energetic live. Between dreaminess and street culture, Birdy Nam Nam and other Beat Torrent better watch out!
PULLA [Lyon]
With machines and a mic in hand, Pulla adds a touch of reggae to massive dubstep in a live filled with mash-ups and exclusive remixes. His influences lead him to program a live set showcasing all “sunshine” sounds, from hip hop to reggae, nu roots… Goodvibes style!
Practical information: On-site: 30 € / Presale: 25 € including location fee (Réseau Francebillet, Ticket.net & usual sales points) / Festival pass: 35 € + location fee.
Opening of doors: 7 PM
Beach Party :: Hi-Beach – Nice // 9 PM – 2:30 AM
MICHAEL MAYER [Kompakt / Cologne]
Founder of the celebrated Kompakt label, Michael Mayer is one of the trendiest producers and DJs of the German electronic scene. His visionary talent allows him to attract the best minimal techno artists and impose the “Cologne sound” to the world, made of minimalism and more pop melodies. More than a formidable producer, Michael Mayer is above all an excellent DJ: “Immer”, his first volume will long remain lodged in the memory of electro enthusiasts. His music, mixed with elegance and sensuality, takes contemporary techno in a decidedly progressive direction tinged with vocal pop.
H-TENZA [Sonat / Nice]
A child of blues and jazz, influenced by a guitarist father, Hervé draws inspiration from the Italo disco and funk of his adolescence. An active member of the azurean electronic scene, he has played with the most influential artists including Laurent Garnier and Sasha Funke. Co-founder of the Sonat Records label, his EPs have been playlisted by Jeff Bennet or Pablo Bolivar and also reviewed by the prestigious German magazine De:Bug. Every month, he broadcasts his groove on Radio Monaco, in the show Plutot Binaire, prepared by Orestt.
KAÄRTH [Les Diamantaires / Nice]
Two Nice DJs/producers join under the name KAÄRTH to form an electronic duo with a LIVE format utilizing several machines to create originality and freedom in their music that constantly evolves. Both passionate about Sound Techniques, modular synthesis, and groovy rhythms, they will take you into a minimally techno electronic potpourri increasingly sought after by audiences keen on this music.
JAMES CLARK [Connected / Nice]
See KAÄRTH’s description.
NO.KEY.FRAME [Nice]
no.Key.Frame is a young visual label from Nice created in 2011 mastering the entire video chain from creation (motion design, trailers, video clips…) to the broadcast of visuals, including video capture. no.Key.Frame also explores interaction between visuals and spatial and sound perception. The label develops real-time image generation techniques controlled by sensors. In addition to its visual performances (VJ set), the label creates mappings (projections on complex geometric shapes or buildings) and interactive installations.
Practical information: 47, Promenade des Anglais Nice – 9 PM – 2:30 AM – Rates: On-site: 15 € – Presale Fnac network: 13,80 € – Presale Hi Hotel / Hi Beach: 12 €
Friday, August 26
Concert :: Théâtre de Verdure – Nice // 7 PM
ETIENNE DE CRECY “BEATS’N’CUBE” [Dim Mak Records / Lyon – Paris]
Etienne is a monumental DJ whose beats would pierce a deaf person’s eardrums. He is one of the founders of the French Touch marked by his minimal tek house (with this mix of film voices and industrial sounds). Etienne de Crecy has always been able to bring new blood to the French electro scene. He will present his spectacular show in his now-famous giant Rubik’s cube (6m by 6), fully lit and animated somehow. Etienne mixes in the center, and it is a pleasure every second for the eyes and ears.
CARTE BLANCHE (DJ MEDHI X RITON) [Ed Bangers Record / Paris – Camden]
Carte Blanche is the meeting of two of the most inventive producers of the decade: the French DJ Medhi, who offers a mix of underground hip-hop, rap and house, and the English Riton, an elusive beatmaker subtly juggling with electro, pop, and electro-funk. Their meeting sparks: united within Carte Blanche, the Parisian and the Briton let their imaginations run free and produce energetic and innovative house. Their first EP, “Black Billionaires”, released on the French Ed Banger label contains already some key tracks such as “La Gare du Nord” or “Do! Do! Do!” An amalgam of catchy sounds that will undoubtedly make us respond positively to the already cult slogan: “You gonna love the House!”
HYPHEN HYPHEN [Nice]
Created in 2008 by four high school friends determined to bring fresh blood to the chloroformed world of Rock’n’roll, Hyphen Hyphen draws on influences as varied as Talking Heads, Phoenix, Klaxons, or Late of The Pier, Hyphen Hyphen delivers a powerful and fresh electro rock, disco punk, a slashing groove that stuns and transports you, a slap that awakens your senses and stirs your guts. HYPHEN HYPHEN announces a 2011 where your ears will resonate to the sound of the unmissable, “Chewbacca, I’m your mother,” a thunderous first EP recorded at the Phantom studio with Nikhertz (M83, Soma) and mastered at Exchange studio in London (Klaxons, Phoenix, Foals…)! 5 tracks to turn the house upside down and dance on its ashes.
KELLY UND KELLY [Toulon]
The “und” might mislead you into thinking it’s a German track. No!… Kelly und Kelly is a Toulon duo of Electro Punk Pop songs with very danceable tunes full of overdrive and big electro-disco synths! The female voice might make you think of Crystal Castles although Kelly und Kelly still offer less crash and much more accessible pieces. They want to make you dance, and it shows! Yet, they do not hesitate to play fairly dark, tenebrous chord sequences and other synonyms… We are therefore witnessing a curious mix between Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Crystal Castles, and Lady Gaga! They are not yet well known, but we hope to see them play and move our butts on the dancefloor! Both mainstream and strange…
Practical information: On-site: 30 € / Presales: 25 € including location fee (Réseau Francebillet, Ticket.net & usual sales points) / Festival pass: 35 € + location fee.
Opening of doors: 7 PM
After :: Le Subway – Nice // midnight – 5 AM
Les Diamantaires invite… JACK DE MARSEILLE & PURE HUMAN BEAT
JACK DE MARSEILLE [Wicked Music / Marseille]
A DJ for nineteen years and producer on the Wicked Music label he founded in 2001, Jack de Marseille has been back in his Marseille stronghold since 2006. After a career started in the rave movement and then in clubs worldwide, returning to the South allows him to play in smaller venues. It’s the pleasure of being closer to his audience and returning to the roots of electronic music, of which he is one of the French pioneers, motivating the gestation of Inner Visions (Wicked Music/Modulor), his second album. His musical eclecticism largely contributed to the success of Wax Records (1995-2003), his record store for which he unearthed the best house records worldwide. Inner Visions is conceived as a melodic, inspired inner journey, in which the artist tries to recapture the diversity of his musical culture and the dynamic of his DJ sets. This live offers several levels of listening: very chill at low speed, it reveals dancefloor accents as soon as you turn up the volume, confirming the producer talent of Jack de Marseille.
PURE HUMAN BEAT [Surprise!]
Practical information: 19, rue Droite – Nice – Fee: 7 euros – The management reserves the right of admission
After :: Le Smarties – Nice // 9PM – 2:30AM
No Pictures Please presents: I LOVE BERLIN
Quirky, rebellious, elusive! Program: Bad Und Banger, PCC + guests
Having become one of the must-attend events of the Nice underground, I LOVE BERLIN is above all a state of mind… Hedonistic, festive, offbeat, freaks, bass blips, insistent clicks all for a musical journey of tech-house to minimal techno! Come “reinvent” for one evening the sultry atmosphere in the manner of Golden Gate, Watergate, and other Berghain Panorama Bar. I LOVE BERLIN: the initiated know, others will discover!
Practical information: 10, rue Defly – Nice – Free Entry
After :: Les Deux Frères – Nice // 9PM – 2:30AM
Dj Seed & Dj Macman present: TROPICAL BASS – Dubstep to Bassline House
DJ SEED [Nice] Dubstep
A true dubstep enthusiast from its earliest days, Seed navigates between the heavy and powerful basslines of dubstep and the subtle rhythms of 2step and electronica influences. Assured musical freshness!
MACMAN [Nice] breakbeat – bassline house – Tropical
From the “Pyrotek Bastard Crew” sound system and organizer of parties alongside “Secta Boom”, fervently passionate about “BASS MUSIC”, Macman, a breakbeat culture activist in his region for nearly 10 years will be present to warm up the dance floor… RUFF BEATZ INVASION!!
Practical information: 1 rue du moulin – Nice – Free Entry
After :: Bliss Bar – Nice // 9PM – 2:30AM
DRAGO ERES
Always passionate about music, it’s in 1989 that DJ Drago discovered a special affinity with techno and the sonic revolution it represented at that time thanks to sounds from Detroit or Chicago. Over the years, DJ Drago has managed to evolve, flirting with techno, house, nu disco to adapt, always with his little personal touch, to the trend of the moment. His main reference remains groove, groove, and groove above all! His strength lies in his experience and his ease in ensuring the atmosphere both in a bar and in a club.
Practical information: 1 rue du moulin – Nice – Free Entry
Saturday, August 27
X-Tra :: Arènes de Cimiez – Nice
CULTURE EN HERBE
Initiated by the Euphonie association, Culture en herbe consists of bringing together, in a single space (parks and green spaces of the city), professional and experienced structures from the field of Musics Today and cultural associations based in Nice in the form of days of approaches and discoveries. The purpose of the event is to make electronic and electro-acoustic music accessible and understandable to as many people as possible. Thus, in a friendly setting, children and adults will be able to learn about these “emerging cultures” with professionals from the local music scene. The first edition took place on Saturdays, May 7, 14, and 21, 2011, and was a huge popular success, which is why the Crossover festival wished to collaborate with Euphonie for the animation of this Saturday afternoon. Small fun-educational stands will be run by the associations (musical, pictorial, multimedia awakening, contemporary and digital art exhibition, live shows…) as well as electronic, electroacoustic, and other musical performances will be offered by a multitude of local artists with already recognized talents but little known to the general public.
Practical information: Free Entry – Arènes de Cimiez, from noon to 7 PM
X-Tra :: La Zonmé – Nice
Screenings: “HERETIK SYSTEM, WE HAVE A DREAM”, a selection “UN FESTIVAL C’EST TROP COURT 2011” & the award list of the “FESTIVAL CINÉMA BRUT 2011”
La Zonmé defines itself as a rotating platform for exhibitions, events, concerts, conferences, screenings, installations, performances… The transformation of the place leads us to study activities one day, to a literary event in the style of a café-philo one afternoon, and to a musical staging in the evening. A space in motion, ephemeral and recurrent, guaranteed by a mix of art(ists), knowledge, and disciplines. On the occasion of the 3rd edition of the Crossover Festival, La Zonmé offers cinematic screenings, including “Heretik System: We had a dream” (October 2010), a film tracing more than 10 years of free party activism without taboos, a window on the 2011 edition of “Un Festival C’est Trop Court!” organized by the Heliotrope association and which will take place from October 18 to 23, and finally a best-of of the 2011 “Festival du Cinéma Brut 2011” award list, which took place in Mouans-Sartoux on July 15, 16, and 17.
Practical information: Free Entry – La Zonmé, from 7 PM to midnight – Entry: 5 euros (Zonmé members: 3 euros)
Beach Party :: Florida Beach – Nice // 9 PM – 2:30 AM
JAHCOOZI [Bpitch Control / Berlin]
Jahcoozi are representatives of a cosmopolitan Berlin where multiple influences meet to create an emerging cocktail of ethnic influences. The music of this Berlin trio is a mix of ragga, punk, and astonishing abstract electro, where the voice of Sri Lankan-origin singer Sasha Perera, sometimes soft and sweet, suddenly transforms into an irresistibly booty raw growl.
DADADISCO [Crystal Mafia / Berlin]
Denis and Guillaume met in the colorful chaos of the famous Bar 25 in Berlin, quickly becoming residents. Wearing different costumes and several characters on stage, the Dadadisco show lies somewhere between music, performance, and comedy. The alias Dada Disco thus sums up the chaos and extravagance of this experience that has already conquered the audience of the greatest venues (Watergate, Cookies, Bar Tausend, Social Club, Le Baron…) and events (Cannes Festival, Sonar (off), Berlin Fashion Week or the Berlinale)
MONSIEUR RÊVE [Circular Rainbow / Nice]
Monsieur Rêve composes a refined, sensitive, and incisive Electro Techno. He appears on stage in live and DJ sets that are frankly progressive, evolving between hypnotic sounds and ultra-efficient “pumpy” melodies. After three remarkable outings, Monsieur Rêve establishes himself as one of the most talented producers of his generation, a craftsman of tracks designed for the dancefloor.
LUDOVIC VENDI [Sonat Records / Berlin]
A resident in Berlin for 4 years after having lived in Barcelona, Ludovic Vendi has since forged a culture and style of his own. His funky minimal techno Lives make him an established and essential producer. An active and fast composer, to say “Nerd “, he already has to his name more than a hundred songs and remixes released since his beginnings. His eclectic house/techno label Sonat Records was born in 2009, and after his 4-month tour in South America this year, he returns to his hometown.
Practical information: 71, Promenade des Anglais Nice – 9 PM – 2:30 AM – Rate (onsite only): 10 €
After :: Surprise location revealed during the festival – Nice // midnight – 5 AM
Les Diamantaires invite… Surprise!
PURE HUMAN BEAT [Surprise!]
