Woodkid – Iron from WOODKID on Vimeo.
Woodkid was undoubtedly the first surprise of last year, an unexpected arrival far from the mainstream buzz. In March of 2011, he released Iron, an EP of raw beauty, on french independent label Green United Music.
Woodkid, aka Yoann Lemoine, is originally known as a very talented music video director: Yelle, Moby, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, The Shoes or more recently Lana Del Rey “Born To Die” and “Blue Jeans,” and even the Drake featuring Rihanna video for “Take Care.”
Rumor has it that during a video shoot in the U.S., Woodkid received, straight from great American guitarist Richie Havens’ hands, a banjo that immediately replaced his piano, at least for a while. Without neglecting his activity as a director (for music or even cinema, also part of his project), Woodkid decided to devote himself to make his own music.
When listening to Woodkid, an obvious thought goes to Antony and The Johnsons : Woodkid and Antony could be kindred spirits of the voice. We can also hear the sweet folk influences from New York and a brilliant way with melodies. There’s an emphasis on Yoann Lemoine’s gift for songwriting, that floats somewhere between Neil Hannon and Bonnie Prince Billy.
The Iron EP revealed a universe of fragile grace : four original songs, written either on guitar or piano. In a very short time, Woodkid has become a must-see artist.
Woodkid is a whole creative project conceived by Yoann Lemoine, where every aspects are treated : both music and image. Obviously, he directed the music video for Iron himself, starring British top model Agyness Deyn; an epic black & white video, flirting with 20 millions views on the Internet and awarded many times:
Music Video Production Association « Best Director of the Year 2012 »
Protoclip International Music Video Festival 2011 « Great Prize »
Namur Film Festival 2011 « Music Video of the Year »
Antville Music Video Awards 2011 « Best Cinematography » and « Best Art Direction »
Fubiz Awards 2012 « Best Music Video »
Les Inrockuptibles « Readers Best Music Video 2011»
After the release of Iron EP, Woodkid toured worldwide and landed in Paris on January 24th 2012 for a very private concert on the heights of the Eiffel Tower… Organized by Vice US, the show was live broadcasted all over the world on Vice’s video platform. Woodkid revealed some of the songs from his debut album, The Golden Age, expected early 2013.
On May 21st, the EP and single RUN BOY RUN were released with a music video, Iron’s prequel and second step into the story that inspires The Golden Age.
“RUN BOY RUN is fancier and brighter. It’s a very complex track that goes from very dark and aggressive percussion to a very mellow pop string chorus. It’s very novice to me.” (Woodkid).
To introduce The Golden Age for the first time in its entirety, Woodkid played sold out the biggest European cinema, Le Grand Rex in Paris (2700 seats), on September 26th. With no less than a symphony orchestra of 32 musicians on stage and surrealistic video projections, the show was monumental and a perfect start for The Golden Age Worldwide Tour.
Tour Dates
11/01 – NEW YORK, NY Irving Plaza – 7pm
11/02 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA Bimbo’s – 8pm
11/03 – LOS ANGELES, CA Luckman Theater – 8pm
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