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Anoraak

{{Short description|French musician}}

{{other uses|Anorak (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Anoraak

| image = Anoraak Nylon Club - Valencia 2014.png

| caption = Anoraak playing a DJ set in Valencia, Spain in 2014

| image_size =

| landscape =

| origin = File:Flag of France.svg France

| genre = Synthpop, Synthwave, Indie dance, Nu-Disco, Dream Pop, Italo disco, Disco, House

| instrument = Guitar, synthesizer, drums, bass

| years_active = 2008–present

| label = {{unbulleted list|Endless Summer|Valerie|Kitsuné|Eskimo Recordings|Grand Blanc|Naïve|Partyfine|Paper Recordings|BE Records}}

| website = {{URL|http://anoraak.com/}}

| current_members = Frédéric Rivière

| past_members = Baudouin Marnez, Guillaume Marnez

}}

Anoraak is the musical project of French musician Frédéric Rivière, multi instrumentalist, singer, producer and DJ, former drummer of Pony Pony Run Run and member of the Valerie Collective{{Cite web|url=https://pulseradio.net/articles/2015/05/what-s-on-manila-may-26-31|title=Anoraak live|last=|first=|date=2015|website=PulseRadio|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115191455/https://pulseradio.net/articles/2015/05/what-s-on-manila-may-26-31|archive-date=2018-01-15|url-status=dead}} along with artists such as College, Maethelvin, The Outrunners, Minitel Rose and Russ Chimes. Coming from the rock scene at first, he later came to electronic music, starting Anoraak beside his drummer position.{{Cite news|url=http://skydmagazine.com/2015/12/ultimate-gt-music-interview-with-anoraak/|title=Ultimate GT Music: Interview with Anoraak - Skyd Magazine|last=Trotter|first=Elliot|date=2015-12-11|work=Skyd Magazine|access-date=2018-01-12}}

His music is related to the retro-synth and 80's inspired scenes recently highlighted by the movie Drive's soundtrack.{{Cite web|url=http://next.liberation.fr/musique/2016/12/16/dans-les-tenebres-de-l-electro_1535872|title=Dans les ténèbres de l'electro|last=Drago|first=Olivier|date=2016|website=Libération|access-date=}} His sound is described as "dreamy synth-filled tracks that fall somewhere on the spectrum between disco and new wave",{{Cite web|url=https://earmilk.com/2013/09/08/anoraak-morning-light-video/|title=Anoraak - Morning Light video|last=Jefferson|first=Lauren|date=2013|website=Earmilk|access-date=}} "contemporary but retro-tinged" {{cite web|url=https://vehlinggo.com/2017/06/09/on-black-gold-sun-anoraak-shows-you-can-go-home-again/|title=Anoraak - Black Gold Sun Review|date=9 June 2017 |publisher=Vehlinggo}} or "easy, breezy [...] chugging along on airy synthesizers like a weekend train to the beachside town of Nantes".{{Cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2015/05/spin-singles-mix-courtney-love-la-luz-active-child/|title=SPIN Singles Mix|last=Brown|first=Harley|date=2015|website=SPIN|access-date=}} Now his music is considered as "70s inspired disco [...]. Borrowing influences from pop, disco, house, and indie"{{Cite web|date=2021-06-02|title=Anoraak and Sarah Maison Dazzle In 'Karma' Ahead of New EP|url=https://theknockturnal.com/anoraak-and-sarah-maison-dazzle-in-karma-ahead-of-new-ep/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=The Knockturnal|language=en-US}}

Anoraak has collaborated with artists such as the former Swedish Italo Disco outfit Sally Shapiro,{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/517172/anoraak-dont-be-afraid-feat-sally-shapiro-alternative-version/mp3s/|title=Anoraak – "Don't Be Afraid" (Feat. Sally Shapiro) (Alternative Version)|last=Stosuy|first=Brandon|date=2010|work=Stereogum|publisher=Stereogum|access-date=}} American singer Slow Shiver,{{cite web|url=http://www.dancingastronaut.com/2016/06/da-premiere-anoraak-feat-slow-shiver-lost/|title=DA Premiere: Anoraak, feat. Slow Shiver - We Lost|last=Sundius|first=Michael|date=2016|work=Dancing Astronaut|publisher=Dancing Astronaut|access-date=}} French producer College, Danish singer Lydmor, and has also remixed numerous artists such as Neon Indian,{{Cite web|url=https://www.indieshuffle.com/neon-indian-psychic-chasms-anoraak-remix/|title=Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms (Anoraak Remix)|last=Grishkoff|first=Jason|date=2010|website=Indie Shuffle|access-date=}} Mika,{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/fr/Mika-Blame-It-On-The-Girls-Remixes/release/4420569|title=Blame It On The Girls (Remixes)|last=|first=|date=2010|website=Discogs|access-date=}} Junkie XL, Wild Belle, Julian Perretta, among others.

Career

Rivière started Anoraak circa 2008,{{Cite web|url=https://earmilk.com/2015/01/23/anoraak-shows-off-his-synths-for-a-remix-of-golfs-all-in-all/|title=Anoraak shows off his synths for a remix of GOLF's "All In All"|last=Jefferson|first=Lauren|date=2015|website=Earmilk|access-date=}} when he released his debut album Nightdrive With You, first limited to 1000 copies,{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/fr/Anoraak-Nightdrive-With-You/release/1457167|title=Anoraak - Nightdrive With You|website=Discogs|language=fr|access-date=2018-01-13}} then reissued in Japan {{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Anoraak-Nightdrive-With-You/release/4184351|title=Anoraak - Nightdrive With You|website=Discogs|access-date=2018-01-13}} and Australia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Anoraak-Nightdrive-With-You/release/2039879|title=Anoraak - Nightdrive With You|website=Discogs|access-date=2018-01-13}} The title track "Nightdrive with You" touched the entire blogosphere,{{Cite web|url=http://savagethrills.com/2017/03/31/french-electronic-band-anoraak-enthralling-new-track-figure/|title=French Electronic Band Anoraak Enthralling New Track – Figure|last=Lawrence|first=Sebastian|date=2017|website=Savage Thrills|access-date=}} and got highlighted on the Myspace US homepage.{{Cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2014/11/the-drop-vol-6-erol-alkan-anoraak-phutureprimitive-and-will-runzel/3/|title=The Drop, Vol. 6: Erol Alkan, Anoraak, Phutureprimitive, and Will Runzel|last=Staples|first=Derek|date=2014|website=Consequence Of Sound|access-date=}} He first started to perform in France,{{cite web|url=http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/25/an-indie-epicenter-in-paris-reopens/|title=An Indie Epicenter in Paris Opens|work=New York Times|date=25 November 2009 }} and eventually made it to the USA early 2009 with a first show at Webster Hall in New York.{{Cite web|url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/maserati-colleg/|title=Maserati, College & Anoraak tour dates|last=|first=|date=2009|website=Brooklyn Vegan|access-date=}}

Anoraak's second album Wherever The Sun Sets launched in 2011. UK's Clash Magazine review lauded Anoraak's mix of italo-disco, indie rock, and 80s pop, writing "he does it so well it’s as if these sounds were born to be together despite being totally disparate".{{cite web|url=http://clashmusic.com/reviews/anoraak-%E2%80%93-whenever-the-sun-sets|title=Anoraak – Whenever the Sun Sets|last=Todd|first=Chris|date=|work=Clash Music|publisher=Clash Magazine|access-date=}} Anoraak then grew up to a 3 piece band,{{Cite web|url=https://www.last.fm/music/Anoraak/+wiki|title=Last FM Anoraak wiki|last=|first=|date=|website=Last FM|access-date=}} playing renowned France's Festival des Inrocks,{{Cite web|url=http://www.lesinrocks.com/musique/critique-album/lextravagance-de-lanoraak/|title=L'extravagance de l'Anoraak|last=Mialot|first=Benjamin|date=2011|website=Les Inrockuptibles|access-date=}} SXSW festival in Austin, Texas,{{Cite web|url=http://www.ssgmusic.com/sxsw-anoraak-live-performances-and-interview/|title=Anoraak live performance and interview|last=Benson|first=Nikki|date=2012|website=SSG Music|access-date=}} Noise Music Festival in Monterrey, Mexico {{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/es_mx/article/4wemnq/noise-music-festival-por-hellow|title=Noise Music Festival|last=Castillo|first=Leyda|date=2012|website=Vice|access-date=}} before embarking on The Drive Tour in 2012 with College and Electric Youth in USA and Canada.{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/06/college-anoraak-and-electric-youth-team-up-for-the-drive-tour/|title=College, Anoraak, and Electric Youth Team Up for the Drive Tour|last=Roffman|first=Michael|date=2012|work=Consequence of Sound|publisher=Consequence of Sound|access-date=}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-33274005.html|title=THE DRIVE TOUR|last=Caballero|first=Martin|date=2012|website=The Boston Globe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115184527/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-33274005.html|archive-date=2018-01-15|url-status=dead|access-date=}}

In 2013, his third album Chronotropic came out, "lead[ing] the way in sunset-inspired dance pop" according to Nest HQ {{Cite web|url=http://nesthq.com/anoraak-behind-shades|title=Anoraak Behind Your Your Shades|last=|first=|date=2014|website=Nest HQ|access-date=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116135101/https://nesthq.com/anoraak-behind-shades|archive-date=2018-01-16|url-status=dead}} and described as "new wave vocals on disco" by French magazine Tsugi,{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsugi.fr/chronique-anoraak-chronotropic/|title=Chronique Anoraak Chronotropic|last=Meunier|first=Clémence|date=2013|website=Tsugi|access-date=}} quickly followed by the EP Reworks, alternative versions of tracks from the album,{{Cite web|url=http://futurecityrecords.com/anoraak-puts-reworks-e-p/|title=Anoraak Releases The Rework's E.P|last=|first=|date=2014|website=Future City Records|access-date=}} whose track Guest Star (Rework) was premiered on Rolling Stone.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/guest-star-club-edit-by-anoraak-free-mp3-20131122|title=Guest Star - Anoraak|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=22 November 2013 }} Back as a solo act, he keeps performing mostly stateside.{{Cite web|url=http://www.francerocks.com/tour-dates/anoraak-returns-to-north-america-for-tour/|title=Anoraak Returns to North America for Tour|last=|first=|date=2014|website=France Rocks|access-date=}}

After releasing in 2015 the single Odds Are Good on the Belgian label Eskimo Recordings,{{Cite web|url=http://clashmusic.com/news/premiere-anoraak-odds-are-good|title=Premiere: Anoraak - 'Odds Are Good'|last=Murray|first=Robin|date=2015|website=Clash Music|access-date=}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.discobelle.net/2015/05/08/anoraak-odds-are-good/|title=Anoraak - Odds Are Good|last=|first=|date=|website=Discobelle|access-date=}} he came back in 2016 with the EP Figure, out on his own imprint Endless Summer Music.{{cite web|url=http://www.dancingastronaut.com/2016/06/da-premiere-anoraak-feat-slow-shiver-lost/|title=DA Premiere: Anoraak, feat. Slow Shiver - We Lost|last=Sundius|first=Michael|date=2016|work=Dancing Astronaut|publisher=Dancing Astronaut|access-date=}} The title track's video was premiered on British trendsetting site Nowness,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nowness.com/story/anoraak-figure-simon-savory|title=Bodies bend and interlock in a dance of polyamoric passion for the French synthwave act's latest|last=Mathis|first=Camilla|date=2017|website=Nowness|access-date=}} and Brooklyn based online publication Vehllingo stated that this EP "embod[ies] the different personality traits of Anoraak’s various experiments over the years".{{Cite web|url=https://vehlinggo.com/2016/07/07/anoraak-figure-ep-review/|title=Anoraak embraces contemplative vibes on 'Figure'|last=Vehling|first=Aaron|date=2016|website=Vehllingo|access-date=}} The same year he teamed up with Anglo French duo Loframes for the track "Since You've Gone" released on Los Angeles based label Midnight in Paris {{Cite web|url=https://earmilk.com/2016/08/01/loframes-and-anoraak-get-chill-for-since-youve-gone/|title=Loframes and Anoraak get chill for "Since You've Gone"|last=Jefferson|first=Lauren|date=2016|website=Earmilk|access-date=}}

In 2015 he collaborates with French artist Étienne Bardelli to the conception of an art installation named Release, exhibited at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, then at l'église des Trinitaires in Metz.{{Cite web|date=2016-03-13|title=etienne bardelli & frédéric rivière collaborate in release installation|url=https://www.designboom.com/art/etienne-bardelli-frederic-riviere-release-installation-03-13-2016/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine|language=en}}

In June 2017, Anoraak released Black Gold Sun, described by Australian webzine Acid Stag as "Italo-disco, retro-synth, electro-pop goodness".{{Cite web|url=https://acidstag.com/2017/06/14/anoraak-black-gold-sun-ep-stream/|title=Anoraak – 'Black Gold Sun'|last=|first=|date=2017|website=Acid Stag|access-date=}} The video for the track Last Call was premiered on major online French media Konbini.

He's on the bill for the 2018 edition of Electric Daisy Carnival in Mexico.{{Cite news|url=https://mexico.electricdaisycarnival.com/lineup/|title=LINEUP - EDC México 2018|work=EDC Mexico 2018|access-date=2018-01-13|language=es-MX}}

The same year he drops a remastered re-issue of his first album Nightdrive With You, enhanced by previously unreleased tracks and pressed on vinyl.{{Cite web|date=2018-09-21|title=Anoraak - Nightdrive With You: A Retrospective • Vehlinggo|url=https://vehlinggo.com/2018/09/21/valerie-stories-10-years-of-anoraaks-influential-nightdrive-with-you/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Vehlinggo|language=en-US}} In November 2019, Anoraak premiered a more nu-disco sound with "Panarea" on the Vehlinggo Presents: 5 Years compilation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indieshuffle.com/anoraak-panarea/|title=Anoraak – 'Panarea'|last=|first=|date=2019|website=Indie Shuffle|access-date=2020-01-19}}

In 2020 Anoraak comes back along with songstress Sarah Maison on the 70's disco tinged EP Gang, released by Yuksek's label Partyfine.{{Cite web|last=Adrien|date=2020-04-11|title=Anoraak takes us to Summer with "Gang"|url=https://doyoulikethatsong.com/2020/04/11/anoraak-gang-sarah-maison/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Do You Like That Song?|language=en-US}} A few weeks later the single Between Love featuring Maria Uzor came out,{{Cite web|title=Anoraak feat. Maria Uzor - Between Love|url=https://www.brain-magazine.fr/article/musicfeed/61309-Anoraak-feat-Maria-Uzor-Between-Love|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.brain-magazine.fr|language=fr}} followed by the EP Fire Inside in collaboration with Los Angeles-based artists Lauren Turk and Luxxury, out on Manchester's label Paper Recordings.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-17|title=Anoraak Talks About Nightdrive With You, Fire Inside EP and Drops Some Ace Studio Tips|url=https://levisiteuronline.com/featured-artists/anoraak-talks-about-nightdrive-with-you-his-fire-inside-ep-and-drops-some-ace-studio-tips/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Le Visiteur Online|language=en-US}} Later that year Anoraak drops Transatlantic{{Cite web|date=2020-11-17|title=Dans le radar #94 : Anoraak|url=https://lebombardier.fr/dans-le-radar-94-anoraak/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Le Bombardier|language=fr-FR}} before unveiling Haunting Pieces, a new collaboration with French singer Lenparrot, out on Be Records, Bon Entendeur's imprint.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-27|title="Haunting Pieces" le nouveau single d'Anoraak en feat avec Lenparrot est disponible|url=https://www.bewaremag.com/haunting-pieces-anoraak-lenparrot/|access-date=2021-06-08|language=fr-FR}}

On May 28, 2021, Anoraak and Sarah Maison are back together on the single Karma, announcing a new EP.{{Cite web|last=Salce|first=Chris|date=2021-06-02|title=Anoraak - 'Karma' (feat. SARAH MAISON)|url=http://acidstag.com/2021/06/anoraak-karma-feat-sarah-maison/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Acid Stag|language=en-US}}

Discography

= Albums =

  • Nightdrive With You (2008, ESR / Grand Blanc)
  • Wherever the Sun Sets (2010, Naïve / Grand Blanc)
  • Chronotropic (2013, Grand Blanc)

=EPs=

  • Nightdrive With You Remixes (2008 - ESR / Grand Blanc)
  • Try Me (2010, Grand Blanc)
  • Crazy Eyes (2011, Grand Blanc)
  • Behind Your Shades (2014, Grand Blanc)
  • Reworks (2014, Grand Blanc)
  • Endless Summer Versions (2014, Grand Blanc)
  • Figure (2016, Endless Summer)
  • Black Gold Sun (2017, Endless Summer)
  • Black Gold Sun Remixed (2017, Endless Summer)
  • Gang (2020, Partyfine)
  • Fire Inside (2020, Paper Recordings)
  • Karma (2021, Endless Summer)

= Singles =

  • Nightdrive With You (2008 - ESR / Grand Blanc)
  • Make It Better (Compilation "Edges" // 2009 - Because Music)
  • Long Distance Hearts (Compilation "Valerie And Friends" // 2009 - Grand Blanc)
  • Above Your Head (2010, Naïve)
  • Try Me (2010, Naïve)
  • Crazy Eyes (2011, Grand Blanc)
  • Morning Light (2013, Grand Blanc)
  • Behind Your Shades (2014 - Grand Blanc)
  • Odds Are Good (2015 - Eskimo Recordings)
  • We Lost feat. Slow Shiver (2016 - Endless Summer)
  • Figure (2016 - Endless Summer)
  • Evolve feat. Lydmor (2017 - Endless Summer)
  • Last Call (2017 - Endless Summer)
  • Favor (2018 - Endless Summer)
  • Panarea (2019 - Vehlinggo)
  • Gang (2020 - Partyfine)
  • Between Love (2020 - Outside The Disco)
  • Transatlantic (2020 - Endless Summer)
  • Haunting Pieces (2020 - Bon Entendeur Records)

= Collaborations =

  • College - "Fantasy Park" on Secret Diary (2008 - Fvtvr / Valerie)
  • Sally Shapiro - "Don’t Be Afraid" on Somewhere Else (2013 - Paper Bag Records){{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/517172/anoraak-dont-be-afraid-feat-sally-shapiro-alternative-version/mp3s/|title=Anoraak – "Don't Be Afraid" (Feat. Sally Shapiro) (Alternative Version)|last=Stosuy|first=Brandon|date=2010|work=Stereogum|publisher=Stereogum|access-date=}}
  • Etienne Bardelli & Frédéric Rivière - "Release" (2015 - Art installation - Palais de Tokyo){{Cite web|url=https://www.designboom.com/art/etienne-bardelli-frederic-riviere-release-installation-03-13-2016/|title=Etienne Bardelli & Frédéric Rivière collaborate in release installation|last=Brink|first=Nick|date=2016|website=Design Boom|access-date=}}
  • Loframes - "Since You've Gone" (2016 - Midnight in Paris){{Cite web|url=https://earmilk.com/2016/08/01/loframes-and-anoraak-get-chill-for-since-youve-gone/|title=Loframes and Anoraak get chill for "Since You've Gone"|last=Jefferson|first=Lauren|date=2016|website=Earmilk|access-date=}}

= Music Videos =

  • Above Your Head (2011 - Milosh Luczynski)
  • Crazy Eyes (2011 - Jonathan Millet)
  • Can't Stop (2011 - Frédéric Rivière)
  • Made Up (2012 - Marjory Déjardin)
  • Dolphins & Highways feat. Siobhan Wilson (2013 - Josué Pichot)
  • Morning Light (2013 - Ben Chadourne)
  • Behind Your Shades (2014 - O.S.A.K.A.H)
  • Heart Out (2017 - Stephane Benini)
  • Figure (2017 - Simon Savory)
  • Last Call (2017 - O.S.A.K.A.H)
  • Karma (2021 - Marco Dos Santos)

References

{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:French electronic musicians

Category:Year of birth missing (living people)

Category:Living people

Category:Synthwave musicians