BIOGRAPHY (UK)

Dj Kojak brings his energy to his remixes, samples, loops and filters to create a truly unique experience.  He has been sharing his explosive DJ sets with the public on stage or in clubs for over 20 years.

Dj Kojak made his start in the VIP clubs of Cannes in St Tropez, the famous Eddie Barclay’s White Nights, private events in Monaco and of course the Parisian nightlife in chic clubs and lounges bars (Divan du Monde, Le Sanz, Mr Georges, Le très honoré, la Marbrerie,le Batofar, le Folie’s Pigalle, le 130 club Rivoli, le Privilège, le Trader’s, le Plazza, DiscoDuck …).

After focusing primarily on remixes, it was in 2010 that he decided to begin reworking his own tracks and signed his first maxi under the Lorsonik label with the songs "Move your Body", an electro bass single and "Kaela Feat Jazzrider" a House lounge track tinted with acoustic live sounds, sax, electric guitars and old analog keyboards.

Though recording for his label has been rewarding, Dj Kojak's heart is in live performance. After many years in the DJ world he has established an original philosophy on the «  Art of Experience », a vision of the DJ inspired by John Dewey's theory of aesthetics and recent work by cognitive psychologists such as Paul Rozin and Paul Bloom. Dj Kojak's underlying idea is that social and perceptual experiences as well the audience's understanding of the musician's process, all contribute to enhancing the music.

His concerts have an edge, with special attention to context and the creation of unique, sometimes out of this world, experiences. He cares about the timing of a set and improvising with other musicians, as these are key contributors to brightening and enhancing his holistic DJ experience.

With this philosophy in hand, he returned to the live scene and participated in the Festival "Street Art Molitor Live" by Lorsonik in 2011. He DJ'ed 2012 Gay Pride Paris where he worked with many prominent artists such as Jeremy Hills. He performed in 2014 in Rennes at the « Bars en Trans » festival. He became a resident DJ at « the Sanz » in Paris for the year 2016 and continued as a resident DJ at Trader's club in 2017.
Since 2013 he is a resident DJ on Mix Star Radio with his show "The Art of Xperience", where he live mixes the best of Chic House every Monday night from 9pm to 10pm.

The year 2016 started with a new single by Dj Kojak & Kijahman "Party" signed on the Happy Music dance label. There was also collaboration with the singer Kijahman on a track combining House music and cozy atmosphere, with a voice that makes you want to dance ... all night long !!! He also landed for the summer of 2016 with his new single "Garos Lanros", a House production with punchy bass, slamming rhythms and hypnotizing keyboards.

His NEW SINGLE "Sex on the Funk" with Kijahman RELEASE OUT 28TH SEPTEMBER, 2017 and "Pleasure" RELEASE OUT 8TH FEV 2018.

Moshi Moshi Records started off as a hobby in 1998. Set up by three friends who had jobs working for major record labels. It was intended as a way of working with the bands that they loved but which didn’t fit in with the agenda of the day-job taskmasters. Early single releases from Zan Lyons, Kathryn Williams & Pedro and J Xaverre earned the label some plaudits. And sold a few records. Over the next five years Moshi Moshi slowly started to build a reputation for interesting, slightly leftfield, low-key releases. Then in 2004 things changed. For a start Moshi stopped being a hobby and became a fulltime job. Very soon after, Hot Chip and Bloc Party arrived and Moshi Moshi quickly became a name known to more than a few. Chart success followed with Yeti and The Rakes and higher-profile album releases from Architecture In Helsinki and Au Revoir Simone helped lift the label onto a new level. Then from 2006 onwards came artists such as Hot Club De Paris, Tilly And The Wall, The Wave Pictures, Slow Club, James Yuill, The Drums, Summer Camp, the list goes on.

In late 2006 the two remaining Moshi Moshi founders decided they wanted to get back to their one-off 7” release roots and the Moshi Moshi Singles Club was born. The intention was to try and release one 7” each month by a new up-and-coming artist. It would be limited to 1000 and only be available in a select group of indie stores. The artwork would be restricted to one colour and be designed by the bands themselves. Now some 40+ releases later the singles club’s roster makes an impressive list – (including) Kate Nash, Late of The Pier, Friendly Fires, Lykke Li, Florence and The Machine, Kindness, Dananananayckroyd. Disclosure. In 2011 Moshi Moshi expanded its remit by partnering up with some very talented young A&R folk to set up the imprints Tender Age, Not Even, Apricot and Dream Beach. Working under the Moshi Moshi umbrella these new labels have already yielded a clutch of exciting releases by artists from as far afield as Kenya and Seattle.

At the same time as running the record label Moshi Moshi Management has been quietly guiding the career of Metronomy and Slow Club as well as producers Ash Workman and Ollie Bayston. From 2012 this side of the business started to expand dramatically and now features a sizeable roster of emerging artists.

Looking back on the Moshi Moshi roster (particularly since the label ‘went fulltime’ in 2004) it’s a collection that bears comparison with any of its peers. For a label run by two people with no financial backing, it’s nothing short of an inspiration.

From the ashes of Holyhead shoegaze rockers The Lizzies, Holy Coves first began to blossom in spring 2009. The remaining duet of Scott Marsden and Jimmy Eggleton were intent on bringing fresh and innovative ideas to the new project. Both held similar influences, though the subtle differences between would soon help bring depth and originality to their sound.

Several months passed, with hour upon
hour spent in their purposely-adapted barn, thrashing out new sounds, structures and compositions. Soon there was more clarity, and a more focused direction to the music. Now they knew where they wanted to go, how they wanted to sound and how they wanted Holy Coves to be perceived. So all that remained was finding the missing pieces to the puzzle.

Enter drummer Ash Garden, closely followed by former Wendykurk guitarist Ben Lee. Suddenly something was different, as if catalyst and chemicals had begun some great reaction. The music became darker, held more of a groove, and had a life and soul of its own. With electrifying atmosphere and a silent vibe emanating from the band, the music had energy and raw power. Everyone knew something had clicked.

Now truly born, Holy Coves continued to develop, creating a fusion of driven amps and heavy distortion, welded with a psychedelic, pitch-shifting tremolo. Complimented by articulate song writing and meticulous structures, a blend of psych rock and sexy, sleazy rock ‘n’ roll emerged. And with it a sound well received as they toured some of the finest, most prestigious venues on British unsigned circuit.

So ask the band what they’re all about and the answer is always the same. “Reality”. Far from false, manufactured or cynical, Holy Coves are about real musicians playing real music for real people. Four regular guy’s all sharing the same vision, and the same belief in what they’re doing, driven by the same determination and will to succeed. Just like singer-songwriter Scott Marsden says: “If you really want something, if you have the drive to carry on where others fail, and if you have the ability to see clearly in a world of deceit, then anything is possible…” 

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent”
― Victor Hugo

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Header film photograph by @marin-stefani

Established in 1999, Carpark Records is an independent record label based in Washington DC.  

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