Canadian born, Gonzales relocated to Europe, spending most of his time between Germany or France. Having signed to the label, Kitty-Yo, Gonzales set to making a name for himself on the live circuit, impressing with his often comic shows that displayed his piano virtuosity alongside his MCing. Collaborating with label-mate, Peaches, Gonzales found success with the 2000 single, "Red Leather," becoming known as the 'Bonnie and Clyde of Prankster Rap.' Gonzales' debut, "Über Alles," was released that same year, which featured piano-based electronic productions, complete with his idiosyncratic MCing.
Releases continued for Gonzales, with "The Entertainist" and "Presidential Suite," before embarking upon a collaboration with Manu Chao. Gonzales also contributed to Fesit's hit album, "Let It Die," as well as duets with Jane Birkin and Charles Aznavour, both hugely popular French pop stars.
Focusing on his solo output, a new record arrived in 2005, "Solo Piano," which displayed an impressionist influence from the likes of Erik Satie and Maurice Ravel. His next release, 2008's "Soft Power," abandoned these classical influences and returned to piano-led pop that harbored a distinctly '80s sound.
After setting a Guinness World Record for the longest piano solo in history (27 hours), Gonzales composed the soundtrack for the feature-length film, "Ivory Tower," which he had co-written with Cèline Sciamma. The film featured appearances from Gonzales himself, as well as friends, Peaches, Feist and Tiga. Gonzales returned to his solo piano work in 2012, releasing "Solo Piano II," continuing his solo work with 2014's "Re-Introduction Etudes," an instructional record for piano novices.
Read more
Charli XCX
Log in to your account
