New Orleans isn't the first place anyone thinks of when you mention electronic music. But Christoph Andersson's monthly Electronic TKVR parties that he hosts with other local acts Swiss Chriss and G-Eazy have grown to 500+ ragers in little over a year. He likes being the black sheep in NOLA where electronic is a less popular genre. He told Filter Magazine "Not being around other electronic musicians or a huge scene has benefitted me. I don't think I'd do very well in a place like New York or L.A.... I doubt I'm even cool enough."
Oh you're cool enough, mister. Andersson, despite being new to the scene, has already shared the stage with Hot Chip and Crookers at Voodoo Fest and started his own record label, Hurst Recordings (named after the Nola street where he grew up) and, over the past year, released an EP and various catchy beat-driven pop tracks. His refreshing sound has caught the attention of other artists and bloggers with its bridge between airy pop and dance. He told LSU magazine that his main goal going into every track is to "blend really catchy pop music...with really contemporary electronic technique".
Christoph Andersson- Metropol
Christoph Andersson- Tuxedo
Christoph Andersson- Getaway
Andersson attended the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA). A nurturing ground for talented artists like Trombone Shorty, Harry Connick, Jr. the Marsalis brothers, and actor Wendell Pierce. Now he studies Music Industry at Loyola University in New Orleans, where he is a rising sophomore. Yeah. He's 19 years old. But as he likes to say, "Age doesn't limit creativity" Amen.
He says he can't really put his finger on what to call his music, although he's been branding it as Neo-Disco. His named influences stem from 80's synth band Tears for Fears and seminal electronic groups like Daft Punk. And while he says New Orleans music isn't a conscious influence, bass-lines akin to those used by the Funky Meters or melodies that recall the Neville Brothers are not uncommon in his music. Those subconscious nods to local greats aren't something Andersson necessarily notices, "...I won't even get [them] until my dad points them out. New Orleans music is just how I grew up"
Well, with a debut slated for a near future release and a live tour in progress, Andersson has a lot going for him. Personally, I'd like to tell him that if he decides to move to New York he'll do well enough, but he should take some time to consider the move and in the meantime keep making great electronica in our city....just so WE can have him to ourselves for a wee bit longer.
-Hillary D.
