(FR/ Ekler’o’shock, Leonizer)
 
Léonard is something of a stalwart in the French electro mash-up scene, blending everything from hip-hop, French chanson, old school electro, electroclash, crunk, and club. He’s known for the apocalyptic videogame rap he releases on Ekler‘o’shock.
 
Born and raised in 70’s suburban Paris, Léonard was in high school band, Cosmogonifutil, with Olaf Hund; together they released an album did a series of gigs. Later he started working with young director Laurent Hart, for whom he composed the music for the video game Borderland, and also for a series of short films, Cartonman. Both were nominated and awarded at festivals in Germany, Austria and Biennale de Lyon. In 2002, he traveled throughout France and Europe as a DJ and sound designer for Philippe Decouflé’s Cyrk 13 (soundtrack by Olaf Hund). He’s also composed music for a play, Universal Dancefloor (Night Fever Theatre Company).
 
Associated with the Musiques Hybrides label since 1999, Léonard began releasing music in 2003 beginning with the De Léonizer EP. His debut album, Leonizer Fever, followed in the same year. By the end of 2004, Léonard had finished his second solo album, 2, which featured appearances from guest rapper Maxx (ex The Goats). The album appeared on his own label Leonizer Records. A collaboration with Maxx was included on Matthieu Gazier’s Ekler’o’shock label compilation, The Unexpektheadz, in 2005, leading to the production of Léonard’s next record, Coup de Foudre, an EP with Maxx and French vocalist Meninamandine, an exploration of old school electro, crunk and electroclash.
 
Léonard de Léonard’s newest EP Screaming Dance, is due for release on Ekler’o’shock, and will be remixed by Chris de Luca and Phon.o.
 
When he’s not making records, Léonard mixes in Parisian clubs like the Paris Paris, Le Baron, Batofar, Nouveau Casino, Divan du Monde, Glaz’art, and Cabaret Sauvage.
 
> Website Léonard de Léonard
> Léonard de Léonard on Myspace
 
Appearances:
> CTM.08 > CRANKED UP DISCO