Company Freak to release their debut EP, Le Disco Social
On the 7th April, international disco super-group Company Freak release their debut EP, ‘Le Disco Social,’ out on US indie label Superlatude.
A homage to 70s orchestral disco-soul and 80s post-disco of artists like Chic, Change, Kool and The Gang, Boney M, Kid Creole and The Coconuts, and Midnight Star - Company Freak’s retro sound recalls the freewheeling sound of Studio 54 and the Paradise Garage, and the glistening nu-disco of the likes Scissor Sisters, Daft Punk, Hot Chip, Jessica 6 and Tensnake.
Mixed by Eric Broucek (LCD Soundsystem) and engineered by Alex Nizich (Hercules & Love Affair, Antony and The Johnsons), Company Freak are a revolving multi-generational cast of vocalists and session players—a surprise return of actual dance music legends from the 70s and 80s performing alongside up-and-coming 21st century stars…
EP highlights include the empowering opener ‘Theme from Company Freak’ and the orchestral synth-funk and electro 80s boogie of ‘Sexaholic,’ featuring multi Tony-nominated Broadway and disco legend Vivian Reed (complete with Jodie Harsh remixes). Elsewhere there’s the eastern infused ‘Istanbul Disco,’ the addictive ‘Do You Wanna Funk,’ and throbbing funk politics of ‘Crackdown.’ And then there’s ‘André Leon Talley’ – a dance-floor anthem celebrating individualism and self-pride, and doubling as an homage to fabulous fashion superstar André Leon Talley, the former editor-at-large of Vogue and America’s Next Top Model star.
"I think one of the most important gifts you can give yourself in this life is to be unapologetically proud of yourself at every moment, at every turn, with everyone in your life, just like André Leon Talley,” says Jason King, who writes, arranges and produces all of Company Freak’s music
“The idea for Company Freak came a couple of years ago when I was living in Asia and getting inspired by global dance music,” explains King, who is no stranger to the industry, as a protégé of Clive Davis and director of Clive’s innovative music program at New York University, and the former manager to electronic wizard Jimmy Edgar (Azealia Banks, Theophilus London). “I basically grew up on disco; that was when music had arrangement, structure, drama, sophistication, and style. I wanted to recapture that sound.”
Drawing on the talents of his world-class musician friends in the US, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, Jason began to develop the sound for Company Freak. “For me, disco was always international. I’m thinking of the music of artists like Manu Dibango, Cerrone, and Giorgio Moroder. I wanted Company Freak to have that authentic cosmopolitan feel.”
Company Freak vocalists include Shayna Steele (Rihanna), Melissa Musique (Chrisette Michelle, Jessie J.), Matia Washington (The Clark Sisters, John Legend) and Jason King himself on falsetto duties, whilst the legendary Jocelyn Brown and Labelle’s Sarah Dash are already confirmed for the album. Instrumentalists include bassist Steve Styles (Alicia Keys, Demi Lovato), keyboardist John Stanley (Patti Labelle, Luther Vandross), drummer Gintas Janusonis (Ultra Naté, Masters at Work), and horn players Casey Benjamin (Robert Glasper Experience) and Kenyatta Beasley (Prince, Lauryn Hill).
Company Freak’s debut EP Le Disco Social, is out April 7th, their debut full-length album is slated for release later this year.
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