Woodkid was undoubtedly the first surprise of 2011, an unexpected arrival far from the mainstream buzz. In March, he released Iron, an EP of raw beauty, on french independent label Green United Music.
Woodkid, aka Yoann Lemoine, is originally known as a very talented music video director : Yelle, Moby, Katy Perry, The Shoes or more recently Lana Del Rey « Born To Die » and « Blue Jeans », and even the Drake featuring Rihanna video.
Rumor has it that during a video shoot in the U.S., Woodkid received, straight from great American guitarist Richie Havens’ hands, a banjo that immediately replaced his piano, at least for a while. Without neglecting his activity as a director (for music or even cinema, also part of his project), Woodkid decided to devote himself to make his own music.
When listenning to Woodkid, an obvious thought goes to Antony and The Johnsons : Woodkid and Anthony could be kindred spirits of the voice. We can also hear the sweet folk influences from New York and a brillant way to play with melodies. The all thing emphases Yoann Lemoine’s gift for songwritting, that floats somewhere between Neil Hannon and Bonnie Prince Billy.
The Iron EP revealed a universe of fragile grace : four original songs, written either on guitar or piano.
In a very short time, Woodkid has become a must-known artist.
Woodkid is a whole creative project conceived by Yoann Lemoine, where every aspects are treated : both music and image. Obviously, he directed the music video for Iron himself, starring British top model Agyness Deyn ; an epic black & white video, flirting with 20 millions views on the Internet and awarded many times :
Music Video Production Association « Best Director of the Year 2012 »
Protoclip International Music Video Festival 2011 « Great Prize »
Namur Film Festival 2011 « Music Video of the Year »
Antville Music Video Awards 2011 « Best Cinematography » et « Best Art Direction »
Fubiz Awards 2012 « Best Music Video »
Les Inrockuptibles « Readers Best Music Video 2011»
After the release of Iron EP, Woodkid toured worldwide and landed in Paris on January 24th 2012 for a very private concert on the hights of the Eiffel Tower… Organised by Vice US, the show was live broadcasted all over the world on Vice’s video platform. Woodkid revealed some of the songs from his debut album The Golden Age, expected early 2013.
On May 21st, the EP and single RUN BOY RUN were released with a music video, Iron’s prequel and second step into the story that inspires The Golden Age.
