Xavier de Rosnay and Gaspard Augé, the talented duo behind Justice, share their musical journey and creative influences. They dive into the making of their latest album, 'Hyperdrama', blending jazz with electronic beats. The duo discusses their iconic track 'We Are Your Friends' and the collaborative magic that brought it to life. They reflect on their visual identity, including the famous cross logo, and reveal the thought process behind their recent collaboration with The Weeknd, paying homage to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. A blend of nostalgia and innovation!
Justice's new album 'Hyperdrama' marks an evolution in sound by blending jazz and experimentation while maintaining their signature energy.
The duo's collaboration on The Weeknd's 'Wake Me Up' reflects their ability to merge classic influences with contemporary styles effectively.
Justice values the artistry of music creation, focusing on cohesive albums and visual elements that enhance the overall listening experience.
Deep dives
New Album Release: Hyperdrama
The French electronic music duo, Justice, has released their new album titled 'Hyperdrama,' which showcases their evolution in sound while maintaining the vibrant energy associated with their music. The album incorporates elements of jazz and experimentation, offering a fresh take that distinguishes it from their previous works. Fans are able to experience a sonic palette reminiscent of a lively night out in Paris, as the duo pushes boundaries with innovative compositions. The release signifies their ongoing creative journey and commitment to fostering unique soundscapes that resonate with audiences.
Collaboration with The Weeknd
Justice co-produced the opening track 'Wake Me Up' for The Weeknd's new album, marking a noteworthy collaboration that draws inspiration from Michael Jackson's iconic 'Thriller.' The duo found a way to invoke the familiar elements of the classic while embedding their signature sound into the track. The creative process involved blending orchestral arrangements with contemporary beats, crafting a powerful introductory piece that sets the tone for the album. The successful collaboration highlights Justice's adaptability and skill in evolving their musical style while collaborating with other artists.
Background and Inspirations
In discussing their musical backgrounds, both members of Justice referenced early influences that shaped their careers, including exposure to hard rock, grunge, and hip-hop. They shared memories of discovering music through older siblings and friends, which laid the foundation for their appreciation of varied genres. Through these experiences, they learned to value the artistry behind album covers and the significance of listening to entire records, rather than just singles. This perspective informs their own artistic approach as they aim to create cohesive albums that invite listeners to engage with the complete work.
Creative Process and Collaboration
Justice elaborated on their creative process, detailing how they often start by researching and experimenting with sounds before writing songs. They enjoy the challenge of reinterpreting loops to create dynamic and engaging tracks that evolve throughout the listening experience. Their collaborative style fosters a productive environment where each member contributes ideas, experimenting freely with equipment and techniques, ultimately leading to unique compositions. This hands-on approach highlights their dedication to crafting music that remains compelling and fresh for each project.
Legacy and Artistic Philosophy
Justice shared insights into their artistic philosophy, including a deep appreciation for visual elements like album covers, drawing inspiration from iconic designers and the fusion of graphic art with music. They aim to produce minimalistic yet striking visuals, much like legendary bands such as Led Zeppelin, thereby focusing on the essence of their music without overwhelming audiences with information. They discussed the impermanence of certain artistic styles and the challenge of recreating the magic that unique artists like Hypnosis and others have achieved in the past. The duo's respect for craftsmanship in both music and design reveals their commitment to authenticity and innovation in their ongoing career.
Justice, the French electronic music duo composed of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay is the gift that keeps on giving.
They just released an incredible new album called Hyperdrama that not only sounds like the best possible night out in Paris, but brings in touches of jazz and experimentation that feel new for the group. They also just co-produced the opening track of The Weeknd’s latest album, a song called “Wake Me Up” that finds a brilliant way of harkening back to Michael Jackson's “Thriller.”
Today Justin Richmond discusses the creative process behind The Weeknd track, Justice's new album, and whose drums they sampled on their first album Cross.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Justice songs HERE.
