Jean-Michel Jarre & Gessafelstein – Conquistador
Techno’s infamous black suited, cigarette-smoking dark lord, Gessafelstein, just surprised fans with a brand new collaboration featuring world-renown, electronic innovator and fellow Frenchman, Jean-Michel Jarre, entitled ‘Conquistador’ for Jarre’s upcoming album. With over 80 million albums sold worldwide, Jarre has been considered one of electronic music’s pioneering forces over the last four decades, having originally made his name in the 70s. With Jean-Michel breaking musical boundaries for longer than most of us have been born, it seems only fitting that he looked to the young creative energy of Gesaffelstein, who represents a much younger generation of French producers, to amp up his first release in eight years. Aside from creating a collaboration that personifies the collision of old and new electronic pioneers, this collab is made even sweeter because Jarre and Gessafelstein allowed this monstrous musical occasion to be documented on video.
Having Gessafelstein specifically in mind for the project, and Jarre standing as a major influence for Gessfelstein as an electronic producer, the two combined their visions, musical eagerness, and expert perspectives to create ‘Conquistador’; a haunting electronic soundscape woven with distorted, old school electronic sounds, eerie vocal work, monstrous sub bass and a dark undertone. From Jarre’s undeniably distinctive synth lines, to Gesaffelstein’s modern, dark techno twist, ‘Conquistador’ boasts a clear and balanced presence of both producers. This collaboration is the first single from Jarre’s forthcoming album, and is available now, with two additional remixes on Beatport.
Although Gessafelstein met his last live performance at this year’s Coachella (topped off with an incredibly moving 2 minute standing ovation), we’re happy to see him still active as a musician. And if you haven’t gotten enough of the dark lord of Techno, check out this 30 minute video from his last ever set during Coachella Weekend 1!
