Kissy Sell Out
Kissy Sell Out emerged from the 'myspace' generation of cool nerds and sonic visionaries engaged in a feverish revolt, a wholesale shredding of the musical and business rulebook, as they mix their influences into exhilarating results spreading the word online and beyond - a collision of art, ideas and energy unrivalled since the heyday of punk. This is very evident in his own productions which form a stunning collage of music, fashion and design.
A graduate of Central Saint Martin's in Graphic Design, Kissy Sell Out is a rare dichotomy - an underground sensation with a massive following. The crossover story began in summer 2006, when his single 'Her' was released on Kissy's own imprint San City High as limited edition vinyl and download. The best specialist record shops around the country picked up on it along with the more discerning producers and DJs alike. Rough Trade made 'Her' their 'Tune of the Week' selling out every single copy in less than a week.
Kissy's influences range from Sonic Youth, Scritti Politti and Swans to Aphrodite and Mickey Finn's late 90's drum'n'bass and dance producers such as DFA, Headman and early Daft Punk. Kissy is also fascinated by the works of painter Howard Hodgkin, and Brett Easton Ellis' books. No surprise really as Kissy's audio and visual work is a mish mash of all of these things albeit carrying a refreshing twist that still maintains an element of familiarity.
He began DJing at the age of 13 in 1998, having turned from a Nirvana fan to a confused dance music fan overnight when he came across an acid house mix CD. 'I started making my own music as a natural progression from DJing. I've always been fascinated by the concept of remixing. I've been playing the electric guitar since I was 11 and used to focus on improvisation techniques rather than reading sheets of music or learning chords'.
Following a short stint in a mainstream electro pop band Kissy decided to go solo and explore new musical territories. 'When I made my first honest piece of music under the Kissy Sell Out guise, which I felt proud of, I suddenly realised that I had quite literally sold out in previous productions to try and appeal to a wider audience while repressing my urge to make something so much dirtier, and so Kissy Sell Out was born!'
Discovered on Myspace by The Loose Cannons who feverishly championed him on their Kiss FM radio show, a succession of innovative, cutting edge remixes for artists including Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, The Human League and Groove Armada to name a few, brought Kissy to the attention of public and media alike. A re-release of 'Her' with remixes from DJ Touche (The Wiseguys), Trey Crasseux and shoreditch hustlers Skull Juice on indie label Lavolta ensured his constant appearance in all of the UK's top venues and festivals in 2007 - headlining the dance tent in Glastonbury, Creamfields, Bestival, Lovebox and many more.
His own Radio 1 show began in the summer, where Kissy showcases his talents as a bona fide and much respected broadcaster and A&R figure. Media attention has been keen and relentless - he was the first artist who graced the cover of DJ magazine without having released any singles - indicating his commercial value in an underground world.
His own album demos bought him SEVEN offers from majors and indies alike. There has been NOTHING quite like this in a stale and confused industry. A decision has been difficult to make however Kissy's much anticipated debut album will see him touring with a LIVE band in summer 2008 to support the release. A Ministry of Sound Compilation for Australasia will see his name become a globally recognized moniker, and increase his ever-growing international fanbase which has been fuelled by his performing headline slots in cities including Moscow, New York, Bergen, Barcelona and Berlin. He is the ONLY DJ whose debut season saw him play at ALL of the main clubs in Ibiza.
With universal support from DJs and producers such as James Ford, Annie Mac, Switch, Etienne De Crecy, Headman, Boyz Noise, Eddy Temple-Morris, Digitalism, Speaker Junk - and killer DJ sets alongside great artists such as Justice, Nightmoves, Duke Dumont, Jurassic 5 and Norman Cook under his belt, Kissy has seen his star rise in an unequal manner. Fans are even emulating his fashion style, copying every detail of his apparel including his trademark oversized jewellery! A music innovator, creative artist AND fashion icon at the tender age of 22…that is something that happens to very special talent indeed... and no-one can be more humbled and surprised than Kissy himself.
