AutoKratz
| Company type | Music duo |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electronic music |
| Founded | 2007 in London, United Kingdom |
| Founder | David Cox, Russell Crank |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Electronic music albums, singles, EPs |
| Website | www |
autoKratz is an electronic music duo based in London, composed of David Cox and Russell Crank. Their releases have appeared on the French electronic label Kitsuné Music as well as their own Bad Life imprint.
History
Established in London in 2007, autoKratz soon signed with the Paris-based Kitsuné label, renowned for pioneering the electronic genre alongside acts such as Hot Chip, Crystal Castles, Simian Mobile Disco, and Digitalism.
Their initial single, "Reaktor," earned the distinction of 'Record of the Week' on Pete Tong's program on BBC Radio 1.
2008: Down & Out In Paris & London
After releasing several successful singles and remixing tracks for artists including La Roux, Alex Gopher, Fischerspooner, and Underworld, autoKratz unveiled their debut mini-album, Down & Out In Paris & London, in 2008.
The album's title, inspired by George Orwell’s book, reflects both their London origins and their label’s base. It received positive reviews from outlets such as the NME. The track "Stay The Same" reached number one on the DJ magazine Hype Chart.
Throughout 2008, autoKratz performed over 50 shows across Europe, including appearances at prominent festivals like Glastonbury Festival, Belgium’s Summerset Festival, and Rencontres trans musicales.
That year also included a notable event involving Sex Pistols' John Lydon at the Live At Loch Lomond festival, underscoring their involvement in significant music circles.
2009: Animal
In June 2009, autoKratz released their first full-length album, Animal, which garnered rave reviews from publications such as IDJ (10/10), Mixmag (named Album of the Month), Artrocker, Clash Magazine, and the Financial Times.
Before the album launch, they were invited by Underworld to support them during two nights at Brixton Academy in November 2008. Following this, autoKratz supported The Prodigy at Tokyo’s Makuhari Messe and embarked on their inaugural Australian tour as part of the Parklife Festival lineup, sharing stages with artists like Empire of the Sun, La Roux, Busy P, A-Trak, Tiga, Erol Alkan, and Crystal Castles.
October 2009 saw them commence a six-week headlining European tour promoting Animal. Throughout 2009 and 2010, autoKratz continued extensive international touring with notable performances at France’s La Route du Rock, London’s Wireless Festival, Zurich’s Open Air Festival, Portugal’s Optimus Alive, France’s Solidays, and Germany’s Melt Festival.
2011: Self Help for Beginners
The duo released their sophomore album, Self Help for Beginners, on 20 June 2011. It received a favorable 4/5 rating from Q Magazine, which highlighted its "peak time pop nuggets welded to Terminator style-backbones". The lead track "Opposite of Love" debuted on BBC Radio 1 with Jaymo and Andy George.
This album featured collaborations with notable musicians such as Peter Hook, bassist of New Order, guitarist Andrew Innes from Primal Scream, and producer Jagz Kooner, known for work with Primal Scream and Kasabian. Peter Hook contributed to the second single "Becoming the Wraith" and performed live alongside autoKratz at Tokyo’s Summer Sonic Festival where they headlined the second stage. Hook described his involvement as adding “the icing on the cake” to an already compelling song.
Later in 2011, "Stay The Same" was included in the soundtrack of the film 50/50, starring actors Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Building upon success from their Bad Life label, autoKratz transitioned towards a more club-oriented electro and techno sound by late 2011. Their EP autoKratz present Bad Life #1, featuring tracks like "Heart Attack Man" and "Sucker Sirens," was selected as Mixmag 'Electro Tune of the Month' for January 2012. This was followed by "Faith", a collaboration with Lee Mortimer that earned 'Tune of the Month' honors from both Mixmag and DJ Mag early in 2012. These releases received widespread DJ support globally, appearing in sets by artists such as Style of Eye and Benny Benassi.
autoKratz emerged as prominent contributors to the developing Future Techno movement,[1] releasing autoKratz present Bad Life #2 in early 2012 to emphasize their dedication to progressive electronic music. They also crafted a more techno-focused live performance for their inaugural Bad Life label tour during Spring 2012.[2]
Studio Albums and EPs
- Down & Out In Paris & London – EP / Mini album (2008 Kitsuné)
- Animal – Full-length album (2009 Kitsuné)
- Self Help for Beginners – Full-length album (2011 Bad Life)
Singles
- "reaKtor" – Single / Maxi release (2007 Kitsuné Music)
- "1000 Things" – Single / Maxi release (2008 Kitsuné Music)
- "Pardon Garçon" (rewerk) – Single / Maxi release (2008 Kitsuné Music)
- "Stay the Same" – Single / Maxi release (2008 Kitsuné Music)
- "Always More" – Single / Maxi release (2009 Kitsuné Music)
- "Opposite of Love" – Single / Maxi release (2011 Bad Life)
- "Becoming the Wraith" – Single / Maxi release (2011 Bad Life)
- "autoKratz present Bad Life#1" – Single / Maxi release (2011 Bad Life)
- "Faith" – Single / Maxi release (2011 Bad Life)
- "autoKratz present Bad Life#2" – Single / Maxi release (2012 Bad Life)
- "Devil's Touch" – Single (2012 Bad Life)
- "Midnight Hearts" – Single (2013 Bad Life)
Compilation Appearances
- Kitsuné Maison Compilation 5 – ("Pardon Garçon") – (2008 Kitsuné Music)
- Kitsuné Maison Compilation 6 – ("Stay the Same" (Edit)) – (2008 Kitsuné Music)
- Kitsuné Remixes Album#1 – ("Stay the Same" (Alex Gopher Remix)) – (2009 Kitsuné Music)
- Kitsuné Maison Compilation 7 – ("Always More" (Yuksek Remix)) – (2009 Kitsuné Music)