A collaborative ensemble featuring Konono No1, Deerhoof, Juana Molina, Kasai Allstars, Wildbirds & Peacedrums and Skeletons: 10 Congolese and 10 indie rock musicians, all perfoming together onstage to create a new musical language.
With their amazing "Congotronics" sound (ritual trance music + makeshift amplification system), Congolese bands Konono No1 and Kasai Allstars have become unexpected icons of the indie rock scene. They have joined forces with 4 of the most exciting American and European artists for what has undoubtedly been one of the most spectacular musical events of 2011.
The idea was spawned by the epic double-album entitled Tradi-Mods vs Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics, a collective tribute by 26 rock and electronic artists, who came up with their own, creative interpretations of the Congotronics bands’ music.
The logical next step in this transcontinental encounter was a real-life meeting, which brought together ten Congolese and ten indie rock musicians, who worked to create an common, entirely fresh repertoire, building bridges between their respective worlds.
The ensemble includes Konono N°1, Kasai Allstars, mighty US band Deerhoof, unique Argentinian artist Juana Molina, explosive experimental Swedish pop duo Swedish duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums, inventive Brooklyn band Skeletons (represented by their leader Matt Mehlan) and -on 4 of the dates- Belgian indie sensation Hoquets and their incredible DIY instruments: over 20 musicians in total.
This first tour took place in the Spring/Summer of 2011, and included selected dates at major festivals & venues around Europe and Japan.
MORE INFO in the "Sounds & Visuals" section on the right of this page (including videos, press reviews, pictures), and on THE BLOG!
The "Sounds & Visuals" page also contains a trailer for director Pierre Laffargue's work-in-progress: a feature-length film about the making of Congotronics vs Rockers.
Some press reactions to "Tradi-Mods vs Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics",
the indie scene’s tribute album to Congotronics:
“This is what the future will sound like“ (Mojo, UK)
“A miraculous dialogue” (Les Inrockuptibles, France)
“Wonderful” (Sunday Times, UK)
“Stunning” (Le Vif/L’Express, BE)
“The future of pop” (Die Zeit, DE)
“A triumph” (the AV Club, USA)
Congotronics International
(The supergroup incl. Konono Nº.1, Kasai Allstars, Deerhoof, Juana Molina, Wildbirds & Peacedrums and Skeletons) share new single & live video of “Where’s The One?”, the title track of their new collaborative album
Congotronics vs Rockers voted #1 London gig of 2011
... by London-based live blog Londonears
Congotronics vs Rockers Tour = 30 day discount at 30%
30% discount on selected Congotronics CDs & LPs ! Only until July 30th!
Exciting debut shows for Congotronics vs Rockers
Follow the writing sessions for Congotronics vs Rockers !...
10 Congolese and 10 indie artists in 6 countries are currently swapping files to prepare this incredible project.
Congotronics vs Rockers: first tour dates announced
The exceptional tour by the collaborative ensemble featuring Konono N°1, Deerhoof, Juana Molina, Kasai Allstars, Wildbirds & Peacedrums and Skeletons is taking shape!
