So Me, the man behind the artistic veil of French label Ed Banger Records (EBR), pulled from his personal archives to put together a photographic collection called Travail, Famille, Party (Work, Family, Party). So Me’s 400 images capture ecstatic party-goers and key DJs raised to their highest altitude above the crowd as well as behind the scenes. In celebration of the record label’s 10-year anniversary, it includes various snapshots recording EBR’s infamous legacy in the French electro scene over the past decade.
Just so you are aware: So Me has worked with Busy P (Daft Punk’s former manager) since the very inception of EBR in 2003. Through the power of electronic music and edgy art, the two men led unusually fresh and innovative French electro to rule the clubs of Paris. They also brought French producers such as Justice, DJ Mehdi, Uffie, Mr. Oizo, SebastiAn, Breakbot, and Feadz to rise in popularity on an international scale.
As EBR’s official art director, So Me has designed practically every album cover, various T-shirts, and gig posters for Ed Banger. He has directed multiple music videos, such as “Embody” by SebastiAn, “Barbra Streisand” by Duck Sauce, and “We Are Your Friends” by Justice. He even acts as the main designer for a French clothing company once called Cool Cats (it is now being reinvented as Club 75). This man has done it all!
If you’re interested in learning more, check out this insightful interview with So Me conducted by GBH.
And if you happen to live in Paris (lucky you), the release of this book is accompanied by a short exhibition at 12, Rue du Mail, a Red Bull space in Paris from April 1-5. More info and photos can be found on EBR’s website. A lot of this stuff is written in French, but we have faith in you.
Hopefully Travail, Famille, Party will soon be found in a hip bookstore near you!
-Emilia Navarro
