Label Focus: Kitsuné

Bridging the gap between indie rock and electronica, the early Kitsuné ‘Maison’ compilations were vital in the explosive success of the nu-rave scene of the mid- to late-00s. Gildas Loaëc, who cut his teeth working for Thomas Bangalter’s Roulé, clothes designer Masaya Kuroki and the London-based design company Åbäke, founded Kitsuné in 2002. Since then the label has released underground house hits by DJ Gregory and Man With Guitar, was among the first to celebrate acts like the Klaxons and La Roux, and recently helped kick-start the careers of electronica pop darlings Years & Years.

Loaëc and Kuroki have opened numerous clothes stores and cafés worldwide, connecting the dots between their passions, while keeping it within the same identity of their musical outlet. Venturing into territories that often lie off-limits to most record labels may seem distracting, but as seen by their latest signings, Australian rapper Tkay Maidza or glittery soul quarter MOTHXR, their focus on exciting new music never wavers.

What were you doing before the label started?

I moved to Paris when I was 19 and opened a record store. I had DJs like DJ Gregory and the kids from Daft Punk come in, but it wasn’t very successful. I ended up leaving, and wound up working with one of the guys from Daft Punk. I worked with Daft Punk for 13 years on their label Roulé, and also on Crydamoure, where I learnt the basics of the music business and running a label.

Why did you want to start your own label?

I wanted experience in saying and doing my own thing, and I was still working on that when I started Kitsuné. I wanted to make a label that had a strong visual identity in the vein of Roulé, Mo Wax or Factory.

You’re also a fashion brand as well as a record label...

Where London is the music capital of the world, Paris is very much about fashion. I’m very passionate about music and fashion. I’m bringing my lifestyle and what I love into my company. With the clothes line we were not simply into making merchandise, but properly designing clothes.

What’s the ethos behind the label?

We want to make the best record label in the world. I’m not saying we’re there yet, but we are doing the best we can to get there. Same with the clothes: we’re very particular with the quality of the fabric, manufacturing and finishing.

What has been your proudest moment with the label so far?

I was really happy with the campaign we did with Two Door Cinema Club. We did their first two albums, which were very successful, and they had great live following off the back of it. I like the early stages of bringing new bands to a wider audience and greater success.