Woodkid started his career by making critically acclaimed videos (remember the Take Care video with Drake and Rihanna canoodling over a Jamie xx beat?) but has since branched into making music himself – with pretty excellent results. Not every fledgling musician ends up inspiring the Dior Homme AW13 show, as Woodkid did with his song Iron. With one eye on his music and another one on the visual package of the song, Woodkid is as likely to churn out a hit as he is an award-winning video. Below, we get him to expand on his inspirations and influences.

1. Steven Spielberg

“The filmmakers I watched when I was a kid were big, mainstream directors like Spielberg or Stanley Kubrick – the only ones I would have access to as a little kid growing up in the middle of France. With Spielberg, it was about how his subjects were treated and the emotion he had in his films. There’s something about his camera work that’s very unique, and that’s what I like about him.”

2. Gus Van Sant

“Elephant is his best movie, but I have a very strong soft spot for Paranoid Park. I love how he injects violence into something very casual and mundane – when the kid is shot in Elephant or in the Paranoid Park death scene, it’s a shock to reality. The contrast between reality and violence is so big that it’s much more impressive than a Tarantino movie, where it’s all about the violence.”

3. Philip Glass

“When I was younger, I’d listen to a lot of soundtracks and I randomly fell on Philip Glass’ soundtrack for Koyaanisqatsi. The first time I listened to his music, I could feel emotions that were indescribable – it wasn’t pain, it wasn’t nostalgia, it wasn’t uplifting – the emotion that came out was very alien, in a way. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of music to create emotions.”

5. Rap and hip-hop rhythms

“When I created my album, we sampled a lot of orchestral music but we built on patterns and structures that are actually from rap beats. Right now I’m fascinated by Kendrick Lamar; I was at his show a couple of days ago and I think he’s the best rapper out there right now. Of course I love Jay-Z, and I have a soft spot for Kanye – people forget he’s an amazing producer, and his connection with visuals is mind-blowing.”

6. Michel Gondry

“I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing if Gondry wasn’t a director. He made the videos I would see on TV – I think the first Michel Gondry video I saw was Bjork’s ‘Bachelorette’. I just remember watching them over and over, like I was studying them. But now, I feel like I’m getting closer to directors like Chris Cunningham or Spike Jonze because I’m getting more cinematic and less playful with what I do. I try to tell stories that are a little more realistic.”

Woodkid’s debut album, The Golden Age, is out on 18th March. www.woodkid.com

Words: Zing Tsjeng

The post NEW NOISE: Woodkid appeared first on Wonderland.

The follow-up album to Faith’s critically acclaimed debut album Do You Want the Truth is out on 28 May. But if you can’t wait until then to take delivery of the new instalment of her helium-infused vocals, you’re in luck! This weekend, Faith joins BBC1’s The Voice as a ‘Battle Advisor.’ Cue scenes of Tom Jones reaching for the little blue pill as Faith, a former burlesque dancer, twirls her way around set, offering performance-related advice to the show’s oblivious contestants (and judges).

To whet your appetite ahead of her inevitably chaotic appearance on The Voice (mentoring our NEW NOISE February interviewee, Vince Kidd), Faith has contributed to Wonderland’s Summer Playlist Series, featuring songs she cannot hear without wanting to get those gorgeous lips around something cool and ice-creamy:

Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits

This always fills a dance floor. Tina’s voice makes you wanna shake your thing because she is always on the edge of breaking it!

3rd Degree – Mercy

When I first heard this I thought Duffy had covered it, but then I found out Duffy did write it and they covered it. I just think this dude’s voice kills it and shows the song for what it is – a bloody good tune!

Sisters Love – The Bigger You Love The Harder You Fall

I’m all about voices and I just can’t get over the emotion in this performance. It’s just unbelievable.

Lindstrom feat. Christabelle

The production on this is mega cool. I love all the weird synths and it’s just so simple. Simple is good, sometimes.

Whitney Houston – Million Dollar Bill

I LOVE DANCING TO THIS! It was such a sad loss when she died and I think this last big single of hers was amazing. I always play it when I DJ. It’s pure early 80s cool.

Chase & Status – Blind Faith feat. Liam Bailey

I think the production on this is beyond brilliant. Such euphoria! I also think Liam Bailey is one of the most under rated UK vocalists around.

Woodkid – Iron

Wow is there nothing this guy can’t do? Not only is this dude an amazing producer/band, but he also directed Lana Del Rey’s last two music videos. I’m gob smacked and love this song and video!

Azealia Banks – 212 feat. Lazy Jay

I am a little bit obsessed with this girl. I think she’s super clever and super cool (say that in a French accent). She can sing and rap…I am hanging my hat! Everything she touches turns to gold and I bow down!

Jade – Everyday of the Week

I used to LOVE this when I was younger and I am a massive New Jack Swing fanatic. The beats and melodies make you feel happy!

Tony Matterhorn – Dutty Wine

This is such a brilliant song to dance to (or try and learn the moves for). I have some great memories with friends of this song. We all get very excited if it comes on – a lot of high fives get dished out.

Words: Gavin Jewkes

The post SUMMER PLAYLIST – Paloma Faith appeared first on Wonderland.