The artistic journey of Damon Jee has been a fascinating evolution, especially notable for his significant role in pioneering the Dark Disco genre. Born in Biarritz, France, his career, spanning over two decades, showcases a journey marked by a dedication to exploring new musical territories. On Friday, December 15, Damon Jee joins the Feinstoff Takeover at Control Club alongside Freudenthal, Bizarro Universe, and Walentin Pauer.
Damon Jee’s journey into music began with a partnership with Olivier Giacomotto, a fellow Frenchman. Their work featured heavily on labels such as Definitive and CR2. However, as Jee started focusing on solo projects, his creative direction shifted, incorporating influences from his youth listening to 90s rock and industrial bands like Nine Inch Nails, The Pixies, and Nirvana. This blend of rock and industrial elements with electronic music became a hallmark of his style. He adopted the alias NOZZ for some of his works, under which he released music that showcased his signature sound—distorted guitars and heavy bass lines paired with intricate percussion and drum patterns.
A defining moment in Jee’s career was his remix of Pardon Moi’s Power to the People (Hoga Nord Rekords, 2017). This remix gained widespread acclaim and showcased his ability to meld various musical elements into a compelling whole. The track’s success led to recognition by the likes of Solomun, Job Jobse, and HAAi, which broadened his audience significantly. His music, characterized by its unique blend of trance melodies, cosmic chords, and a combination of rock and electronic influences, found a place in several underground labels, including Roam, Hafendisko, Suara, and Sincopat. This output also includes his Chamaniac EP (2019), released on Jennifer Cardini’s Correspondant Records. A track that, again, garnered support from a wide array of DJs, including Andrew Weatherall, Chris Liebing, Adam Beyer, Dixon, and Joris Voorn.
Over the years since Jee’s output has been nothing short of monumental. His top-selling Space Opera EP (Polaris, 2022) and his slew of remixes for the likes of Howling, Eagles & Butterflies, Panthera, Joyce Muniz & Theus Mago, and frequent collaborator Darlyn Vlys are a testament to his production prowess. Recently, his remix of Dino Lenny’s Talk to Me landed a coveted spot on the latest Global Underground compilation compiled and mixed by New York City legend Danny Tenaglia.
The culmination of Jee’s musical evolution and his pioneering spirit in electronic music led to the birth of the Dark Disco genre. His role in pioneering the Dark Disco genre has been significant. He describes the genre as a blend of rock, guitar, energy from electroclash, techno, synth, new wave, cold wave, and pop, suggesting “dark, indie disco” as a more suitable name. His music draws from various influences, from New Order to Nine Inch Nails and Metallica to Rebolledo.
The launch of his own label, Critical Monday, exemplifies his commitment to exploring and expanding this unique genre. The first release was a collaboration with Alvaro Cabana, creating the Holographic Planes project. This release featured a mix of dance floor-focused tracks, including a remix by Jennifer Cardini. The label has since released many compilations and one-off releases from Curses, Rafael Cerato, and Mattia Pompeo & Snyl.
Today, Damon Jee is a revered producer and a sought-after headliner known for sets that showcase his years of experience and innate ability to engage diverse audiences. His performances span from France to Australia to Colombia, as well as the top global festival stages to the most intimate nightclubs.
In Damon Jee’s career, from his beginnings in the electro house scene to becoming a leading figure in Dark Disco, we see a vivid example of how music evolves, not in a straight line, but by mixing sounds, cultures, and eras, creating something that resonates across generations and borders.
