DJ Koze, aka Stefan Kozalla, born in Marrakech, is a renowned German DJ and producer celebrated for his unique and genre-defying music styles. His music transcends trends and creates its own universe, mixing psychedelic and unconventional elements, which makes him an outstanding figure in electronic music.
He began his career in the hip-hop scene and gained recognition in the 1990s as a member of the legendary German hip-hop group Fischmob. Around the turn of the millennium, Koze formed the electronic pop band International Pony. The band released two critically acclaimed albums on a major label.
DJ Koze's solo album Amygdala, released in 2013, showcased his ability to connect emotions with complex soundscapes, earning widespread acclaim. The album featured artists like Caribou, Apparat, Rhye, Matthew Dear, among others, and is a fascinating interplay of house, techno, and pop elements that is both danceable and deeply profound.
In 2018, he followed up with Knock Knock, another masterpiece that further refined his style. The album retains its unconventional approach, bearing his unmistakable signature. It featured artists like Róisín Murphy, José Gonzales, Kurt Wagner, Sophia Kennedy, and others. One notable single from the album, "Pick Up," garnered widespread acclaim for its infectious energy and creative production. Knock Knock was praised by critics, reached the top 10 in the German Album Charts, and solidified his position as one of the most innovative artists in electronic music.
Koze's remixing skills and productions have earned him significant recognition. His 2012 remix of Matthew Herbert's "It's Only" was named Resident Advisor's #1 Track of the Year, and his 2014 remix of Moderat's "Bad Kingdom" became iconic. His remix of Låpsley's "Operator," released in 2016, further exemplifies his innovative style and highlights his talent for elevating songs, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in electronic music.
His label, Pampa Records, has released works from leading underground artists. Koze remains highly influential, with his DJ sets, music productions, and remixes in high demand globally.
In 2023, he produced Róisín Murphy's album Hit Parade, which was released on Ninja Tune. Hit Parade became Murphy's highest-charting album on the UK Albums Chart, peaking in the top five, and debuted in the top ten in Germany, as well as the top twenty in Belgium, Ireland, and Switzerland.
In 2023, the visionary artist presented his Wespennest EP, his first solo release since 2018's global club hit "Pick Up."
DJ Koze's highly anticipated new album Music Can Hear Us, a follow-up to his worldwide hit album Knock knock' including global dance hit “Pick Up”, will be released on April 4th on Pampa Records and is a 64-minute lasting trip into space and back.
LATEST RELEASES:
- DJ Koze feat. Damon Albarn - Pure Love LISTEN
DJ Koze feat. Arnim & The Düsseldorf Düsterboys - Wie schön du bist LISTEN
- Gerry Read & DJ Koze - Highly Recommended LISTEN
- Róisín Murphy - Hitparade (Produced by DJ Koze) LISTEN
- DJ Koze – Wespennest/Candidasa EP LISTEN
- Róisín Murphy - Fader (Produced by DJ Koze) LISTEN
- Róisín Murphy - The Universe (Produced by DJ Koze) LISTEN
- Róisín Murphy - Coocool (Produced by DJ Koze) LISTEN
- Dumbo Tracks - Everybody Knows (DJ Koze Remix) LISTEN
- Melle Brown feat. Annie Mac - Feel About You (DJ Koze Remix) LISTEN
- DJ Koze - `knock knock´ remixes #2 (by Dave DK) LISTEN
- DJ Koze - `knock knock´ Remixes (by &ME and Mano Le Tough) LISTEN
- Solomun feat. Jamie Foxx - Ocean (DJ Koze Remix) LISTEN
- Peggy Gou - I Go (DJ Koze Remix) LISTEN
- José González - Tjomme (DJ Koze Remix) LISTEN
- Lakou Mizik & Joseph Ray - Sanba Yo Pran Pale (DJ Koze Remix) LISTEN
- Gerry Read - It'll All Be Over (DJ Koze Remix) LISTEN
AWARDS:
Echo Pop
- 2014: Critics' choice award (Amygdala)
Groove Mag
- 2024: 1st Place Producer of the Year (Hit Parade)
- 2024: 2nd Place Track of the Year (Can’t Replicate)
- 2024: 4th Place DJ of the Year
DJ Awards
- 2018: Category „Electronica/Downtempo“ (DJ Koze)
Preis für Popkultur (Award for Pop Culture)
- 2018: Category „favourite producer“ (Knock Knock)
Pitchfork - The 50 Best Albums of 2018
- 2018: 3rd Place - Knock Knock
Pitchfork - The 100 Best Songs of 2018
- 2018: 5th Place - Pick Up
MIXMAG - The Top 50 Tracks of 2018
- 2018: 1st Place - Pick Up
Noisey - The 100 Best Albums of 2018
- 2018: 9th Place - Knock Knock
Resident Advisor - 2018's Best Tracks
Rolling Stone - 50 Best Albums of 2018 So Far
FM4 - Most Wanted - 100 besten Clubtracks des Jahres (100 best club tracks of the year)
- 2018: 1st Place - Pick Up
LINKS:
www.instagram.com/djkozeofficial
https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/1kR99O4MgSTasyeJh8UFCg/profile
www.facebook.com/djkoze
www.pamparecords.com
www.soundcloud.com/pamparecords
www.youtube.com/c/PampaRecordsOfficial
