Uffie
Encyclopedia
Anna-Catherine Hartley better known by her stage name
Uffie (ˈʌfiː), is a Paris-based underground
electronic
musician, rapper
, fashion design
er and socialite
signed to French electronic music record label Ed Banger Records
. She has been described as a muse
for French DJs, and is known for working with her labelmates and friends, Feadz
, Mr. Oizo
and SebastiAn, as well as producer Mirwais
. She was briefly married to French graffiti artist André Saraiva
during 2008–09.
She is perhaps best known for her single "Pop the Glock
", as well as "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
", her 2007 collaboration with labelmates Justice
. Her recent live performances have been described as Warholian
.
In 2010, Uffie released her debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
, which was included on Drowned in Sound
's 50 best albums of the year and was nominated in the French Victoires de la Musique
for Best Electronic Album. Also in 2010, Uffie celebrated the release of her 12-piece capsule collection with clothing brand, Diesel.
, but moved to Hong Kong
with her family at the age of four. She lived in Hong Kong for most of her childhood, and was greatly influenced by the city. Uffie's name comes from the French words Un Oeuf (which means "an egg"), a nickname her father gave her as a child for being rebellious. In her teens Hartley moved with her mother to Fort Lauderdale and then to Miami where she was arrested for vandalism at the age of 15, her mother then sent her to Paris to live with her father.
Hartley studied fashion
in Paris and attended the International School of Paris
near the famous Rue de Passy. In 2005 Uffie booked DJ Feadz
for a party she was organizing, and the two began a relationship shortly after. Feadz constantly pressured Uffie to provide vocals for some of his tracks and finally in late 2005 Uffie wrote "Pop the Glock
" and released it as a Myspace
demo. Record label Arcade Mode gave the song a limited promo release in January 2006 with the B-side "Ready to Uff" which Feadz's labelmate Mr. Oizo
produced. Soon after the release Uffie was signed to the French electronic music label Ed Banger Records
by Busy P. In a 2008 interview, Uffie explained her relationship status. She and Feadz had broken up earlier that year. Uffie then began dating graffiti artist/photographer André Saraiva
and the two were married in August 2008. The couple divorced in the summer of 2009, before the birth of their daughter Henrietta in October 2009. She took a brief hiatus from work, which gave her time to find herself and mature as an artist and finally finish her full-length debut album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
.
on February 27, 2006 through Ed Banger Records. Both songs contained elements of electro and rap
. The release also featured a remix by SebastiAn.
In February 2007, the song "Dismissed" was included on Ed Rec Vol. 2
, an Ed Banger Records label compilation. Two more new tracks from Uffie, "Hot Chick" and "In Charge" were first proliferated through audioblogs in July 2006. Then in November, they were released together on her EP Hot Chick/In Charge on Ed Banger Records. In June 2007, the EP, Suited and Looted
was released by Ed Banger Records. The release included the single "First Love" and "Brand New Car". Electronic duo Crystal Castles
featured vocals sampled from Uffie on the track "Make It Hott", although it was never officially released, it can be found through various audioblogs. Also in 2007, Uffie collaborated with labelmates Justice
for their debut album, †
, on the song "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
".
Uffie contributed the song "Robot Oeuf" to the compilation Ed Rec Vol. 3
, released on May 26, 2008. It was also included in the soundtrack to Pedro Almodóvar
's 2009 film Broken Embraces, starring Penélope Cruz
. In late 2008, she worked with Mr. Oizo on the track "Steroids", which was released on Mr. Oizo's album Lambs Anger
. A remix of "Steroids" was also included on Mr. Oizo's 2009 EP Pourriture.
Her music style has been described as being "often performed in a wannabe English accent" with "a deliberately staid anti-flow delivery that walks a fine line between electro and nu-skool rap."
, was released June 15, 2010 in Europe and June 22, 2010 in the United States.
There was a contract-conflict between Uffie and Lou Reed
as to who would be credited as the writer of the title track "Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans". The song uses an instrumental sample of The Velvet Underground
's 1970 song "Rock & Roll" and the only way Lou Reed would allow her to use the sample was by receiving the credit as the writer of the song as well. This dispute delayed the album by about six months and Uffie notoriously labeled Lou Reed
as "fucking difficult" and when asked if he had heard the song, she stated, "Yes he has, he had to clear it. And it was a very not nice experience dealing with him, I have to say. I don't know what this guy's problem is but on the credits I think it even says something like he wrote it. He gets everything."
The video was shot on the set of the Academy Award-winning 1997 film Boogie Nights
and was directed by Nathalie Canguilhem. It debuted on the internet in October. Soon after the music video release, "Pop the Glock" was re-released as an EP on November 30, 2009 as promotion for her then-upcoming album, reaching number 89 in France. The new release includes three remixes from highly acclaimed producers Mirwais
, Felix da Housecat
and Ellen Allien
. After all this hype, British newspaper The Guardian
featured Uffie as "new band of the day" on October 8, 2009 and announced that Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
would be officially released in the spring of 2010 and that she had covered a version of Siouxsie and the Banshees' 1978 song "Hong Kong Garden
", which was included on the album.
page that Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans would be released on June 15, 2010 in Europe by Ed Banger Records. It was also confirmed in early April 2010 that Uffie had signed with major label Elektra Records
to distribute her work internationally who released Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans on June 22, 2010.
Uffie and Mr. Oizo teamed up once again on "MCs Can Kiss", the first single from Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans. The single was released digitally on January 12, 2010 and was officially released as a 12" vinyl on February 1, 2010 through Ed Banger Records. "MC's Can Kiss" received overwhelmingly positive reviews describing it as "an old school soundclash of heavy beats and sharp rhymes" and "shows off the French-American's ballsy schtick to full effect." "MCs Can Kiss" peaked at number 97 on the French Singles Chart
. A remix of "MC's Can Kiss
" from the Beastie Boys
member Mike D became available online March 11, 2010, as a free download from Uffie's website.
During an interview on February 12, 2010 on BBC Radio 1
's Kissy Sell Out
Radio Show, Uffie premiered a new track called "Illusion of Love". Uffie produced this track along with Mirwais, being the first song Uffie ever produced. The song features guest vocals from Mattie Safer, formerly of the band The Rapture
. Uffie explained that "Illusion of Love" is much more mature than her previous work and is by far the slowest track she has ever made. Also instead of rapping, Uffie sings on the track which is described as "'Ray of Light
' by Madonna
on acid" and filled with "all sorts of electro goodness."
On April 15, 2010, "ADD SUV" premiered on BBC Radio 1
. The song features Pharrell Williams
and was produced by Mirwais. A music video began to shoot for "ADD SUV" starring both Uffie and Williams on April 9, 2010 and was released shortly before her debut album release. The single received extremely positive reviews from the New York Post
, Prefix Magazine and Spin
. Also, with so much anticipation around "ADD SUV", the song debuted at number one on The Hype Machine
. Around this time, two new tracks from the upcoming album leaked, both "Ricky" and "Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans". It was also announced that "ADD SUV" would be released as an EP
(including remixes by Armand Van Helden
and Hudson Mohawke
) on May 17, 2010, prior to Uffie's debut album release. "ADD SUV" charted at number six on the UK Independent Singles Chart
.
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans peaked at number seven on both the French Digital Albums Chart and the Belgian Heatseekers Albums Chart. It then stayed on the French Albums Chart for a total of 12 weeks. In the US, it reached number 17 on the Dance/Electronic Albums and number 32 on the Heatseekers Albums
. It also peaked at number 18 on the UK Dance Albums Chart
and number 31 on the UK Independent Albums Chart
. Singles "MCs Can Kiss", "ADD SUV", "F1rst Love" and "Pop the Glock" also managed to chart in various countries such as France, Japan, Belgium and the UK.
Also in 2010, Uffie, who was originally studying to be a fashion designer in Paris, announced her partnership with clothing brand, Diesel to design a collection which is described as "12 pieces combining leather and denim with intriguing cuts and mixed materials" and will be available worldwide in November 2010.The collection had been designed by Uffie together with the Diesel Creative Team, under supervision by the company’s founder Renzo Rosso
. Then DJ and long time friend Steve Aoki
invited her, along with Kid Cudi
, Lil Jon
, Weezer
and Sky Ferreira
to provide vocals for an upcoming track on his next album, which should be out in 2011.
Ed Banger Records next confirmed through their Facebook page that Uffie's next single to be released would be, "Difficult" produced by Uffie's fellow labelmate and friend SebastiAn. It was later announced that "Difficult" would be released as an EP on October 18, 2010 through Ed Banger Records, Elektra Records and Because Music
, containing remixes from SebastiAn and Azari & III. A music video
for the single was released on October 6, 2010 and was directed byFrench filmmakers AB/CD/CD. The remix provided by SebastiAn, titled "2006 Parties Remix", was released to critical praise and reached number one on The Hype Machine
the day of being released.
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans was placed at number 35 on Drowned in Sound
's list of the 50 best albums of 2010. The album was also included as one of the top albums of 2010 by several other publications, including CHARTattack
, WBEZ, QRO Magazine, Indiana Daily Student
, and WTSR
, among others.
The Fred Falke
remix of "Illusion of Love" was included on the soundtrack to the 2011 film Sucker Punch
. Uffie's cover of Tom Tom Club
's 1981 song "Wordy Rappinghood
", produced by labelmate DJ Mehdi
, was released digitally on April 18, 2011 through Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records.
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
Uffie (ˈʌfiː), is a Paris-based underground
Underground music
Underground music comprises a range of different musical genres that operate outside of mainstream culture. Such music can typically share common values, such as the valuing of sincerity and intimacy; an emphasis on freedom of creative expression; an appreciation of artistic creativity...
electronic
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
musician, rapper
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
, fashion design
Fashion design
Fashion design is the art of the application of design and aesthetics or natural beauty to clothing and accessories. Fashion design is influenced by cultural and social latitudes, and has varied over time and place. Fashion designers work in a number of ways in designing clothing and accessories....
er and socialite
Socialite
A socialite is a person who participates in social activities and spends a significant amount of time entertaining and being entertained at fashionable upper-class events....
signed to French electronic music record label Ed Banger Records
Ed Banger Records
Ed Banger Records is a French electronic music record label run by Pedro Winter. It was founded in 2002 as a division of Headbangers Entertainment. The label is home to French electronic acts Justice, SebastiAn, Daft Punk, Cassius, Uffie, Krazy Baldhead, DJ Mehdi, Mr Oizo, Mr...
. She has been described as a muse
Muse
The Muses in Greek mythology, poetry, and literature, are the goddesses who inspire the creation of literature and the arts. They were considered the source of the knowledge, related orally for centuries in the ancient culture, that was contained in poetic lyrics and myths...
for French DJs, and is known for working with her labelmates and friends, Feadz
Feadz
Feadz is a French music producer, DJ and songwriter currently signed by French music label Ed Banger Records. He combines the genres of hip hop, electronic, techno and French house in his music and is perhaps best known for his collaborations with label-mate and former girlfriend...
, Mr. Oizo
Mr. Oizo
Mr. Oizo is the stage name of French electronic musician and film director Quentin Dupieux. His pseudonym is a corruption of the French , meaning "bird". He is currently signed to French electro record label, Ed Banger Records.-Beginning:...
and SebastiAn, as well as producer Mirwais
Mirwais Ahmadzaï
Mirwais Ahmadzaï, more commonly known as Mirwais, is a Paris based record producer and songwriter. He was born in Switzerland to an Afghan father and an Italian mother. He is a leader in the French style of progressive electronic dance music and progressive electronica...
. She was briefly married to French graffiti artist André Saraiva
André (artist)
André aka Monsieur André aka Monsieur A, born Andre Saraiva is a French graffiti artist. He paints a distinctive stick-figure character, usually with a top hat and an 'X' in place of one of the eyes...
during 2008–09.
She is perhaps best known for her single "Pop the Glock
Pop the Glock
"Pop the Glock" is a single from French-American electro artist Uffie. The re-released single was released as a 12" vinyl on November 30, 2009. "Pop the Glock" was Uffie's first single and an international underground hit. It was originally released in early 2006 by Ed Banger Records on the Pop...
", as well as "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
"Tthhee Ppaarrttyy" is the fifth single by Justice, as well as the fifth single by Uffie. It was released as a download without the album version, instead containing a remixed Radio Edit and the live version found on A Cross the Universe. The song contains an uncredited sample from Three 6 Mafia's...
", her 2007 collaboration with labelmates Justice
Justice (French band)
Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay . The duo is one of the most successful groups on Ed Banger Records and is managed by the label's head, Pedro Winter...
. Her recent live performances have been described as Warholian
Andy Warhol
Andrew Warhola , known as Andy Warhol, was an American painter, printmaker, and filmmaker who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art...
.
In 2010, Uffie released her debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans is the debut studio album by French-American recording artist Uffie. It was released June 14, 2010 in Europe and June 22, 2010 in the United States by Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records. Produced by Feadz, J-Mat, Mr...
, which was included on Drowned in Sound
Drowned in Sound
DrownedinSound.com or DiS is a UK based music webzine financed by artist management company Silentway . The site is an editorially independent music website.-History:...
's 50 best albums of the year and was nominated in the French Victoires de la Musique
Victoires de la Musique
Victoires de la musique , is an annual French award ceremony that recognizes the best musical artists of the year.- Male artist of the year :*1985 : Michel Jonasz*1986 : Jean-Jacques Goldman*1987 : Johnny Hallyday...
for Best Electronic Album. Also in 2010, Uffie celebrated the release of her 12-piece capsule collection with clothing brand, Diesel.
Biography
Uffie was born Anna-Catherine Hartley in Miami, FloridaFlorida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, but moved to Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
with her family at the age of four. She lived in Hong Kong for most of her childhood, and was greatly influenced by the city. Uffie's name comes from the French words Un Oeuf (which means "an egg"), a nickname her father gave her as a child for being rebellious. In her teens Hartley moved with her mother to Fort Lauderdale and then to Miami where she was arrested for vandalism at the age of 15, her mother then sent her to Paris to live with her father.
Hartley studied fashion
Fashion
Fashion, a general term for a currently popular style or practice, especially in clothing, foot wear, or accessories. Fashion references to anything that is the current trend in look and dress up of a person...
in Paris and attended the International School of Paris
International School of Paris
The International School of Paris is a private international school based in Paris, France. It is the only English-speaking school within the city of Paris and the only school in France to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes: the IB Primary Years Programme, the IB Middle Years...
near the famous Rue de Passy. In 2005 Uffie booked DJ Feadz
Feadz
Feadz is a French music producer, DJ and songwriter currently signed by French music label Ed Banger Records. He combines the genres of hip hop, electronic, techno and French house in his music and is perhaps best known for his collaborations with label-mate and former girlfriend...
for a party she was organizing, and the two began a relationship shortly after. Feadz constantly pressured Uffie to provide vocals for some of his tracks and finally in late 2005 Uffie wrote "Pop the Glock
Pop the Glock
"Pop the Glock" is a single from French-American electro artist Uffie. The re-released single was released as a 12" vinyl on November 30, 2009. "Pop the Glock" was Uffie's first single and an international underground hit. It was originally released in early 2006 by Ed Banger Records on the Pop...
" and released it as a Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
demo. Record label Arcade Mode gave the song a limited promo release in January 2006 with the B-side "Ready to Uff" which Feadz's labelmate Mr. Oizo
Mr. Oizo
Mr. Oizo is the stage name of French electronic musician and film director Quentin Dupieux. His pseudonym is a corruption of the French , meaning "bird". He is currently signed to French electro record label, Ed Banger Records.-Beginning:...
produced. Soon after the release Uffie was signed to the French electronic music label Ed Banger Records
Ed Banger Records
Ed Banger Records is a French electronic music record label run by Pedro Winter. It was founded in 2002 as a division of Headbangers Entertainment. The label is home to French electronic acts Justice, SebastiAn, Daft Punk, Cassius, Uffie, Krazy Baldhead, DJ Mehdi, Mr Oizo, Mr...
by Busy P. In a 2008 interview, Uffie explained her relationship status. She and Feadz had broken up earlier that year. Uffie then began dating graffiti artist/photographer André Saraiva
André (artist)
André aka Monsieur André aka Monsieur A, born Andre Saraiva is a French graffiti artist. He paints a distinctive stick-figure character, usually with a top hat and an 'X' in place of one of the eyes...
and the two were married in August 2008. The couple divorced in the summer of 2009, before the birth of their daughter Henrietta in October 2009. She took a brief hiatus from work, which gave her time to find herself and mature as an artist and finally finish her full-length debut album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans is the debut studio album by French-American recording artist Uffie. It was released June 14, 2010 in Europe and June 22, 2010 in the United States by Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records. Produced by Feadz, J-Mat, Mr...
.
2005–2008: Early years
In early 2005, DJ Feadz, who was Uffie's boyfriend at the time convinced her to provide vocals on his track "Uffie & Me" for his EP Forward 4, which was when she began to develop an interest in making music. Later that year she wrote and recorded "Pop the Glock", which was produced by Feadz and began to shop the demo around to various record labels. "Pop the Glock" became her first single and was given a limited promo release on Arcade Mode in January 2006. Busy P, the owner of Ed Banger Records, heard the single and quickly signed both Uffie and Feadz to the label. "Pop the Glock" and its B-side "Ready to Uff" were both given an official release titled Pop the Glock/Ready to UffPop the Glock/Ready to Uff
"Pop the Glock / Ready to Uff" is the first release from French/American electro artist Uffie. The release includes "Pop the Glock" and "Ready to Uff", her first two singles. "Pop the Glock" started out as a Myspace demo and ended up gaining Uffie international fame...
on February 27, 2006 through Ed Banger Records. Both songs contained elements of electro and rap
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
. The release also featured a remix by SebastiAn.
In February 2007, the song "Dismissed" was included on Ed Rec Vol. 2
Ed Rec Vol. 2
Ed Rec Vol. 2 is the second label compilation by Ed Banger. It was released on Ed Banger Records 19 March 2007.-Track listing:#Mr. Oizo - "Intra" – 1:02* uses the Plaintalk voice "Anjali".#Uffie - "Dismissed" – 3:47#Justice - "Phantom" – 4:54...
, an Ed Banger Records label compilation. Two more new tracks from Uffie, "Hot Chick" and "In Charge" were first proliferated through audioblogs in July 2006. Then in November, they were released together on her EP Hot Chick/In Charge on Ed Banger Records. In June 2007, the EP, Suited and Looted
Suited and Looted (EP)
"F1rst Love" is the third single by French electro artist Uffie. It was released on June 29, 2007 on Ed Banger Records and includes B-side "Brand New Car" as well as a TV Track version of "Brand New Car". Mr. Oizo produced "F1rst Love", using a beat sampled from the 1987 single "Don't Go" by F.R....
was released by Ed Banger Records. The release included the single "First Love" and "Brand New Car". Electronic duo Crystal Castles
Crystal Castles (band)
Crystal Castles are an experimental electronic band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, consisting of producer Ethan Kath and lyricist and vocalist Alice Glass. Crystal Castles are known for their chaotic live shows and their lo-fi home productions. The duo released many limited EPs between 2006 and...
featured vocals sampled from Uffie on the track "Make It Hott", although it was never officially released, it can be found through various audioblogs. Also in 2007, Uffie collaborated with labelmates Justice
Justice (French band)
Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay . The duo is one of the most successful groups on Ed Banger Records and is managed by the label's head, Pedro Winter...
for their debut album, †
† (album)
†, alternatively known as Cross, is the debut album of the French electro house duo Justice, released on June 11, 2007. It was certified as Silver in the UK March 13, 2009 for sales of 60,000 copies.-Recording history:...
, on the song "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
Tthhee Ppaarrttyy
"Tthhee Ppaarrttyy" is the fifth single by Justice, as well as the fifth single by Uffie. It was released as a download without the album version, instead containing a remixed Radio Edit and the live version found on A Cross the Universe. The song contains an uncredited sample from Three 6 Mafia's...
".
Uffie contributed the song "Robot Oeuf" to the compilation Ed Rec Vol. 3
Ed Rec Vol. 3
Ed Rec Vol. 3 is a compilation in the Ed Banger Records annual compilation series. It was released on the 26th of May 2008. The compilation is available as an unmixed CD, a gatefold LP and a 6x12" vinyl boxset which also includes the unmixed CD version....
, released on May 26, 2008. It was also included in the soundtrack to Pedro Almodóvar
Pedro Almodóvar
Pedro Almodóvar Caballero is a Spanish film director, screenwriter and producer.Almodóvar is arguably the most successful and internationally known Spanish filmmaker of his generation. His films, marked by complex narratives, employ the codes of melodrama and use elements of pop culture, popular...
's 2009 film Broken Embraces, starring Penélope Cruz
Penélope Cruz
Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a Spanish actress. Signed by an agent at age 15, she made her acting debut at 16 on television and her feature film debut the following year in Jamón, jamón , to critical acclaim...
. In late 2008, she worked with Mr. Oizo on the track "Steroids", which was released on Mr. Oizo's album Lambs Anger
Lambs Anger
Lambs Anger is the third album by Mr. Oizo. Although this album contains many of Mr. Oizo's trademark avant-garde elements, it also has many elements of Electro and French House not previously heard in his albums, most notably French electro-rapper Uffie's guest track, "Steroids"...
. A remix of "Steroids" was also included on Mr. Oizo's 2009 EP Pourriture.
Her music style has been described as being "often performed in a wannabe English accent" with "a deliberately staid anti-flow delivery that walks a fine line between electro and nu-skool rap."
2009: Hiatus and album news
Her record label Ed Banger Records first stated in late 2006 that her debut album would be released mid-to-late 2007, then sometime in 2008. Her debut album, titled Sex Dreams and Denim JeansSex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans is the debut studio album by French-American recording artist Uffie. It was released June 14, 2010 in Europe and June 22, 2010 in the United States by Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records. Produced by Feadz, J-Mat, Mr...
, was released June 15, 2010 in Europe and June 22, 2010 in the United States.
There was a contract-conflict between Uffie and Lou Reed
Lou Reed
Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed is an American rock musician, songwriter, and photographer. He is best known as guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground, and for his successful solo career, which has spanned several decades...
as to who would be credited as the writer of the title track "Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans". The song uses an instrumental sample of The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in New York City. First active from 1964 to 1973, their best-known members were Lou Reed and John Cale, who both went on to find success as solo artists. Although experiencing little commercial success while together, the band is often cited...
's 1970 song "Rock & Roll" and the only way Lou Reed would allow her to use the sample was by receiving the credit as the writer of the song as well. This dispute delayed the album by about six months and Uffie notoriously labeled Lou Reed
Lou Reed
Lewis Allan "Lou" Reed is an American rock musician, songwriter, and photographer. He is best known as guitarist, vocalist, and principal songwriter of The Velvet Underground, and for his successful solo career, which has spanned several decades...
as "fucking difficult" and when asked if he had heard the song, she stated, "Yes he has, he had to clear it. And it was a very not nice experience dealing with him, I have to say. I don't know what this guy's problem is but on the credits I think it even says something like he wrote it. He gets everything."
The video was shot on the set of the Academy Award-winning 1997 film Boogie Nights
Boogie Nights
Boogie Nights is a 1997 drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Set in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley, the script focuses on a young nightclub dishwasher who becomes a popular star of pornographic films, and chronicles his rise and fall from the Golden Age of Porn of the 1970s...
and was directed by Nathalie Canguilhem. It debuted on the internet in October. Soon after the music video release, "Pop the Glock" was re-released as an EP on November 30, 2009 as promotion for her then-upcoming album, reaching number 89 in France. The new release includes three remixes from highly acclaimed producers Mirwais
Mirwais Ahmadzaï
Mirwais Ahmadzaï, more commonly known as Mirwais, is a Paris based record producer and songwriter. He was born in Switzerland to an Afghan father and an Italian mother. He is a leader in the French style of progressive electronic dance music and progressive electronica...
, Felix da Housecat
Felix da Housecat
Felix da Housecat is an American DJ and record producer, mostly known for house music and electroclash. His name was inspired by Felix the Cat....
and Ellen Allien
Ellen Allien
Ellen Allien, born Ellen Fraatz , is a German electronic musician, music producer and founder of BPitch Control music label. She lives in Berlin, Germany. She sings in both German and English. She has said that one of the main inspirations for her music is the culture of reunified Berlin; her...
. After all this hype, British newspaper The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
featured Uffie as "new band of the day" on October 8, 2009 and announced that Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans is the debut studio album by French-American recording artist Uffie. It was released June 14, 2010 in Europe and June 22, 2010 in the United States by Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records. Produced by Feadz, J-Mat, Mr...
would be officially released in the spring of 2010 and that she had covered a version of Siouxsie and the Banshees' 1978 song "Hong Kong Garden
Hong Kong Garden (song)
"Hong Kong Garden" is the debut single released by British band Siouxsie and the Banshees. It was produced by their manager Nils Stevenson and sound-engineer Steve Lillywhite. Issued in the UK by Polydor Records in 1978, the single quickly hit number seven in the UK singles chart.The song is now...
", which was included on the album.
2010–present: Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans
Uffie confirmed through her official FacebookFacebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page that Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans would be released on June 15, 2010 in Europe by Ed Banger Records. It was also confirmed in early April 2010 that Uffie had signed with major label Elektra Records
Elektra Records
Elektra Records is an American record label owned by Warner Music Group. In 2004, it was consolidated into WMG's Atlantic Records Group. After five years of dormancy, the label was revived by Atlantic in 2009....
to distribute her work internationally who released Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans on June 22, 2010.
Uffie and Mr. Oizo teamed up once again on "MCs Can Kiss", the first single from Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans. The single was released digitally on January 12, 2010 and was officially released as a 12" vinyl on February 1, 2010 through Ed Banger Records. "MC's Can Kiss" received overwhelmingly positive reviews describing it as "an old school soundclash of heavy beats and sharp rhymes" and "shows off the French-American's ballsy schtick to full effect." "MCs Can Kiss" peaked at number 97 on the French Singles Chart
Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique
The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry...
. A remix of "MC's Can Kiss
MC's Can Kiss
"MCs Can Kiss" is the first single off of Uffie's debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans. It was first exclusively released digitally on January 12, 2010 and was officially released as a 12" vinyl on February 1, 2010 through Ed Banger Records, just months before Uffie's debut album is due to be...
" from the Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys are an American hip hop trio from New York City. The group consists of Mike D who plays the drums, MCA who plays the bass, and Ad-Rock who plays the guitar....
member Mike D became available online March 11, 2010, as a free download from Uffie's website.
During an interview on February 12, 2010 on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
's Kissy Sell Out
Kissy Sell Out
Kissy Sell Out an English DJ, producer and graphic designer. Kissy Sell Out quickly gained notability in 2006 for his eccentric electro productions and energetic DJ style. In 2009 Mixmag described him as "one of the most exciting, charismatic and entertaining DJs of the decade"...
Radio Show, Uffie premiered a new track called "Illusion of Love". Uffie produced this track along with Mirwais, being the first song Uffie ever produced. The song features guest vocals from Mattie Safer, formerly of the band The Rapture
The Rapture
The Rapture is an Indie rock band based in New York City. The band mixes influences from many genres including post-punk, acid house, disco, electronica and rock, pioneering the post-punk revival genre...
. Uffie explained that "Illusion of Love" is much more mature than her previous work and is by far the slowest track she has ever made. Also instead of rapping, Uffie sings on the track which is described as "'Ray of Light
Ray of Light (song)
A high-speed electronic dance song, "Ray of Light" has received stylistic comparisons to rave, psychedelic and acid music. The track contains strong techno elements, as well as disco, trance and Eurodance influences, and it sees Madonna deepen her dance roots and go for a more electronic sound...
' by Madonna
Madonna (entertainer)
Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983...
on acid" and filled with "all sorts of electro goodness."
On April 15, 2010, "ADD SUV" premiered on BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
. The song features Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams , commonly known simply as Pharrell, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, composer, and fashion designer. Williams and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo The Neptunes, producing hip hop and R&B music...
and was produced by Mirwais. A music video began to shoot for "ADD SUV" starring both Uffie and Williams on April 9, 2010 and was released shortly before her debut album release. The single received extremely positive reviews from the New York Post
New York Post
The New York Post is the 13th-oldest newspaper published in the United States and is generally acknowledged as the oldest to have been published continuously as a daily, although – as is the case with most other papers – its publication has been periodically interrupted by labor actions...
, Prefix Magazine and Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
. Also, with so much anticipation around "ADD SUV", the song debuted at number one on The Hype Machine
The Hype Machine
-History:The Hype Machine was created in 2005 by Anthony Volodkin, a sophomore computer science major at Hunter College. The site was born out of Volodkin's frustration with music magazines and radio stations. He said, "I discovered MP3 blogs like Stereogum and Music for Robots...
. Around this time, two new tracks from the upcoming album leaked, both "Ricky" and "Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans". It was also announced that "ADD SUV" would be released as an EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
(including remixes by Armand Van Helden
Armand Van Helden
Armand Van Helden is a record producer, DJ and remixer whose biggest commercial successes came from his remixes of the 1996 Tori Amos song "Professional Widow" , which reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart in January 1997, and his own track "U Don't Know Me ", which went to number 1...
and Hudson Mohawke
Hudson Mohawke
Hudson Mohawke, also known as Hudson Mo or HudMo, is an electronic music producer/DJ from Glasgow, Scotland, affiliated with the LuckyMe collective. He is signed to Warp Records and released his debut album on Warp, called Butter in October 2009...
) on May 17, 2010, prior to Uffie's debut album release. "ADD SUV" charted at number six on the UK Independent Singles Chart
UK Indie Chart
The UK Independent Chart or Indie Chart is a chart of the best-selling independent record releases in the UK.- History :In the wake of punk, small record labels began to spring up, as an outlet for artists that were unwilling to sign contracts with major record companies, or were not considered...
.
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans peaked at number seven on both the French Digital Albums Chart and the Belgian Heatseekers Albums Chart. It then stayed on the French Albums Chart for a total of 12 weeks. In the US, it reached number 17 on the Dance/Electronic Albums and number 32 on the Heatseekers Albums
Top Heatseekers
Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical...
. It also peaked at number 18 on the UK Dance Albums Chart
UK Dance Chart
The UK Dance Chart is a chart compiled by The Official Charts Company from sales in record stores and digital downloads. Although the chart does not currently receive any airplay on the radio or television, the chart can be viewed on the BBC Radio 1 and The Official Charts Company website.Digital...
and number 31 on the UK Independent Albums Chart
UK Indie Chart
The UK Independent Chart or Indie Chart is a chart of the best-selling independent record releases in the UK.- History :In the wake of punk, small record labels began to spring up, as an outlet for artists that were unwilling to sign contracts with major record companies, or were not considered...
. Singles "MCs Can Kiss", "ADD SUV", "F1rst Love" and "Pop the Glock" also managed to chart in various countries such as France, Japan, Belgium and the UK.
Also in 2010, Uffie, who was originally studying to be a fashion designer in Paris, announced her partnership with clothing brand, Diesel to design a collection which is described as "12 pieces combining leather and denim with intriguing cuts and mixed materials" and will be available worldwide in November 2010.The collection had been designed by Uffie together with the Diesel Creative Team, under supervision by the company’s founder Renzo Rosso
Renzo Rosso
Renzo Rosso is an Italian fashion entrepreneur. Referred to as the "Jeans Genius" by Suzy Menkes, he is the founder and President of fashion brand Diesel...
. Then DJ and long time friend Steve Aoki
Steve Aoki
Steve Aoki is an American electro house musician, record producer and the founder of Dim Mak Records.-Early life:...
invited her, along with Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
, Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
, Weezer
Weezer
Weezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
and Sky Ferreira
Sky Ferreira
Sky Ferreira , is an American model, singer, songwriter, and actress. On March 22, 2011, Ferreira released her first digital extended play, As If!.-Early life:...
to provide vocals for an upcoming track on his next album, which should be out in 2011.
Ed Banger Records next confirmed through their Facebook page that Uffie's next single to be released would be, "Difficult" produced by Uffie's fellow labelmate and friend SebastiAn. It was later announced that "Difficult" would be released as an EP on October 18, 2010 through Ed Banger Records, Elektra Records and Because Music
Because Music
Because Music is an independent record label with headquarters in Paris and London. Because Music was founded in 2006 and has acts on its roster such as Mercury Music Prize nominated Metronomy and electronic duo Justice. Along with actress and songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg and husband and wife...
, containing remixes from SebastiAn and Azari & III. A music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for the single was released on October 6, 2010 and was directed byFrench filmmakers AB/CD/CD. The remix provided by SebastiAn, titled "2006 Parties Remix", was released to critical praise and reached number one on The Hype Machine
The Hype Machine
-History:The Hype Machine was created in 2005 by Anthony Volodkin, a sophomore computer science major at Hunter College. The site was born out of Volodkin's frustration with music magazines and radio stations. He said, "I discovered MP3 blogs like Stereogum and Music for Robots...
the day of being released.
Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans was placed at number 35 on Drowned in Sound
Drowned in Sound
DrownedinSound.com or DiS is a UK based music webzine financed by artist management company Silentway . The site is an editorially independent music website.-History:...
's list of the 50 best albums of 2010. The album was also included as one of the top albums of 2010 by several other publications, including CHARTattack
Chart (magazine)
ChartAttack is a Canadian online music publication. Formerly a monthly print magazine called Chart, which was published from 1991 to 2009, the web version continues operation....
, WBEZ, QRO Magazine, Indiana Daily Student
Indiana Daily Student
The Indiana Daily Student is an independent, student-run newspaper that has been published for the community of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana since 1867. The IDS is free and distributed throughout the campus and city.- Circulation :...
, and WTSR
WTSR
WTSR is a non-commercial radio station broadcasting from The College of New Jersey , servicing Mercer County and Bucks County, Pennsylvania as well as broadcasting over the internet.-History:...
, among others.
The Fred Falke
Fred Falke
Frédérick "Fred" Falke is a French based house producer and DJ of German origin.Falke started out as a bass player around 1995 before turning his hand to production work in the late 1990s...
remix of "Illusion of Love" was included on the soundtrack to the 2011 film Sucker Punch
Sucker Punch (film)
Sucker Punch is a 2011 action-fantasy thriller film, directed by Zack Snyder and co-written by him and Steve Shibuya. It is Snyder's first film based on an original script. The film stars Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, and Oscar Isaac...
. Uffie's cover of Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club is an American new wave band founded in 1981 by husband-and-wife team Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz, both also known for being bandmembers of Talking Heads.-Biography:...
's 1981 song "Wordy Rappinghood
Wordy Rappinghood
"Wordy Rappinghood" is a song by the American band Tom Tom Club. The song was the lead single from the band's debut studio album, Tom Tom Club. It uses part of the 1971 Rolf Harris song "A Ram Sam Sam". In the United States, the song was released as a double a-side with "Genius of Love" and topped...
", produced by labelmate DJ Mehdi
DJ Mehdi
Mehdi Favéris-Essadi , better known by his stage name DJ Mehdi, was a French hip hop and electro producer of mixed French and Tunisian origin.-Biography:...
, was released digitally on April 18, 2011 through Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records.
EPs and singles
- Pop the Glock/Ready to UffPop the Glock/Ready to Uff"Pop the Glock / Ready to Uff" is the first release from French/American electro artist Uffie. The release includes "Pop the Glock" and "Ready to Uff", her first two singles. "Pop the Glock" started out as a Myspace demo and ended up gaining Uffie international fame...
(2006) - "Hot Chick"/"In Charge" (2006)
- "F1rst Love" (2007)
- "Tthhee PpaarrttyyTthhee Ppaarrttyy"Tthhee Ppaarrttyy" is the fifth single by Justice, as well as the fifth single by Uffie. It was released as a download without the album version, instead containing a remixed Radio Edit and the live version found on A Cross the Universe. The song contains an uncredited sample from Three 6 Mafia's...
" (JusticeJustice (band)Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay . The duo is one of the most successful groups on Ed Banger Records and is managed by the label's head, Pedro Winter...
featuring Uffie) (2009) - "Pop the GlockPop the Glock"Pop the Glock" is a single from French-American electro artist Uffie. The re-released single was released as a 12" vinyl on November 30, 2009. "Pop the Glock" was Uffie's first single and an international underground hit. It was originally released in early 2006 by Ed Banger Records on the Pop...
" (re-release) (2009) - "MCs Can Kiss" (2010)
- "ADD SUV" (featuring Pharrell WilliamsPharrell WilliamsPharrell Williams , commonly known simply as Pharrell, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, composer, and fashion designer. Williams and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo The Neptunes, producing hip hop and R&B music...
) (2010) - "DifficultDifficult (song)"Difficult" is the fourth single from French-American recording artist Uffie's debut album, Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans. The single was produced by Uffie's label-mate and friend SebastiAn and has been released through Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records on October 18, 2010...
" (2010) - "Wordy RappinghoodWordy Rappinghood"Wordy Rappinghood" is a song by the American band Tom Tom Club. The song was the lead single from the band's debut studio album, Tom Tom Club. It uses part of the 1971 Rolf Harris song "A Ram Sam Sam". In the United States, the song was released as a double a-side with "Genius of Love" and topped...
" (2011)
Music videos
- "Pop the Glock" directed by Nathalie Canguilhem (2009)
- "ADD SUV" directed by Nathalie Canguilhem (2010)
- "Difficult" directed by AB/CD/CD (2010)
Compilations
- "Pop the Glock" on Ed Rec Vol. 1Ed Rec Vol. 1Ed Rec Vol. 1 is the first label compilation by Ed Banger. It was released on Ed Banger Records in 2006.-Track listing:#Mr. Flash - "Radar Rider" – 3:57#Uffie - "Pop the Glock" – 3:29#Krazy Baldhead - "Crazy Mothafuckas" – 4:21...
(2006) - "Dismissed" on Ed Rec Vol. 2Ed Rec Vol. 2Ed Rec Vol. 2 is the second label compilation by Ed Banger. It was released on Ed Banger Records 19 March 2007.-Track listing:#Mr. Oizo - "Intra" – 1:02* uses the Plaintalk voice "Anjali".#Uffie - "Dismissed" – 3:47#Justice - "Phantom" – 4:54...
(2007) - "Robot Oeuf" on Ed Rec Vol. 3Ed Rec Vol. 3Ed Rec Vol. 3 is a compilation in the Ed Banger Records annual compilation series. It was released on the 26th of May 2008. The compilation is available as an unmixed CD, a gatefold LP and a 6x12" vinyl boxset which also includes the unmixed CD version....
(2008) - "Robot Oeuf" on Broken Embraces SoundtrackLos Abrazos RotosBroken Embraces is a 2009 Spanish romantic thriller film written, produced, and directed by Pedro Almodóvar; a four-way tale of dangerous love, and was shot in the style of a hard-boiled 1950s American film noir, or its descendant, the neo-noir genre...
(2009) - "Illusion of Love (Fred FalkeFred FalkeFrédérick "Fred" Falke is a French based house producer and DJ of German origin.Falke started out as a bass player around 1995 before turning his hand to production work in the late 1990s...
Remix)" (Sucker Punch SoundtrackSucker Punch (film)Sucker Punch is a 2011 action-fantasy thriller film, directed by Zack Snyder and co-written by him and Steve Shibuya. It is Snyder's first film based on an original script. The film stars Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, and Oscar Isaac...
, 2011)
Collaborations
- "Uffie & Me" (FeadzFeadzFeadz is a French music producer, DJ and songwriter currently signed by French music label Ed Banger Records. He combines the genres of hip hop, electronic, techno and French house in his music and is perhaps best known for his collaborations with label-mate and former girlfriend...
featuring Uffie) (Forward 4 EP, 2005) - "Tthhee PpaarrttyyTthhee Ppaarrttyy"Tthhee Ppaarrttyy" is the fifth single by Justice, as well as the fifth single by Uffie. It was released as a download without the album version, instead containing a remixed Radio Edit and the live version found on A Cross the Universe. The song contains an uncredited sample from Three 6 Mafia's...
" (JusticeJustice (band)Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay . The duo is one of the most successful groups on Ed Banger Records and is managed by the label's head, Pedro Winter...
featuring Uffie) (†† (album)†, alternatively known as Cross, is the debut album of the French electro house duo Justice, released on June 11, 2007. It was certified as Silver in the UK March 13, 2009 for sales of 60,000 copies.-Recording history:...
, 2007) - "Body Bass (Curtis Vodka Blend Mix)" (2008)
- "Make it Hott" (Uffie vs Crystal CastlesCrystal Castles (band)Crystal Castles are an experimental electronic band from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, consisting of producer Ethan Kath and lyricist and vocalist Alice Glass. Crystal Castles are known for their chaotic live shows and their lo-fi home productions. The duo released many limited EPs between 2006 and...
) (2008) - "Fais Rentrer Les Euros" (M.I.T.C.H. featuring Uffie & Feadz) (2008)
- "Steroids" (Mr. OizoMr. OizoMr. Oizo is the stage name of French electronic musician and film director Quentin Dupieux. His pseudonym is a corruption of the French , meaning "bird". He is currently signed to French electro record label, Ed Banger Records.-Beginning:...
featuring Uffie) (Lambs AngerLambs AngerLambs Anger is the third album by Mr. Oizo. Although this album contains many of Mr. Oizo's trademark avant-garde elements, it also has many elements of Electro and French House not previously heard in his albums, most notably French electro-rapper Uffie's guest track, "Steroids"...
, 2008)