Music & clubs

Exclusive interview: Chilly Gonzales

The self-described "super-powered musical genius" on Peaches, his new album with Boys Noize, and why "it's all about the AUDIENCE".

The foundation of Berlin’s late-1990s Canadian expat community, former indie rocker Jason Beck (rechristened Chilly Gonzales) made his name with a series of novelty rap records, highlighting a faux-lasciviousness, quick wit and an incredible talent for mimicry. Still, it was his partner-in-crime Peaches who broke through worldwide, and the hirsute Hebrew decamped for Paris to reinvent himself as a Satie-flecked pianist and top-flight producer.

Recently reunited with Peaches for the triumphant Lloyd Webber interpretation Peaches Christ Superstar, he is releasing a new album, Ivory Tower (Gentle Threat), in late August. Its serious-lounge vibe, similar to the latest from his Canadian compadre Mocky, belies its production by electro star Alexander “Boys Noize” Ridha, who made his bona fides remixing another of Gonzales’ Canadian mafia, Leslie Feist.