College to Bring His Blend of Electro-Pop to The Roxy

Erik Avellaneda

Psychedelic electro-pop act College, also known as David Grellier, will bring his spellbinding beats to The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood Saturday, Dec. 13.  College released his first album “Secret Diary” in 2008 alongside their EP “Teenage Color.” The success of the two lifted College to international fame, with its sound described as “smugly, self-consciously hip,” and praised for reaching “mesmeric capacities of repetition.

Indeed, College’s songs stay true to their adoration for repetition. College was influenced by 80s American pop culture stars like Madonna and John Carpenter and the nostalgic tone of bands like Daft Punk. He set out to acquire a specific sound reminiscent of “80’s soaps and an aesthetic… like: color, images, silvery films and the sun – images of Los Angeles.”

David Grellier, a French electronic music composer, produced College after founding the blog, Va…lerie, that became a record label. Grellier wanted to express some personal aspects of his life through College’s music. Many of the beats and progressions are made “to synthesize into my music the emotions of my childhood,” said Grellier.

College’s success can be seen in mainstream media, with one of their songs, “A Real Hero,” off their second album “Northern Council” was featured on the soundtrack of the hit cult film, “Drive.” After the film’s premiere, the song quickly climbed the charts, peaking at #26 in Grellier’s home-country France.

With their newest album “Heritage” released in 2013, expect to hear a wide array of College’s hit songs. Furthermore, typical of an electronic music performance, you’ll find yourself entranced by hypnotic lights and visuals. College takes the stage at 8 p.m. at The Roxy. Before they perform, they will be opened by D-A-D and Room8, both up-and-coming LA electronic music groups with similar sounds to College’s nostalgic 80s jams.

College will be performing at The Roxy Theatre on Dec. 13. Tickets are available here.