College on the Inspiration Behind His Name and His North American Tour

Sam Byrd

When you initially hear the name “College,” you might assume that the speaker is talking about an institute of higher learning.  You would be wrong. College is the stage name of Nantes, France-born David Grellier, a composer from Paris who’s worked with labels like Soma, Peacefrog and Warp. His synth-heavy electronic music has been evolving and changing since the late 1990s. Most recently, his track, ‘A Real Hero,’ featuring Electric Youth was chosen as the Theme Song to Nicolas Refn’s film “Drive,” which went on to win the Best Director Award in the Cannes Film Festival. We asked him where the inspiration for ‘College’ came from as a name and it turns out the instinct to associate it with universities isn’t far off the mark.

“It was the best period of my life in terms of education and school. A time to discover many things (music, friends etc.) who build you personality and feelings.”

With such a long career, it’s not surprising that College has had a wealth of collaborations. These include the obvious musicians and producers, but according to him, the most integral has been with the German artist Alexander Burkart.

“I self produce my music but if we speak of collaboration, the most important one for me is with Alexander Burkart. The German designer I met at the beginning of College in 2007 and who designed all my album and EP covers. It’s that kind of rare and precious meeting who happens once in life I think.”

As a European artist, College began by primarily playing in Europe and the United Kingdom. On his latest tour, however, he’ll be in the United States for two months, stretching from Washington D.C. to San Diego. We asked him what he‘d most be looking forward to for this tour, and whether any of the cities will be new ones for him.

“Yes, I will perform for the first time in Denver and Salt Lake City. I’ve been fascinated by the US popular cultures (cinema, music and arts) for a long time and I’m very lucky to have this third opportunity to do a huge tour in your country.

Because College is mainly inspired by your entertainment industry, which I discovered when I was young in France through TV series and movies, it is very important for me to perform in the US and present my new EP ‘Save The Day.’ “

This latest EP of College’s, “Save the Day,” is four songs long and filled with the kind of driving electronic feel we’ve come to expect from the artist. This is the kind of EP you could throw on in the car before embarking on a soul-searching drive through darkened city streets. It culminates in the title track, “Save the Day,” which features Nola Wren. College explained its urgent feel because of influences from page-turning novels and film.

“It’s difficult to be complete, but my music is nostalgic and influence by movies, TV and arts in general. Of course, because I crew up in the 80’s, I love this decade. But for example, “Save the Day” my last EP is inspired by thriller novel and movie of late 70’s like Brian de Palma “Dressed to Kill’ or “Klute,” the main theme of this disc is the stalker movie atmosphere.”

The feel of the 70s and 80s definitely shows up in this EP, as well as other releases from College. As many artists have a particular genre or era that they’re continuously drawn to, we asked whether this held true for him. He said that that golden age of electronic and synth is nearest and dearest to his heart.

“My favorite time is late 70’s till mid 80’s.”

College has been influenced from a young age by American film and music, noting Jeff Mills on his website as one of the biggest artists shaping his own sound. The differences in French and American cultures are often explored in film and television, but it’s rare that musical style is addressed. As someone whose style brings him into contact with both types, College noted that American musicians tend to focus more on the technical aspect.

“Wow, I think your sound is always big and very well produced. You’re very professional – me, I’m very bad with technical things. That’s what I felt when I worked with Electric Youth and Nola Wren.”

Electric Youth and Nola Wren, both North American collaborators, will unfortunately not be joining College for this tour. However, you can expect to see D/A/D and Room 8. Though the tour itself will culminate in San Diego, the penultimate spots are in Los Angeles at The Rickshaw Stop and The Roxy Theatre. Not a stranger to Los Angeles, College said that fans could expect a visual show with music that spans his career.

A new live show with some new visuals and of course some new edits and live version of my previous album and EP. It’s always special to play in this city; there is something in the air.

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