Acumen

The French are different, even special, that’s something that you hear when listening to their music. The best examples can be found in the electronic music scene, where Daft Punk, Air, Cassius or Mr. Oizo have left their indelible mark. It’s Techno and House scene also has its stars that can’t be ignored. DJ’s and Producers like Chloé, Shonky, Seuil, Ark or Krikor to name a few. Varoius French labels have repositioned themselves over the last few years. Freak’n’Chic, Kitsune, Ed Banger, Tigersushi, Kill The DJ and Karat Records are the ambitious leaders in their field. Naturally, most of them are concentrated in the nation’s prestigious capital, Paris, but there are also other innovative and exciting things happening in other parts of the country. One of these is Avignon, the famous Papal residence in the beautiful south of France where Antoine Garcin lives and works. His labels Time Has Changed and Time Is Now took the visionary stepsof starting as Digital labels in 2007. It was the right step to take at the time and has proven to be so successful, that Time Has Changed is now also releasing on vinyl. Antoine, a man in the beginning of his thirty’s, proud father and a Pharmacist can’t spend that much time in the clubs anymore but stays well connected to the club scene with his labels. His love for music began early and he was always open for all genres. Discovering the After hour events “Barlive” fascinated him in a completely new way. “It was amazing to experience, the location, people, atmosphere and the music”, he still says today. He has been producing his own music under the name Acumen for about two years and has managed to make a name for himself in the deeper Tech House scene; even Richie Hawtin describes him as the newcomer of the year in 2009. Legends like Laurent Garnier, Loco Dice, Joris Voorn and Peter Kruder play Acumen’s tracks in their sets. The season 2009/2010 looks like it will give him another giant push up the ladder. After releasing 5 EP’s so far, 2010 will see further releases on Anja Schneider’s Mobilee Records, 2000 & One’s new label Bitten, Berlin’s Upon You and of course on his own label. While his music is circling and spreading across the world, his bookings as a live act are increasing rapidly- he can be booked through Upon You Bookings. His sets are dance floor orientated whilst not ignoring his Deep House roots, the warm sound that he came to love and cherish in the clubs.