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Cassius’ Philippe Zdar Remembered By Calvin Harris, DJ Snake, Ed Banger & More

Zdar was a founding father of the French Touch sound, having changed the lives of many through his work with Cassius, Motorbass, La Funk Mob, Etienne De Crecy, Phoenix, Cut Copy and many more.

Philippe Zdar
Philippe Zdar performs on June 4, 2014 in Paris.  Foc Kan/WireImage

Dance music lost an icon on Wednesday night (June 19). Philippe Zdar, one half of celebrated French house production duos Cassius and Motorbass, fell from a high window in a Paris building and passed away at the age of 52.

His original work on tracks including “I <3 U So,” “The Sound of Violence,” “Toop Toop” and more, including his work producing and steering modern classic albums including Phoenix‘s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and Cut Copy‘s Bright Like Neon Love made him one of the most influential creators of his age.

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Cassius’ fifth album Dreems is due out on Friday (June 21). Zdar is remembered by his friends and colleagues as a passionate and tireless artist. We’ve gathered some of the comments posted online in honor of his lasting legacy.

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Philippe Zdar (Philippe Cerboneschi)

Philippe Zdar, Founding Member of French House Pioneers Cassius, Dies at 50

 

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Last week… no words, in fact, yes words… In 1995 we met at Radio FG, the day I put a face and a name on Motorbass. You and Etienne de Crecy delivered the milestone of French electronic music •Pansoul• I was 20 and you were already « someone » in our scene. « Flying Fingers » was the perfect crossover between hip hop and techno. You accepted my invitation to Dj at my party. You became a regular. I remember that night you played 3 times Van Helden’s « The Funk Phenomena » that was just released. That same year @cassius was born. « Foxy Lady » became Daft Punk’s favorite and made it to their Essential mix. A year later you and Boombass introduced me to Dj Mehdi in NYC. We went to Ibiza and had the best Summer 99 of our life. You taught me how to become a man by expressing my feelings, writing on a notebook we were all sharing in the house (I still have it). I was carrying your records, I had this little camera to capture those magic moments, you & Boombass rocking that Space terrace. I enjoyed your mini spliff even if it was not my thing. I’m crying writing this now, but it feels good to realize how lucky I am to have known you. I was crazy enough to accept to become your manager in 2002. We quickly realized you were indomitable and one of the most free man ever. Once again you were there at the beginning of my new musical adventure Ed Banger records in 2003. You gave me •F.I.S.T• which became the first release of the label b/w Mr Flash « Radar Rider ». Ellen Allien was the first one to send me a feedback saying that track was mental! In 2010 you came back home with Cassius and offered Ed Banger the now classic •I <3 U so• We entered the Guinness book for the longest lunch at Ses Boques in Ibiza. Average time was 4 hours, last time with @tiga and @hubertdeblancfrancard will be unbeatable. Now I can tell you, I was scared when you were driving you Range River on Ibiza hills, but you calm me by playing me the records you were working on. @kindnessmusic first album will resonate in my head forever everytime I’ll go to the island. I remember when the Beastie Boys called you to work with them. You called me right away, you knew how happy I’d be for you.

A post shared by ED BANGER / PEDRO WINTER (@edbanger) on

Cassius' Philippe Zdar Remembered | Billboard
            Courtesy of DJ Snake via Instagram

 

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