Fritz Helder’s debut album is called Force of Nature, and fittingly so—this Jamaican-born phenomenon is nothing if not that himself He’s one of those people whose productivity suggests he might have more than 24 hours in his day, and on top of that everything he does is kind of amazing. He fronts the wacko performance art collective Fritz Helder and the Phantoms, which took the Canadian music scene by storm in 2005—right, duh. Oh, and he’s the personal choreographer for Nelly Furtado—that goes without saying; he didn’t have much else to do. Since 2010 he’s also been the lyricist and singer for Azari & III, which has produced various chart hits in Germany and the UK—sure, why not? He’s been featured by artists like Booka Shade, GENER8ION, and Yolanda Be Cool—it was only a matter of time. And since that wasn’t quite enough, this restless multitalent even released a terrific solo album last year. Expect transgressive house tracks; expect not to be able to sit still. Those of you who could use a little shake can surely take care of that at Helder’s Torstraßen Festival appearance. You’re very welcome.
–