Kartell (real name Thomas Thierry), a French DJ and producer and a key figure of the “French Touch 2.0” wave on the Roche Musique label, has died. He was known for blending house, disco and pop, and for his 2024 album “Everything Is Here.”
A musical journey
Over more than a decade, Kartell (real name Thomas Thierry) established himself in electronic music through an innovative approach and an inimitable style, fusing house, disco and pop. He built a unique atmosphere of his own, captivating audiences hungry for something new.
His time with the label Roche Musique, founded in 2013, was pivotal. The label became fertile ground for the so-called French Touch 2.0, home to artists like Zimmer, FKJ, Darius and Cezaire, and today it loses one of its pillars.
A dazzling final album
Since his first EP “Riviera” (2012), Kartell came a long way. In February, shortly before his death, he released a deluxe version of his latest album “Everything Is Here,” which was widely praised. The title resonates differently now, as if Kartell wanted to leave everything he had to share within it.
The album showed real artistic maturity, moving between rhythm and melody as an ode to love and emotion (themes close to his heart). The deluxe edition added a new dimension with fresh remixes and unexpected collaborations, earning warm reviews for its emotional depth.
In his final months, Kartell was working on a new EP from his hometown of Tours.
Performances to remember
Beyond his studio work, Kartell’s live sets were unforgettable. With contagious energy behind the decks, he knew how to set a room alight, mixing dancefloor classics with newer cuts. Only weeks ago, he shared an hour-long live performance to celebrate the deluxe release of his latest album.
Kartell’s legacy
Kartell’s passing leaves an immense gap in the French Touch landscape, but his legacy will endure. His music, his collaborations and his influence will continue to inspire generations of artists. The French Touch now faces a painful loss, but also a chance to remember and celebrate everything he gave.
Rest in peace, Kartell. Your music and your spirit stay with us.
Key facts
- Artist: Kartell (real name Thomas Thierry), French DJ and producer
- Label: Roche Musique (a home of “French Touch 2.0”)
- Debut EP: “Riviera” (2012); latest album: “Everything Is Here” (deluxe, 2025)
- Scene: French Touch / French electronic, blending house, disco and pop
