L.E.S. Artistes

Last updated
"L.E.S. Artistes"
Santogoldlesartistescover.jpg
UK cover
Single by Santigold
from the album Santogold
A-side "Creator"
ReleasedMarch 25, 2008 (2008-03-25)
Genre Indie pop, new wave
Length3:43(original) [1]
3:24 (album version) [2]
Label Downtown Records (US)
Atlantic Records (UK)
Songwriter(s) Santi White, John Hill
Producer(s) Jonnie "Most" Davis, [3] John Hill, Santigold
Santigold singles chronology
"Creator"
(2008)		"L.E.S. Artistes"
(2008)		"Lights Out"
(2008)

"L.E.S. Artistes" is the second single by American artist Santigold (known then as Santogold), and along with "Creator", the first to be taken from her self-titled debut Santogold (see 2008 in music).

Contents

Background

"L.E.S. Artistes" was written after Santi White moved to New York City. The song "is playing on the fact that everyone tries to make things fancy and it's really pretentious" and "about being accosted by the New York scene and the scenesters and hipsters, who are really not artists and are just pretending to be. They're all about just being seen." [4] The title stands for New York's Lower East Side. "It's not a French thing," White stated in an interview with PopJustice. [4] On MTV's FNMTV, Santigold stated that the title literally meant Lower East Side Artists.

A custom edit of the XXXChange Mix appears in "Grid", a Mark Romanek directed computer animated commercial for Ford Flex that began running nationally in June 2008.

Curtis Santiago recently did a remix of this song featuring Kevvy Mental of the band Fake Shark - Real Zombie! for a mix tape produced by Mickey Fax.

The song also appears in the video games Band Hero and EA Sports' NHL 08. It also appears in the 2009 comedy 17 Again and the season 3 episode of The Mindy Project 'Best Man'.

This song was in the book 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die.

Release and reception

The single's first commercial release was via the US iTunes Store on March 25, 2008, as a joint single with "Creator". It was released as the b-side to "Creator" through a limited edition 12" vinyl in January 2008, [5] before receiving a full release on May 5. [6] The XXXChange remix was also released. [7] "L.E.S. Artistes" was featured as iTunes' Discovery Download for the week of April 28. [8] The song has received heavy radio play in the UK and was on Radio 1's B List,.

The song was featured on the soundtrack for the video game NHL 08 , which was released in September 2007. The song was also featured on MTV reality show, The Hills and has been used twice on 90210. The song appeared in and was featured on the soundtrack of the 2009 movie 17 Again . [9] The song is also used in the advertisement of Blackberry Pearl 3G models.

Rolling Stone said that the track sounds like a "Cars/Strokes mash-up" and that "the lyrics blast pretentious downtowners, but the taut guitars epitomize New York hipness.". [10] [11] Drowned in Sound noted that the song is "a slow-burning gem of palm-muted guitar chords." [12] The Denver Post praised the "understated, Police-style guitars that drive" the song, calling them "almost hypnotic, especially with White's intoxicating mezzo-soprano yelping along." [13]

Rolling Stone placed L.E.S. Artistes at #2 on Singles of the Year, [14] McSweeney's listed as one of its "favorite songs of 2008", [15] and Pitchfork Media ranked it #4 at The 100 Best Tracks of 2008 [16] and at #151 on its "Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s." [17] Rolling Stone also ranked it as the #69 song of the 2000s. In October 2011, NME placed it at number 121 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years". [18]

Music video

The music video, directed by Nima Nourizadeh and shot by director of photography Adam Frisch, is an homage to the film The Holy Mountain . [19] Rolling Stone placed the music video at number four on their bi-weekly Hot List. The video received attention after it was praised by Kanye West on his blog. [20] [21]

The video starts with Santigold in a forest, singing on top of a black horse, while two similar looking women in sunglasses stand at her side and occasionally strike poses. The forest scene ends up with a light snow, following to a scene on a seemingly peaceful street/block. Santigold releases her black horse. People are simultaneously dying, but the gruesome things are replaced with various items: green hot dogs instead of intestines, paint instead of blood, being shot with paintballs rather than bullets. Santigold comes walking down the streets, without dying herself. The video ends with Santigold atop her black horse with her eyes closed.

Track listing

  1. Creator – 3:32
  2. L.E.S. Artistes – 3:43
  1. L.E.S. Artistes – 3:24
  2. L.E.S. Artistes (XXXChange Remix) – 4:20
  3. L.E.S. Artistes (Switch Remix) – 5:15
  4. L.E.S. Artistes (Instrumental) – 3:45
  1. L.E.S. Artistes – 3:24
  2. L.E.S. Artistes (Video) – 3:24
  1. L.E.S. Artistes – 3:24
  2. Your Voice – 4:00
  1. L.E.S. Artistes (Switch Remix) – 5:15
  2. L.E.S. Artistes (XXXChange Remix) – 4:20
  3. L.E.S. Artistes (Herve Edit) – 6:08

Official versions and remixes

Release history

RegionDateFormat
United StatesMarch 25, 2008
United KingdomMay 5, 2008Regular
August 5, 2008 Digital maxi single

Chart positions

"L.E.S. Artistes" entered the UK Singles Chart at number fifty-one on May 4, 2008. [26] The single rose to number thirty-seven and then a week later climbed to its peak of twenty-seven. [27] It entered Billboard's Hot Modern Rock Tracks at number forty in August 2008, and rose four places the following week. [28]

Chart (2008)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [29] 15
European Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [30] 87
UK Singles (OCC) [31] 27
US Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [32] 36

Other versions

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spank Rock</span> American rapper

Naeem Juwan Hanks, better known by his stage name Spank Rock, is an American rapper and songwriter from Baltimore. He rose to fame with his 2006 album YoYoYoYoYo, which was produced by former group member Alex Epton (XXXChange). A harbinger of post-millennial alternative rap, the duo became known for its mixing of disparate hip hop and club genres, including Baltimore club, Miami bass, electro music and rock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earth Intruders</span> 2007 single by Björk

"Earth Intruders" is a song written and recorded by Icelandic singer Björk. The song was released as the first single from her 2007 full-length studio album, Volta.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santigold</span> American singer (born 1976)

Santi White, known professionally as Santigold, is an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Billboard presented her in 2022, saying: "Spanning punk rock, hip-hop, and dance music, Santigold’s singular pen and voice have helped shape the past two decades of popular music".

<i>Santogold</i> (album) Album by Santigold

Santogold is the debut studio album by musician and singer Santigold. It was released on April 29, 2008 in the United States through Downtown Records and on May 12 in the United Kingdom through Lizard King and Atlantic Records. The album was recorded within eight weeks in New York City at Schoolhouse and Pitch Black Studios. It was written and produced primarily by Santigold and former Stiffed bandmate John Hill, alongside contributions from other producers, including Diplo, Switch and Disco D, and vocal appearances from Spank Rock and Trouble Andrew.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Creator (song)</span> 2008 single by Santogold featuring Switch & Freq Nasty

"Creator" is the debut single by American artist Santogold, and along with "L.E.S. Artistes", the first to be taken from her then self-titled debut Santogold. It is written by Daryn McFayden, Santi White and David Taylor. The song features Santi singjaying.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santigold discography</span>

American musician Santi White, better known by her stage name Santigold, has released four studio albums, two mixtapes, one extended play (EP), and twenty-two singles. White's discography under the name Santogold consists of her eponymous debut album, six singles, one mixtape, and four music videos, all of which were released in 2008, except the single "Creator", which was released in late 2007. Santogold peaked at number 74 on the Billboard 200, and reached numbers 2 and 6 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Albums and Independent Albums, respectively. The album also charted in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beeper (song)</span> 2008 single by The Count & Sinden featuring Kid Sister

"Beeper" is the debut single by British music duo the Count & Sinden, featuring vocals from American hip hop artist Kid Sister. The song was released via Domino Records in April 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lights Out (Santigold song)</span> 2008 single by Santogold

"Lights Out" is a song by American musician Santigold. It was released on August 11, 2008, through Downtown, Lizard King and Atlantic Records as the third single from her debut studio album, Santogold (2008).

<i>Top Ranking: A Diplo Dub</i> 2008 mixtape by Santigold & Diplo

Top Ranking: A Diplo Dub is the first mixtape by American musician and singer Santigold and Philadelphia-based DJ Diplo, released on July 15, 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Drive Thru</span> 2008 single by Julian Casablancas, Santigold and Pharrell Williams

"My Drive Thru" is a collaborative single by The Strokes lead vocalist Julian Casablancas, American singer-songwriter Santigold, and The Neptunes producer and N.E.R.D member Pharrell Williams. The song was created for Converse's centennial and was released in June 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say Aha</span> 2008 single by Santigold

"Say Aha" is the fourth single by American artist Santigold, taken from her previously self-titled debut Santogold.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ego (Beyoncé song)</span> 2009 single by Beyoncé

"Ego" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for the deluxe edition of her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). The song was composed by Elvis Williams, Harold Lilly, and Beyoncé. "Ego" was officially remixed with additional vocals from hip hop artist, Kanye West. Initially planned to be released in January 2009 as the second urban single in the US along with the fourth US and third international single "Halo", the release of "Ego" was canceled and replaced by "Diva". "Ego" was later issued as the third urban single, and fifth overall single in the US on May 19, 2009, alongside the sixth US and fourth international single "Sweet Dreams".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brooklyn Go Hard</span> 2008 promotional single by Jay-Z featuring Santigold

"Brooklyn Go Hard" is the second promo single by rap artist Jay-Z, featuring additional vocals by alternative musician Santigold. The song was produced by Kanye West. It appears on the soundtrack to The Notorious B.I.G. biopic Notorious for which it serves as the theme song. It was released on December 1, 2008, as an exclusive download available via subscription to (RED)Wire, with a portion of the profits going towards Bono's Product Red organization. In 2013, it was used in a trailer and several television commercials for the Jackie Robinson biopic 42: The True Story of an American Legend.

<i>I Love You</i> (Amanda Blank album) 2009 studio album by Amanda Blank

I Love You is the debut album by Philadelphia-based rapper and singer Amanda Blank. The album was released on August 4, 2009, through Downtown Records.

Alex Brady Epton, known professionally as XXXChange, is an American, New York-based record producer, mixer and film composer. In 2014, he joined XL Recordings in New York, and as their in-house producer/engineer worked with FKA Twigs, Wiki, Ratking, Amber Mark, Jamie xx, Willis Earl Beal, Vampire Weekend and Skepta.ZXCVBNM

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deuces (song)</span> 2011 song by Chris Brown

"Deuces" is a song written and performed by American singer Chris Brown featuring fellow American musicians Tyga and Kevin McCall. Produced by McCall, "Deuces" was released digitally on June 25, 2010, as the lead single from Brown's first collaborative effort with Tyga, titled Fan of a Fan (2010). The song is a slow, down-tempo R&B ballad featuring elements from the genres of house and pop music, while the song is lyrically about "breaking it off with a girl after failed attempts to make the relationship work". "Deuces" was later included on Brown's fourth studio album, F.A.M.E. (2011).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rolling in the Deep</span> 2010 single by Adele

"Rolling in the Deep" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Adele for her second studio album, 21 (2011). It is the lead single and opening track on the album. The song was written by Adele and Paul Epworth. The singer herself describes it as a "dark blues-y gospel disco tune". In 2011, it was reportedly the biggest crossover hit in the United States since 1985; "Rolling in the Deep" gained radio airplay from many different radio formats. It was first released on 29 November 2010 as the lead single from 21 in digital download format. The lyrics describe the emotions of a scorned lover.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disparate Youth</span> 2012 single by Santigold

"Disparate Youth" is a song from American musician Santigold. The track was released in the United States on 14 February 2012 as the lead single from the artist's second studio album, Master of My Make-Believe (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pour It Up</span> 2013 single by Rihanna

"Pour It Up" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was serviced to urban radio stations in the United States on January 8, 2013, as the second US single, and third overall single from the album. It was later also sent to contemporary hit radio radios in the country. "Pour It Up" written by Rihanna alongside Rock City and producers Mike Will Made It and JBo. It is a club, trap, and R&B song with a minimal hip hop beat. Rihanna brags about her wealth, which serves as both a strip club anthem and a declaration of independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys (Charli XCX song)</span> 2017 single by Charli XCX

"Boys" is a single by English singer Charli XCX, released on 26 July 2017 by Asylum Records and Atlantic Records UK. The song was originally intended to be the second single from her then-upcoming third studio album. However, the song became a stand-alone single when the projected third album was leaked on the internet and cancelled. The song makes use of a sample from the Nintendo video game Super Mario Bros.

References

  1. 1 2 "Creator / L.E.S. Artistes - Single". iTunes Store. 2008-03-25. Archived from the original on 2012-06-30. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  2. ↑ "Santogold". Amazon. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  3. ↑ "Santogold". Discogs . Retrieved 2008-05-02.
  4. 1 2 Peter Robinson (2008-05-13). "Santogold discusses Ashlee Simpson, Mark Ronson and her current illness". PopJustice . Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  5. ↑ "Creator [Single]". Amazon. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  6. ↑ "Santogold To Re-Release LES Artistes Single". AngryApe.com. 2008-04-10. Archived from the original on 2008-08-29. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  7. ↑ "L.E.S. Artistes [XXXChange Remix]". Billboard.com. Archived from the original on 2008-05-03. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  8. ↑ "L.E.S. Artistes - Discovery Download". iTunes Store. 2008-04-29. Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2008-04-30.
  9. ↑ "17 Again (2009) Soundtrack Details - IMDb". IMDb.
  10. ↑ Brian Hiatt (2007-11-14). "Artist to Watch: Santogold". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 16, 2007. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  11. ↑ "Singles of the Year : Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone . 11 December 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-12-11. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  12. ↑ Alex Denney. "Santogold: Creator/L.E.S. Artistes". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 2008-05-03. Retrieved 2008-04-22.
  13. ↑ Richard Baca (2008-04-26). "If Madonna notta for you, try these chanteuses". The Denver Post . MediaNews Group . Retrieved 2008-04-27.
  14. ↑ "Singles of the Year". Rolling Stone . Wenner Media. 2008-12-25. Archived from the original on December 11, 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-11.
  15. ↑ "McSweeney's Recommends". McSweeney's Internet Tendency. Dave Eggers. 2008-12-20. Archived from the original on 2007-12-11. Retrieved 2011-04-19.
  16. ↑ "Singles of the Year". Pitchfork Media . Archived from the original on 2008-12-18.
  17. ↑ "Pitchfork: Staff Lists: The Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s: 200-101". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on 2011-08-18. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
  18. ↑ "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years | NME.COM". NME . Archived from the original on 2016-09-18. Retrieved 2020-04-21.
  19. ↑ Ben Barna (2008-04-09). "Santogold vs. Jodorowsky!". BlackBook Magazine . Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  20. ↑ Kanye West (2008-03-06). "OK, This May Be The Best Thing Ever!". KanyeUniversityCity.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-10. Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  21. ↑ Caroline Sullivan (2008-05-09). "Santogold". The Guardian . Retrieved 2008-05-13.
  22. ↑ "Creator / L.E.S. Artistes - EP (US)". iTunes Store. 2008-08-05. Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  23. ↑ "L.E.S. Artistes". HMV . Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  24. ↑ "L.E.S. Artistes". HMV . Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  25. ↑ "Creator / L.E.S. Artistes - EP (UK)". iTunes Store. 2008-08-05. Archived from the original on 2011-06-07. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  26. ↑ "L.E.S. Artistes". aCharts.us. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  27. ↑ "L.E.S. Artistes". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 2008-05-19.
  28. ↑ "Hot Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard.com . Nielsen Company. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
  29. ↑ "Santogold – L.E.S. Artistes" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  30. ↑ "Santogold – Chart Search" Billboard European Hot 100 Singles for Santogold. [ dead link ]
  31. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  32. ↑ "Santogold Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard.
  33. ↑ "Girls Can't Catch - exclusive track-by-track review of their sampler". TeenToday.com. Retrieved 2010-01-14.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.