Gonzales

Canadian Gonzales (also known as Chilly Gonzales) is a mixed bag of MC meets keyboarding-producer meets singer. Though born to the maple leaf, the Kitty-Yo label artist resided in Europe, mainly in Germany or France. At a young age Gonzales was introduced to the piano by his parents and over-achieving brother. Using the instrument as an avenue of self-expression, he quickly advanced into the production realm. Through his Hollywood-based older brother, Gonzales wrote music for soundtracks under various aliases. Known for his often comical live shows, complete with MCing, Gonzales branched off to singing with labelmate Peaches in 2000 for the single Red Leather. His debut full-length, 2000s Gonzales Uber Alles, was followed later that year by The Entertainist. Touring and collaborating with Peaches brought both artists more noteriety, with the press nicknaming the duo the Bonnie and Clyde of prankster rap. Gonzales stepped back into the studio in early 2002 to record Presidential Suite, but moved from Berlin to Paris during 2003 and inaugurated a co-production relationship with Renaud Letang (Manu Chao). The duo recorded with French pop royalty including Jane Birkin (her 2004 duets album Rendez-Vous) and Charles Aznavour (which were canceled by Aznavour. When Gonzales returned to his own career in 2005, he issued easily the most distinctive record of his career — Solo Piano, which found him performing 16 themes (for left-hand accompaniment and right-hand melody) and asserting the influence of French impressionists Erik Satie and Maurice Ravel.