Quadron, a soulful, experimental duo from Copenhagen, Denmark was the featured “Top Tune” artist of the day Monday on acclaimed radio station KCRW. The band’s track “Average Fruit” was offered all day as a free download and is now available via podcast.
According to Quadron’s Robin Hannibal, “the song is about finding what you believe in, and what your heart beats for. No matter if that is working in a supermarket, or as a rocket scientist. Heavily inspired by Charles Stepney string arrangements, the beat is a take on a modern version of a syncopated African rhythm.”
“Morning Becomes Eclectic” and “Today’s Top Tune” producer Ariana Morgenstern says of Quadron: “Danish duo Quadron provides a soulful mix of down-tempo beats with beautiful arrangements and orchestrations. Our intrepid DJ Anthony Valadez got his hands on an early copy and started slipping it into the mix here at KCRW. Soon enough, just about every DJ here got behind it. Thanks to Anthony, a U.S. release of their debut is coming soon.”
Morgenstern praises the band’s laid back, lounge sound for aptly representing a cross section of KCRW’s eclectic music format. Other notable tastemakers that are fans include Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D. and James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, as well as Gilles Peterson of BBC radio who picked the track “Day” as one of his faves of 2009.
Singer Coco also sites “Day” as her favorite song as well. “I love that it is the slowest song, but still the one that i can dance the best to. I love to sing it live, and it almost makes me cry every time.”
Lauded KCRW DJ Raul Campos of KCRW put Quadron in his Top 10 of 2009, noting, “It’s rare to come across a full-length release that is stellar from beginning to end,” Campos says of the duo’s music. “The lush beats from Robin Hannibal and Coco’s beautiful vocals make Quadron a winner. With songs that are so full of emotion and life, this one is an instant classic in my book.”
Quadron was formed when Robin met Coco, a 16-year-old ingénue influenced by such artists as Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and especially Lauryn Hill. As the duo started working together, they took their time, slowly forming the lush, groovy sound that encompasses Quadron.