Content by the Editorial Team — Tracks/ID Music Group
Tracks/ID
Jen Cardini to Release First Solo EP Since the 90s via Chloe Caillet’s SMIILEWAX Label
Three decades into a distinguished career, French DJ and producer Jen Cardini is set to release her first solo EP since the 1990s. Titled “petit monstre,” this highly anticipated work will debut on March 27th via SMIILE RECORDS, the imprint helmed by fellow DJ and producer Chlóe Caillet. This release not only marks a significant return for Cardini but also inaugurates SMIILEWAX, a new vinyl-focused offshoot of the label.
Accompanying this musical milestone, Cardini is also preparing to bring her renowned queer party series, “Nightclubbing,” to Paris for an ambitious festival engagement. This expansion, coupled with her latest solo production—her last, “Usual Suspects,” emerged in 1998—underscores Cardini’s enduring influence and her unwavering commitment to both the electronic music landscape and the vibrant queer community.
The global electronic music community is anticipating a significant milestone as the renowned French DJ and producer Jennifer Cardini announces her return to solo production. Her upcoming EP, titled “petit monstre,” is scheduled for release on March 27 through SMIILE RECORDS. This project represents a historic moment in Cardini’s illustrious career, marking her first solo studio effort since the 1998 release of the “Usual Suspects” EP.
The release of “petit monstre” is not only a personal comeback for Cardini but also serves as the catalyst for a new chapter at SMIILE RECORDS, the label helmed by fellow DJ and producer Chloé Caillet. The launch of this EP will inaugurate SMIILEWAX, a specialized sub-label dedicated exclusively to vinyl productions. This move underscores a commitment to the physical format during a time of revitalization for the medium within the electronic genre.
Beyond the studio, Cardini continues to expand her cultural footprint by bringing her celebrated queer party series, “Nightclubbing,” to Paris. Already established with residencies in Lisbon and Berlin, the series is set to take over the French capital for an expansive festival. With events planned at La Villette and various other venues across the city, the festival promises to be a landmark gathering for the community, further solidifying the series’ reputation as a vital platform for queer expression.
With a career spanning over three decades, Cardini’s influence extends far beyond her own music. As the founder of influential labels such as Correspondant Records, Dischi D’Autunno, and Færies Records, she has long been a pillar of the industry. Her latest endeavors arrive at a poignant moment for the French scene, coinciding with the recent inclusion of French electronic music on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Through the arrival of “petit monstre” and the ambitious expansion of the “Nightclubbing” festival, Jennifer Cardini continues to demonstrate an unwavering devotion to the evolution of electronic music and the enduring strength of the queer community.
As Jennifer Cardini bridges the gap between her 1990s roots and the modern era of SMIILEWAX, her return to the forefront of production serves as a testament to her lasting legacy. By merging high-quality vinyl craftsmanship with inclusive, large-scale events in the heart of Paris, Cardini ensures that her vision remains at the cutting edge of the global electronic landscape. Moving forward, “petit monstre” stands as both a tribute to her past and a bold blueprint for her future.