Highly skilled as DJs, Los Angeles indie dance duo
Classixx place more of an emphasis on classic pop songwriting, fusing elements of Italian house, disco, funk, new wave, and other styles. Michael David and
Tyler Blake formed the production duo in Los Angeles in 2005, initially under the name Young Americans. Friends since childhood, David had previously worked as a session guitarist and
Blake had just finished music school when, in their early twenties, they decided to make electronic music together. The pair started playing house parties and remixing artists, focusing on indie rock (including
Kill Hannah and
Hellogoodbye). The duo changed their name to
Classixx in 2008, debuting with a self-titled EP. Soon after, the single "I'll Get You" (featuring Jeppe of
Junior Senior) appeared on Kitsuné Music, in addition to remixes of songs by
Phoenix,
Fischerspooner,
Yacht,
Holy Ghost!, and numerous others. In 2010, they produced
Mayer Hawthorne's "No Strings." Signing to the Mountain Dew-funded Green Label Sound, the single "Into the Valley" was released in 2011. Two years later their debut full-length, Hanging Gardens, appeared on
Innovative Leisure. Including "I'll Get You" in addition to songs featuring
Active Child and
LCD Soundsystem/
the Juan MacLean's
Nancy Whang, the album was critically acclaimed, and the duo became a popular touring act.
Classixx's next album featured a wide range of guest vocalists, including
Passion Pit's
Michael Angelakos, De Luxe, Isles,
Harriet Brown, and
T-Pain.
Faraway Reach was released in June of 2016. ~ Jason Lymangrover & Paul Simpson