no·blesse o·blige
[noh-bles oh-bleezh; French naw-bles aw-bleezh
the moral obligation of those of high birth, powerful social position, etc., to act with
honor, kindliness, generosity, etc.
Origin:1830–40; < French: literally, nobility obliges
Noblesse Oblige is French-Caribbean performer Valerie Renay and German producer Sebastian Lee Philipp.
After making a name for themselves on London’s electro/indie club circuit (NagNagNag, Trash, Kashpoint),
the duo released their debut full-length record ‘Privilege Entails Responsibility’ in 2006.
The album quickly became a classic on the international club scene, thanks to the support of renowned DJs
such as Erol Alkan and Mark Moore (S'Express).
Two years later, Noblesse Oblige began a new life in Berlin, where work on their second album ‘In Exile’ received
funding from Music initiative (Federal Ministry of Culture and Media) and was greeted by the German press with
numerous‘ Record of the Month’ honours. The album was also awarded the Russian Steppenwolf Music Prize, picked
up at a T.V appearance in Moscow.
Inspired by Robert Pacitti’s tarot project at London Spill Festival 2009 (in which they portrayed the Lover Major arcana card)
Noblesse Oblige immersed themselves into the world of the occult, researching the literature of Aleister Crowley, and artists
such as Kenneth Anger and Donald Cammel. The result was their 3rd album ‘Malady’ (2010) and a string of international
“voodoo spectacular” concerts.
Sharing the stage with The Irrepressibles, The Dresden Dolls, IAMX, Lydia Lunch, Ann Clark and many more,
Noblesse Oblige have played more than 300 concerts across Europe, Russia and South America. From major festivals
(Latitude/UK, Bestival/ UK, Decalage/BR, Moncofa Beach/ES) to nightclubs, film festivals, fashion parties and
art galleries.
Outside of the band, Valerie is a successful performer and theatre director (at Berlin’s Hebbel am Ufer and Sophiensaele
amongst others). Sebastian composes radio plays for the German National Broadcasting Service and has produced /
remixed many artists including the Hidden Cameras, Ascii Disko and Schwefelgelb..
2013 sees the release of new album ‘AFFAIR OF THE HEART’, recorded at Chris Corner’s (IAMX / SNEAKER PIMPS) Berlin
countryside studio. It will be supported by a new live show toured around Europe.
Discography:
2008 Privilege Entails Responsibility
2008 Tanz Mephisto!
2008 In Exile
2010 The Great Electrifier
2010 Malady
2013 Runaway
2013 Affair Of The Heart