Laurent Garnier: a legend without limits.

As one of the most influential and enduring figures in the world of electronic dance music, the Frenchman Laurent Garnier has become synonymous with techno, house, and the spirit of experimentation. His career spans over three decades, and his contributions to the evolution of dance music are immeasurable. From the streets of Manchester in the late '80s to the most renowned clubs and festivals across the globe, Garnier has remained a constant force in shaping and defining the landscape of modern electronic music ever since his first DJ set. His journey has been anything but conventional, and his legacy speaks to his evident passion for pushing boundaries.
In this article, we take a closer look at the remarkable career of Laurent Garnier, who will be gracing our Forest Stage for an extended set on Sunday June 29. Whether you're already well-familiar with his groundbreaking tracks or are just discovering the treasure of the rich discography of this French techno legend, this piece aims to provide an accessible yet comprehensive overview of Garnier's journey through music, life and his endless pursuit of creativity.

From catering school to the Haçienda: the origins of a true DJ
Born in the heart of France in 1966, Laurent Garnier's early life was not immediately steeped in music. Raised in a working-class family involved in catering work, his first career path was almost predetermined—until his love for music steered him in a different direction. Before pursuing his true passion for DJing, Garnier attended catering school, a discipline he credits as foundational in shaping his appreciation for creating and sharing experiences. Little did he know that his time in the kitchen would intertwine with his musical journey years later.
In the mid-1980s, Garnier left France for Manchester, where he would come into contact with the emerging rave scene. At the time, this British industrial city was one of the epicentres of a new phenomenon called warehouse rave music. Here, he began to understand the true art of DJing - not just beatmatching but feeling the crowd and weaving a musical journey. He had no formal DJ training, but his innate sense of rhythm and his open-mindedness to different genres helped him stand out immediately. It wasn't long before Garnier played at some of the most iconic venues in the UK, including the legendary Haçienda in Manchester, which became a crucial spot for the early days of the rave and acid house movements. His time in Manchester was a crucial turning point in his personal development and the birth of his career. At the Haçienda, Garnier played a mix of house, techno, and experimental music, which set the tone for his approach to DJing for years to come. It was a time of discovery and exploration.
The birth of a DJ legend: Paris and the Rex Club
However, Garnier's journey was not without interruptions. His mandatory military service in France brought him back home, but even then, he remained focused on his dream of spreading his love of music. Paris would soon become the heart of Garnier's career, and in the early '90s, he began helping to establish the city's club culture. The famous Rex Club became one of the first venues to put Paris on the global electronic music map, and Garnier was instrumental in turning it into an international hub for dance music.
As the '90s rolled on, Garnier's musical output as a producer grew, too. Tracks like "The Man with the Red Face" and "Crispy Bacon" became instant global dance music anthems known for their lush arrangements, unpredictable structures, and deep grooves. These tracks were not just songs—they were revolutionary productions, each filled with the kind of atmosphere and energy that would resonate on dance floors for decades to come.

From dancefloor anthems to experimental live performances.
Garnier's popularity soon soared internationally, making him a regular presence at clubs and festivals worldwide. His DJ sets became a trademark, blending not only techno and house but also jazz, funk, soul, drum & bass, and experimental music. While many of his peers focused on the popular trends of the time, Garnier remained resolutely open-minded, blending influences from around the world to create a sound entirely his own.
Soon enough - and entirely expected within his character - Garnier also sought to perform his music live. To see a Garnier show is to experience a master at work - someone who understands how to engage with a crowd and take them on an adventure. His live sets are not just about playing his music but giving each composition an entirely different version of the vinyl record. And just like his DJ sets, it can go in all directions.
But even as his fame grew, Garnier never lost sight of his roots. His love for house and techno, sharing his vision creatively, and experimenting with sound remained the driving forces in his career. His legendary sets at festivals like Sonar, Awakenings, and Dekmantel became some of the most celebrated performances, drawing people from across the globe to witness the Garnier magic.
He continued to release album after album that showcased his diverse range, with each project reflecting a different phase of his artistic evolution. Whether through his more experimental works or his dance floor anthems, Garnier's music was always an honest reflection of where he was in his life at the time. There were no gimmicks—just pure creativity and an unwavering dedication to his craft.
Cooking during COVID
In 2020, the world was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted the global music scene and forced many artists, including Garnier, to rethink their relationship with their craft. The sudden pause was impactful for a man who had spent over thirty years performing for crowds. But rather than retreating to the studio, Garnier found new ways to stay engaged with his music.
During the lockdowns, he returned to a passion he had not indulged in for years - cooking. A chance opportunity to work at a Japanese restaurant near his home reignited his love for the culinary arts, reminding him of his roots in catering. But more than that, cooking became a form of expression, an extension of his creativity that mirrored the act of DJing—both were about creating experiences and sharing something meaningful with others.
While many musicians struggled during the lockdown, Garnier took the time to reflect on the future of his music career. He began to work on his longest and perhaps most ambitious album to date - 33 Tours Et Puis S'en Vont (33 Turns and Then They Leave). The album, released in 2021, reflects his musical and personal journey.

Here and now: slowing down and embracing the future
Despite his legendary status, Garnier has never been one to rest on his laurels. Even after decades of touring, he began to recognize the need for balance. As he approaches his 60s, Garnier has started to slow down, reshaping his approach to performing and touring. The high-octane, non-stop life of a touring DJ had begun to take its toll, and Garnier decided to scale back.
Instead of the frantic schedule of 20+ weekends a year, Garnier plans to focus on playing fewer shows but making each one more meaningful. Rather than flying in and out of cities in a whirlwind, he prefers to spend weekends in one place, offering fans a more intimate and immersive experience. It's a way of reconnecting with the joy of playing music rather than rushing through the motions. It's a way of savouring each performance, of taking time to enjoy the moments that matter.
And while Garnier may slow down his touring schedule, his commitment to sharing music and connecting with fans remains untouched. His radio station, CodeQR, continues to bring exciting new artists to the forefront, and his label remains a vital part of his musical output.
Beyond his career, Garnier is a profoundly thoughtful and introspective individual who often reflects on his career and its purpose. He's never been one to meticulously plan his trajectory. In fact, he's admitted that his approach has always been about taking things as they come—following his instincts and seeing where life leads. His unpredictability has been one of the key reasons for his lasting relevance. Every new project and performance feels fresh because Garnier approaches them with the same passion and curiosity he did when he first started.
In conclusion, Laurent Garnier is much more than just a DJ you need to check out—he is an artist as authentic as they come. His work has inspired countless renowned artists who have followed in his footsteps well beyond the spheres of dance music. Each of his sets reflects his life, his experiences, and his deep passion for sharing those moments with the crowd. Laurent Garnier remains an icon, sparking the imagination of new generations of music lovers across the globe.
We are thrilled to have Laurent Garnier at 10 Years of Paradise City for an extended DJ set at the Forest Stage on Sunday June 29. We encourage long-time fans and newcomers alike to come and enjoy the ride, wherever he may take us.
Interested in diving deeper into the world of Laurent Garnier? Follow the links below: