Caribou

Caribou is the primary recording alias of Canadian musician Dan Snaith, whose career represents a pivotal bridge between the IDM/folktronica movements of the early 2000s and the sophisticated electronic pop of the 2010s. Originally recording as Manitoba, Snaith's early work like 'Start Breaking My Heart' was characterized by glitchy, pastoral electronics.

Following a legal dispute, he rebranded as Caribou, shifting toward a dense, psychedelic sound on 'Up in Flames' and 'Andorra,' the latter of which won the Polaris Music Prize. His 2010 album 'Swim' marked a significant shift toward dancefloor-oriented structures, specifically aiming to create 'liquid' dance music. This evolution continued with 'Our Love' and 'Suddenly,' which integrated R&B and house influences. Snaith also produces harder club tracks under the moniker Daphni. Critically, he is lauded for his ability to maintain emotional intimacy while employing complex, polyrhythmic arrangements. His live performances are notable for featuring a full four-piece band with two drummers, translating his studio-layering into a high-energy, organic experience.