Francis Mercier & Guests

The artist aggrandizing house music with his culturally enriched sound and undeniable flair, we’ve invited Francis Mercier to amalgamate with Gray Area at The Knockdown Center on April 27th, to showcase one of his burgeoning and genre-binding sets.

We all know that DJs/music producers take inspiration from somewhere, but what Francis Mercier does is something quite extraordinary. Coming directly from the heart, soul and roots of who he is, he completely immerses himself and creates music bound to his rich ancestry and DNA.

Born in the small Latin American country of Haiti, now based between New York and London, Francis Mercier has been reshaping the house music landscape with an ethnically infused sound that blends all of deep tech, melodic, and soulful elements. His powerful Afro house tracks often sample classics from the African diaspora he listened to as a kid growing up in Haiti.

What you may know him best for is his 2022 collaboration with Blond:ish and their hit maker “Sete”. Undeniably one of last year’s tracks that absolutely turned dancefloors all over the globe on their heads, the track also changed the face of his career as a DJ/producer.

This year, he did it again with his track released on Diplo’s Higher Ground with “Kamili’ - a co-production with Zimbabwean DJ/producer Nitefreak, who is a regular collaborator of his signed to his Deep Root Records, and pioneer of the sound. If you’ve heard this track play out at an event, you’ll know just how impactful it is with its soaring, heart-piercing vocals in Swahili from Kenyan percussionist, Idd Aziz.

After attending an Armin van Buuren show over a decade ago, he saved enough to purchase his own controller. He also tried to break into DJing at New York clubs, which he struggled to do without a sizable following, so he played at restaurants and also started throwing his own parties.

Now he’s made his dreams a reality, traveling the globe collaborating with the likes of Diplo, Major Lazer, Black Coffee, Vintage Culture, Keinemusik and more, and is the founder of his own imprint Deep Root Records, that allows Mercier to uplift fellow artists with the skills he’s gained along the way.

Let’s just say, this show is going to be special. He understands the people, pace, and passion of New York city and we can’t wait to see his originality shine through and embrace his energizing stage presence.

Joining Francis Mercier on stage is Peace Control, a notable music duo celebrated for their song "Peru." This track has garnered acclaim globally, including being played at top venues such as Hi Ibiza and DC-10 Ibiza. They have performed at prestigious events and venues like NYC Circoloco and iiipoints Festival in Miami.

Beyond Denver, their influence has been acknowledged with support from influential figures like Keinemusik, among other artists. They have also shared stages with renowned artists such as Nora en Pure, Cloonee, and Malaa, establishing themselves as a formidable presence in the music scene with significant impacts at high-profile venues and collaborations.

Added to the astonishing lineup is Airrica, a house/techno DJ based in Ibiza, who has recently made waves in the music world with a European tour and a debut on the Crosstown Rebels Label. Her collaboration with Ashee on the upcoming EP, International Confusion for Diplo's Higher Ground label, encapsulates the duo's playful approach to music production, emphasizing fun and the rave's chaotic energy.

Miami's own Cole Knight, known for her intelligent and melodic mixes, has quickly ascended the ranks to perform alongside notable artists such as Diplo, DJ Tennis, Damian Lazarus, and Swedish House Mafia. Her journey includes a memorable set at a Coachella after-party hosted by Spotify and opening for Black Coffee in Tulum.

Her talent has also lit up Sound, one of LA's premier nightclubs. Knight has made her mark in Europe, playing in iconic clubs in Ibiza, like Paradise, and at festivals such as WECANDANCE and Voodoo Village in Belgium, as well as Burning Man. The fiery redhead has collaborated with Ben Sterling on their track Keep It Cute, and has served standout performances at the legendary, Club Space.