Biography

aKido is the pseudonym of Canadian electronic music artist Kim Gaboury. With four albums and three EPs under his belt, all released through his NORDIQUE label, aKido is known for its uncompromising style best illustrated by the instrumental hit “Dancing in Chains”, the song "Thirteen" and the notorious remix of “Beggin” for ADIDAS.

Ever since the release of his first album, Playtime, in 2004, aKido has been receiving praise and support from an ever increasing group of fans: Playtime made the top 15 canadian college radio playlist (Earshot). The unusual track "Les Humains" and it's groundbreaking digital animation video won multiple awards around the world and over the years has become a local underground classic. After the release of his second album, Blink, in 2007, the track "Dancing in Chains" became the highest charting instrumental track ever in CBC Radio 3's Top 30, peaking at #3. Gamechanger, released in 2010, stayed on college charts for 10 weeks and was nominated in 2011 at the Independant Music Awards in New-York and ADISQ in Canada. The latest album Undark (2012), with guest vocalists Alexandre Désilets and Christina Musacchio, spawned the breakout track "Thirteen" which was frequently featured on Australia's Triple-J.

aKido spent a good part of 2012 composing the music score to "Inside The Mind Of Leonardo", a groundbreaking 3D docu-drama directed by Julian Jones and starring Oscar-winning actor Peter Capaldi. The original motion picture soundtrack is set to be released in the summer of 2013.

On stage, aKido offers a complete experience combining strong visuals with an innovative, emotive performance. The line-up is comprised of Kim on guitar and keys, his brother Martin on drums and a series of featured guests.

Facts

On stage the music is performed by Kim Gaboury on guitar/FX, his brother Martin on drums, and guests.

aKido is case-sensitive: it has to be written with a small «a», a capital «K» , and the «ido» also in small letters.

Single ‘Dancing in Chains’ off second album ‘Blink’ (released in 2007) made history as highest charting instrumental track ever on CBC radio 3’s top 30, peaking at #3.

'Dancing in Chains' was finalist in the Bucky Awards " Catchiest hook " Category alongside Feist and Buck65 (CBC Radio 3)

More than 1.6 million cumulative views on Youtube for videos featuring aKido's music.

Music licensed to ADIDAS adverts, national TV series (The Best Years, Tout le monde en parle), indie films (Broadcast, More for the Astronauts) and radio shows (CBC/SRC).

High profile gigs include Montreal International Jazz Fest, Sirius Canada live satellite broadcast, CBC Radio 3/Bande-a-part tour, Festi-Jazz de Rimouski, sold out shows supporting Universal/Verve recording artist Beast. Gigs with Malajube, Karkwa, Pawa Up First, Misstress Barbara, Deadly Snakes, Frederico Aubele.

First album ‘Playtime’ (released in 2004) was in the top 15 of the year for RPM play in Canadian College Radios (Earshot).

Third album "Gamechanger" nominated l'ADISQ in Quebec and at the 10th Independant Music Awards in New-York alongside Flying Lotus. Streamed and featured on VPRO (Netherlands Public Broadcasting)'s music website. Ranked #1 in electronic charts on Canadian college radios in October 2010, spending 10 weeks in the top 10. Single "Radium Girls" featured on 22tracks.com

Remixes for: ADIDAS Originals campaign, Millimetrik, Les Trois Accords, The Banjo Consorsium, Dee, La Bottine Souriante.

‘Les Humains’ video won multiple awards worlwide (Independant Music Video Award, Grafika Jury award, Sherbrooke Short Film Fest) and was screened at Anim'Est (Hungary), Museum of Modern Arts (Montreal), Festival du Court-Métrage de Clermont-Ferrand (France). The video was inducted in the Cinématèque Québécoise's vault.

Founded Nordique Music Company in 2004 to publish aKido releases.

Releases: Les Humains EP (2004), Playtime (2004, re-released 2005), Blink (2007), Playtime (Reissue 2009), Blink (Reissue 2009), Thearly Ears EP (2010), Gamechanger (2010), Remodels Vol.1 (2011), Undark (2011), Inside The Mind Of Leonardo OST (2013)