By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Paris, the global electronic music community is currently witnessing a historic pivot from one of its most influential figures. Jen Cardini, the revered DJ, producer, and label magnate, has officially announced the upcoming release of her first solo EP in over twenty-five years. Titled ‘petit monstre,’ the record is scheduled to arrive on March 27th, marking a significant milestone not only for the artist but for the broader evolution of the French electronic landscape. The release will be facilitated by SMIILE RECORDS, the creative platform steered by fellow French luminary Chloé Caillet, and will serve as the inaugural launch for a new, vinyl-centric imprint known as SMIILEWAX.
The announcement of ‘petit monstre’ carries immense weight due to the sheer length of time since Cardini last stepped into the solo spotlight. While she has remained a constant force in the industry—touring globally, managing multiple record labels, and engaging in high-profile collaborations—her last dedicated solo outing without a creative partner was 1998’s ‘Usual Suspects.’ In the decades that followed, Cardini became synonymous with a specific brand of sophisticated, dark-edged dance music, yet she largely channeled her studio energy into collaborative efforts. This return to solo form signals a new chapter of personal expression for an artist who has spent thirty years shaping the tastes of the underground.
The title of the EP, ‘petit monstre,’ translates from French to "little monster," a term Cardini uses with a sense of playful defiance. Reflecting on the nomenclature, she described the "petit monstre" as a cheeky troublemaker—a persona she has embraced since her birth in 1974. This self-identification speaks to the rebellious, non-conformist spirit that has defined her career, from her early days in the Parisian club scene to her current status as a global tastemaker based in Berlin. By joining the SMIILE family, Cardini bridges the gap between the established guard of French techno and the rising generation represented by Caillet.
The choice of label is equally strategic. SMIILEWAX, the new branch of Chloé Caillet’s SMIILE RECORDS, is designed specifically to cater to the resurgence of physical media, focusing exclusively on vinyl output. In an era dominated by digital streaming and rapid-fire consumption, the decision to launch a vinyl-only imprint with a Jen Cardini solo record is a statement of intent. It emphasizes the tactile, enduring nature of electronic music—a sentiment that aligns perfectly with Cardini’s own history of championing the long-form art of the DJ set and the curation of physical catalogs.
To understand the gravity of this release, one must look at the expansive vacuum Cardini’s solo production has left since the late 1990s. Since 1998, her discography has been a masterclass in synergy. She has worked alongside notable names such as Shonky, Ho, Egal, and the 22 Crew, blending her distinctive aesthetic with various stylistic influences. However, the majority of her industry impact over the last two decades has been felt through her leadership as a label head.
As the founder of Correspondant Records, Cardini helped define the "Dark Disco" and "Indie Dance" movements, providing a home for artists who blurred the lines between post-punk, techno, and EBM. Later, she established Dischi D’Autunno to further explore the experimental and avant-garde fringes of the dance floor. Most recently, in 2023, she celebrated three decades in the industry by launching her third imprint, Færies Records. These labels have functioned as cultural beacons, yet they often placed Cardini in the role of the curator rather than the primary creator. ‘petit monstre’ represents a reclaiming of that creative space, allowing her to speak with a singular voice once again.
Beyond the studio, Cardini’s influence continues to expand through her ambitious event programming. This summer, she is set to elevate her "Nightclubbing" party series into a full-scale festival experience in the heart of Paris. The event will take over La Villette, the city’s third-largest park and a major cultural hub, while also utilizing various clubs and venues throughout the metropolitan area. Nightclubbing, which debuted in 2023, was conceived as more than just a party; it is a queer-focused platform designed to foster inclusivity and safety within the electronic music community.
The series has already established a formidable presence in Europe, maintaining prestigious residencies at Outra Cena in Lisbon and RSO in Berlin. By bringing a festival-scale iteration to Paris, Cardini is reinforcing her roots in a city that has recently seen its electronic music heritage receive unprecedented institutional recognition. Last year, French electronic music was officially added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a move that validated the cultural and social significance of the genre. Cardini, as a veteran of the scene, embodies the very history that UNESCO sought to protect—a history of resistance, innovation, and community building.
The upcoming ‘petit monstre’ EP on SMIILEWAX is, therefore, more than just a collection of tracks; it is a convergence of several narrative arcs. It is the return of a veteran producer to her roots, the collaboration between two generations of French talent, and a celebration of the physical format in a digital age. It also serves as a sonic companion to the "Nightclubbing" ethos—music that is likely to be as uncompromising and mischievous as the "little monster" persona it describes.
Industry analysts and fans alike are eager to see how Cardini’s sound has evolved in the solo format. Given her vast experience as a DJ, her new music is expected to reflect a deep understanding of dance floor dynamics, likely infused with the moody, atmospheric textures that have become her signature. The pre-order phase for the EP has already generated significant buzz among vinyl collectors and club residents, many of whom view a solo Cardini record as a rare and essential addition to their crates.
As the March 27th release date approaches, the anticipation serves as a testament to Jen Cardini’s enduring relevance. In a field where careers often flash and fade within a few years, her thirty-year trajectory is a rare example of sustained excellence. From the underground clubs of the 90s to the prestigious stages of international festivals, she has navigated the complexities of the music industry without losing her "troublemaker" edge.
With ‘petit monstre,’ Jen Cardini is not simply looking back at her legacy; she is actively expanding it. By aligning with SMIILEWAX and continuing to champion queer spaces through Nightclubbing, she remains at the forefront of the conversation regarding where electronic music is headed. This release marks the end of a long solo silence, but more importantly, it marks the beginning of a vibrant new era for one of electronic music’s most cherished icons. The "little monster" is back, and the dance floor is ready for the mischief.