Azari & III

Azari & III

Azari & III are a Toronto, Canada-based group active between 2008 and 2013. The lineup comprises Christian Farley, Cedric Gasaida, Fritz Helder and Alphonse Lanza.

Style and background

The group works across house, disco, deep house, electronic and Chicago house, and is associated with Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood. Their sound is described through driving bass lines, heavy rhythms and eerie synthesiser melodies, with vocals and hooks playing a central role in the arrangement.

Recording and collaboration

Azari & III operate with a studio-based approach, using analogue and electronic equipment including an old 12-bit drum sampler, synths and outboard gear. Alphonse Lanza handles engineering and production work at the console, while the group’s vocal and melodic material is developed collaboratively in the studio.

Their early singles Hungry For The Power and Reckless (With Your Love) bring them wider attention and keep them in demand at clubs and festivals. They also collaborate with Friendly Fires and remix material for Robyn, Cut Copy, Booka Shade, Creep, and Health.

Reception and connections

The group attract support from figures and acts across both dance and indie rock scenes, including Annie Mac, Grizzly Bear, Boys Noize and Broken Social Scene. Their work is presented as connecting club music and rock sensibilities rather than fitting neatly into one scene.