Hercules and Love Affair

Hercules and Love Affair

Hercules and Love Affair is a New York electronic music group led by DJ and producer Andy Butler. The project forms in 2004 and becomes active in 2007, and its line-up changes over time. Listed members include ANOHNI, Andy Butler, Kim Ann Foxman, Nomi, Andrew Raposo and Carter Yasutake.

Formation and early work

Butler begins his musical career at 15, DJing in a Denver leather bar run by a hostess called Chocolate Thunder Pussy. He later moves to Brooklyn to attend Sarah Lawrence College, where he studies under Martin Goldray. He also writes songs from childhood and makes music for dance performances in college, including a version of Gino Soccio’s “Runaway” arranged in the style of Kraftwerk.

Recordings and releases

The group signs to DFA Records. Its single “Blind” appears in 2008, followed by the self-titled debut album, produced by Butler and Tim Goldsworthy. That album receives strong critical attention and enters the top 40 in several countries. In 2011, Butler returns with a new line-up and releases Blue Songs, the group’s second album, which draws mainly on 1990s house and electro.

Members and collaborators

From 2007 to 2010, the project includes Nomi Ruiz, Kim Ann Foxman and guest singer ANOHNI, who also performs with Antony and the Johnsons. Later members include Mark Pistel, Aerea Negrot and Shaun Wright alongside Foxman. The project’s work sits at the intersection of electronic music, disco, synthpop, dance, electronica, rock and indie.

Associated artist: Nomi

Nomi, a former member of the collective, is born and raised in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Her earlier song “You’ll Never Know” appears on The Enlightened Family compilation released by Voodoo EROS. She releases her debut album Lost in Lust in 2005 on Park Side Records, as a self-released record focused on life on the streets of Brooklyn. She also tours Europe and the United States with CocoRosie, appears at Patricia Field’s residence for Fashion Week, tours Europe with Antony and the Johnsons as one of the “13 NYC Beauties” on the Turning Tour, and later appears as an MC on a version of “Heat of the Moment” with Deborah Harry.