Kid Koala Hits Guadalajara With Live FICG Performances
Montreal DJ Kid Koala heads to Guadalajara this June with vibrant turntablism at FICG MX!!
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Montreal-born DJ and visual artist Kid Koala, real name Eric San, is set to light up the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) stages on June 7 and 8. The two-night showcase promises to fuse his signature live turntablism with bespoke animations, giving festivalgoers a multimedia experience unlike any other.
Mixing Music And Animation
Kid Koala first earned acclaim for his groundbreaking approach to turntable performance, combining vinyl scratching with narrative visuals. Since releasing his debut album Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in 2000 and the graphic-novel-cum-soundtrack Nufonia Must Fall in 2003, he’s toured worldwide with his animated backdrops synced to live DJ sets. His work often features hand-drawn visuals projected behind him, turning each concert into an immersive art installation.
Festival Spotlight
The Guadalajara International Film Festival, in its 39th edition this year, has expanded its lineup to include live music events that bridge cinema and sound art. Held at venues across Mexico’s cultural hub, FICG has become known for spotlighting innovative artists. Kid Koala’s June dates are timed alongside film screenings and Q&A sessions, reflecting the festival’s commitment to cross-disciplinary programming.
From Cannes To Guadalajara
Earlier this month, Kid Koala took part in the Cannes market, where his animated feature Space Cadet received a private screening. In an Instagram post, he wrote, “Tell your friends at Cannes! Kid Koala’s Space Cadet animated feature film will have a market screening there on Thursday! ✨🚀” The project, which blends storytelling with live-action animation, underscores his dual role as filmmaker and performer.
Next Stops In France
On May 28, Kid Koala teased the next leg of his tour with a post reading “🇫🇷 FRANCE À BIENTÔT! @annecyfestival le 9, 11, 12, 13 JUIN #KidKoala #SpaceCadet #Animation.” Translated as “France, see you soon! @annecyfestival June 9, 11, 12, 13,” the announcement confirms his appearances at the Annecy International Animation Festival immediately following his Mexico shows.
Fans attending the June 7 and 8 concerts in Guadalajara can expect a theatrical set list drawn from Kid Koala’s catalog, including tracks from his 2017 album Music to Draw To: Satellite. The live visuals, often sketched in real time or pre-rendered in his distinctive doodle style, sync to every beat and scratch. Early tickets sold out quickly, prompting organizers to open a limited second release via kidkoala.com/tour.
Local music critic Laura Sánchez calls Kid Koala “one of the most inventive turntablists working today,” praising his ability to weave storytelling into each performance. Audiences at past stops—from Montreal to Tokyo—have responded to the blend of humor, suspense, and technical virtuosity on display.
In addition to live shows, Kid Koala will host a brief workshop on June 8 afternoon at the festival’s Foro Diana venue. Attendees can watch a turntable demonstration and pick up tips on vinyl juggling and beat juggling, a nod to his early days experimenting with scratch techniques in Montreal’s underground scene.
For those planning to catch Kid Koala in action, the FICG website lists venue maps and ticketing options, while his own tour page offers VIP packages that include front-row seating and a limited-edition poster signed by the artist. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to turntablism, these two nights in Guadalajara promise to deliver a high-energy, art-meets-music experience.
As Kid Koala bridges the worlds of animation and live performance, his FICG shows stand out as a highlight of this year’s festival lineup. Audiences should arrive early to immerse themselves in the full audiovisual spectacle—and prepare for a show that redefines what a DJ set can be.
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