Elle Est Partie (pronounced "L.A. Party") is the electronic side project of NOVABLOOD's Mark Zowie and Paolo Di Liberto. Recently signed to New Jersey's Mint 400 Records, the duo's debut album blends emotive, song-driven electronica with tech-inspired bass lines and sun-soaked French house influences. For Zowie, the sound is a return to familiar territory, having been part of the early 2000s French house scene with Lil' Devious, whose tracks "Come Home" and "Magic Star" earned support from influential DJs including Norman Cook, Pete Tong, Danny Rampling, and DJ Sneak. We caught up with the band to talk to them about their upcoming album!
You’ve had an album out already in 2026 as NOVABLOOD, where did the Elle Est Partie come from?
The EEP album was written slightly before and during the Novablood, You’re New To This Aren’t You? album. It was partially types of music that began clearly as a different vibe and production to Novablood. I see them clearly as profoundly different in structure, dynamic and songwriting. But I like to be able to create as much variables in music as I see fit. But NOVABLOOD turned a corner towards a post punk sensibility and the EEP tracks simply ticked a different direction.
What is different about eep in comparison to Novablood?
The overall approach and production is hugely different. Different space and sonics for a start. I’d say the similarities are they’re still song structured. But the production pulls the dynamic to a very different genre/s of music.
What inspired you for the eep album?
All genres really. The writing of the Novablood album also inspired it.
When I’d finish a Novablood track I would free myself in a sense from the ongoing project and gain a form of release by opening the creative taps in other ways. Both projects inspired each other.
Which artists do you consider similar to eep?
I think because of the dub / electronic and breaks elements to some of the tracks I’d find that difficult to say. Tracks like Moonlight were inspired by Basic Channel and Maurizio. There’s some Bonobo, Metronomy, Underworld and French house inspiration in there. So a real pastiche of genres. The overall inspiration was summery poolside gatherings and a visit to Pikes for a DJ set in 2024. The album had to present itself correctly in that kind of environment. Sun drenched and fun with a deeper warmer song based feel.
What kind of inspiration was sought from a lyrical point of view?
I’d say that there’s a real disdain for the celebrity culture. Celebrity not to be confused with fame. Or talent. Influencers whoring themselves to varying degrees. Selling anything for a shot at being noticed. The Hollywood celebrity and reality TV culture gets a slap on the wrists in America from an individual’s point of view. There’s also positive notions in songs too. Looking at music and the positive impact it has on humankind.
How has your dealings been with Mint400 in New Jersey, when you’re based in the North of England UK?
It’s been great. We have regular contact, updates and positivity from the label at every step. Releasing the Novablood album, You’re New To This Aren’t You? was a hugely positive experience and seeing the label work the tracks into radio was great. They make you feel like you’re the only artist ok the label and that’s a real talent due to the increasing roster they release on there.
Will we see you perform live as eep?
At present we’re only making ourselves available to DJ. Attempting eep and novablood I feel would be too time consuming. That said there’s nothing to say we could in the future. We’re planning future Novablood sets at the moment and building the band up to hopefully play later in the year.