Tickle Torture

Tickle Torture is the sex-pop soundtrack for a new generation of freaks. His first EP, Spiritual Machete (2012), felt like catching Justin Timberlake and Prince making out in a dumpster full of broken synthesizers. Equal parts electro-funk and sleaze, “Spectrophilia” has further expanded this sound, incorporating the influences of trashy disco, post-Yeezus experimental hip-hop production sensibilities, and 80’s synth drenched R&B classics to create a one-of-a-kind maximalist assault.

Feeding on the sweaty energy left from the funk dynasty of his home base in Minneapolis, one man producer, composer, engineer Elliott Kozel created these tracks over the course of the past year. This do-everything-yourself aesthetic expands into every aspect of the project, from creating his own masks and costumes, to styling and producing many of his own music videos. His sexual, chaotic live shows are half-party, half-performance art, and include a full live band, a team of backup dancers, an arsenal of confetti cannons, strobe lights and video projections.

In the local scene, Tickle Torture has expanded into production work for some of Minneapolis’ finest talents, including Caroline Smith (with whom he co-wrote the nasty”Fuck Me With The Lights On”) as well as the international rising star Lizzo. Album track “Ready for Love” features local R&B luminary Ashley Dubose, who recently reached a national audience via NBC’s The Voice, melding his experimental electronics and her Neo-Soul leanings into a slinky yet aggressive club banger. With this 5 song EP and 4 music videos set to launch this fall, Tickle Torture is poised to deliver his raw, sexual vision of the future of dance music.

Past Shows


Nov
25
th
2016
Mainroom
Nov
25
th
2016
Mainroom

Har Mar Superstar

with Tickle Torture and GGOOLLDD
Jul
9
th
2016
Mainroom
Jul
9
th
2016
Mainroom

NICK BLOOD presents A Tribute to the Musical Life of Nick Patrick Thompson

with Marijuana Deathsquads, Sean Na Na, P.O.S and more!
Jun
17
th
2016
Mainroom
Jun
17
th
2016
Mainroom

Tickle Torture and TIIIIIIIIIIP

with Solid Gold and Psymun
Dec
31
st
2015
Fine Line
Dec
31
st
2015
Fine Line

Tickle Torture

with Eric Mayson, Perfume Monster, SUZIE and more!
Mar
14
th
2015
Mainroom + Record Room
Mar
14
th
2015
Mainroom + Record Room

Get Cryphy

with Plain Ole Bill, Jimmy 2 Times, DJ LAST WORD and more!
Dec
31
st
2014
7th St Entry
Dec
31
st
2014
7th St Entry
Dec
4
th
2014
Mainroom
Dec
4
th
2014
Mainroom

I AM MPLS!

with DJ BARB ABNEY, Greg Coleman, Jeff Pfoser and more!
Sep
6
th
2014
7th St Entry
Sep
6
th
2014
7th St Entry

Tickle Torture

with Pony Bwoy and c.Kostra
Aug
8
th
2014
Mainroom
Aug
8
th
2014
Mainroom
Jun
28
th
2014
7th St Entry
Jun
28
th
2014
7th St Entry

Painted Palms and Geographer

with Tickle Torture
Dec
12
th
2013
7th St Entry
Dec
12
th
2013
7th St Entry

Sean Nicholas Savage

with Tickle Torture
Oct
31
st
2013
Turf Club
Oct
31
st
2013
Turf Club

Solid Gold

HALLOWEEN WITH
with Grime Dogg, Allan Kingdom, Tickle Torture and more!
Aug
23
rd
2013
Triple Rock Social Club
Aug
23
rd
2013
Triple Rock Social Club

Night Moves

with Tickle Torture and UMAMI
Mar
28
th
2013
7th St Entry
Mar
28
th
2013
7th St Entry

Shout Out Out Out Out

SHOUT OUT OUT OUT OUT
with HELOISE & THE SAVOIR FAIRE and Tickle Torture
Jul
17
th
2012
7th St Entry
Jul
17
th
2012
7th St Entry

Ava Luna

with Buffalo Moon and Tickle Torture
Jan
6
th
2012
7th St Entry
Jan
6
th
2012
7th St Entry

Buffalo Moon

with Elite Gymnastics, Night Moves and Tickle Torture

More Shows

Jun
7
th
First Avenue

Panchiko

with Alison’s Halo
Apr
29
th
7th St Entry

Matthew And The Atlas

Apr
28
th
Fine Line

Ben Kweller

Apr
18
th
Fine Line

Tropidelic and Ballyhoo!

with Joey Harkum