Since Daft Punk’s Homework created an international buzz in 1998 about France’s distinctive electronic music style – what has since come to be known as the French Touch – France has earned international respect for its electronic music productions.
In Lyon, BFDM’s gonzo rave revivalism is captivating audiences worldwide; in Rennes, Brittany Laurente Exposito’s synth throwbacks reach listeners globally.
1. Tellier
Sebastien Tellier, a French musician renowned for his eccentric blend of synthpop, disco and classical, has earned wide renown for his unique music combining elements of synthpop, disco and classical. Known for his romantic dandy persona and emotionally moving yet hypnotic songs evoking sexuality and romance. Tellier has been performing since 1999 at festivals and concerts worldwide with seven albums released since 2000; Domesticated was his latest release in 2020 which draws from his family life after marrying and giving birth – featuring ballads orchestral tracks as well as experimental electronica pieces on it’s tracks.
As his peers were electrifying dance floors with electric current and embellishing their public personae with cartoonish, seductive personae, Tellier was quietly amassing an impressive musical legacy as distinctive as his persona. An exceptional singer and composer with the ability to conjure moods that range from melancholic melancholy to sensually romantic; Tellier became something like an up-to-the-minute Serge Gainsbourg in this regard.
His ambitious cinematic goals and meticulous compositional skills have attracted high-caliber collaborators such as Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen for 2004’s Politics; Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo for 2008’s Sexuality; and British producer Jam City on 2020’s Domesticated. Yet he remains an auteur unafraid to take risks or explore new territory.
Example: On “Kilometre,” he marries West Coast pop sensibilities with vintage electronica on an ode to bedroom switch-hitting that sounds like something missing from The Beach Boys’ 20/20 album. An erotic bassline and cry of ecstatic foreplay are enveloped by yearning synth arpeggios to evoke crisp synthetic sensuality.
Domesticated finds Tellier working alongside many of the same musicians who helped him craft La Ritournelle, including Rob from Phoenix as drummer, Emmanuel d’Orlando on string arrangements and Philippe Zdar (known for working with Cat Power and The Beastie Boys). But this doesn’t signal a return to an era gone by; rather it serves as evidence of his ability to craft elegant yet resonant electronic music with elements from classic synthesizer score composition.
2. Darius
Radiodiffusion Francaise (RDF) broadcast composer Pierre Schaeffer’s Etude aux chemins de fer on 5 October 1948 on Radiodiffusion Francaise’s (RDF). This first “movement” of his Cinq Etudes de bruits marked the dawn of studio realizations and musique concrete (or acousmatic art). Schaeffer employed disc-cutting lathe, four turntables, four channel mixer, filters, an echo chamber, mobile recording unit to craft his masterpiece that would influence future electronic music over decades.
Saint-Etienne, home to funk band Pilotwings and their psychedelic label Macadam Mambo, continues to produce innovative sounds today. For instance, Eiger Drums Propaganda incorporates virtually every unwanted sample pack that’s come across their desk from pan flutes to didgeridoos into their tribal industrial hybrids for an unforgettable tribal sound experience.
Oden & Fatzo from Paris create intricate grooves that fuse vibrant ambiances into intricate rhythms. Their blend of breakbeat electro, UK garage, and funky techno music will get dancers moving; they are signed to Sake Rec imprint which promotes emerging producers; while their live shows showcase pulsating rhythms that are truly unforgettable.
Deborah Aime La Bagarre, another French electronic music artist to keep an eye on, creates dark yet joyful renditions of Chicago and Detroit club music. Drawing upon her experiences navigating music, dance, fashion, and style to craft tracks that are both joyful yet strangely haunting; additionally collaborating with artists like FEM (famous dancehall legend) who specialize in funky electronica/hip-hop.
At an increasingly grassroots level, there’s an emerging movement to unite diverse scenes and styles. Producer Hallais of Editions Gravats label and creative collective The Factory of the Future describes his mission by saying he wants to show people they share more in common than they realize; already this goal has been accomplished through working with rising rappers King Doudou and Lala & Ce; while his latest record will showcase even greater diversity than before.
3. French Kiwi Juice
Vincent Fenton, better known by his stage name FKJ, is one of France’s newest and most talented artists. He first gained widespread renown via YouTube with live looping performances in exotic locales; but it is his fusion of jazz and neo-soul that has drawn international acclaim as well as amassed him an ever-expanding fan base.
FKJ’s 2017 self-titled debut is an outstanding example of French electronic music at its most sophisticated. Don’t expect any of the usual house monotony; rather, from electric keys at the start to sensual saxophone notes in its latter stages, this album will take you on an emotional musical journey that’ll help you tap into your own emotions and thoughts.
Funkiness meets emotional poignancy on this album that’s difficult to describe with words alone. Each track acts like an emotive snapshot from FKJ’s life that captures certain moments and reflect upon them from his personal viewpoint, creating a deeply personal yet deeply moving experience through art.
FKJ’s set at the Hammersmith Apollo was filled with tropical flair from start to finish. He showcased his mastery of live performance by effortlessly performing tracks from his record; fans went wild for tracks like Vibin’ Out, Ylang Ylang and Tadow (saved for an exciting encore performance) but they equally loved more subdued and reflective tunes.
FKJ’s Ylang Ylang EP marks an exciting departure from his earlier music in that it focuses less on four-to-the-floor beats and more on an organic soundscape. This album represents FKJ’s coming-of-age and may mark his own path within modern dance music; anyone interested in French electronic music must listen carefully; its mature debut will surely appeal beyond just French dance scenes.
4. FEM
When we think of famous French electronic musicians, Daft Punk and Phoenix may come to mind; but it’s important to remember that there have been many French female artists that have made significant contributions to the genre as well. Their work has had an incredible influence on shaping electronic music today.
Notable French female electronic music composers include Pauline Oliveros and Eliane Radigue, often overlooked due to a history of electronic music that emphasizes men. Yet their contributions deserve recognition for creating immersive universes of sound that are captivating and captivating.
Oliveros was an early pioneer of minimalism and experimental music. She studied under music pioneers Edgard Varese and Pierre Schaeffer before developing her own signature sound by blending drones, acoustic instruments and electronic synthesizers into mesmerizing sounds that created distinctive and mesmerizing pieces. Additionally, Oliveros initiated the Deep Listening project: an experimental music series which explores how environment impacts music composition.
Christine and the Queens is another French female artist making waves in electronic music, drawing widespread praise among young listeners with her bittersweet songs that connect with young listeners. Lyrically she blends French and English words, touching upon topics relevant to young adults – an excellent example of how French female artists can effectively appeal to their target audiences with various genres and styles of music.
These French female artists showcase the diversity of electronic music styles. Their distinct musical backgrounds and thought-provoking lyrics have contributed to contemporary global trends; whether you prefer calm songs or upbeat beats, these French electronic musicians have something for everyone; so be sure to visit them when looking for new musical experiences!