French music encompasses an abundance of influences. These range from medieval chants and the bawdy folk songs sung by troubadours to modern pop singers who sing about social issues such as racism and gender stereotyping.
Stromae, a Parisian rapper who writes about her experiences as an immigrant. She advocates for diversity and the environment.
Nouveau Chanson Francaise
The chanson, an 18th-century French musical genre characterized by solo singers, allowed audiences to discuss taboo subjects at that time, including prostitutes, sailors and cheap love. When Edith Piaf sang about nightclubs and grieving mothers – that was revolutionary!
By the 1950s, cabarets increasingly preferred performers who could accompany themselves. This gave rise to French singer-songwriters or “auteur-compositeur-interpretes” (ACIs), including Charles Aznavour and Jacques Dutronc who became widely-renowned performers of this type.
French artists of a new generation are rejuvenating traditional styles by drawing inspiration from modern musical genres like pop and rock music. The result is Nouveau Chanson, a genre created by Stromae and Emilie Simon who are part of it (Benjamin Biolay studied music at National Conservatoire Lyon while Ana Silvera has performed with both English National Opera and Royal Opera House). Additionally, Latin and African musical influences are being integrated into this movement as well.
Shy’m
Shy’m has an eclectic musical background. Her mother is a dancer while her father hails from Martinique; therefore she was exposed to Soul, Blues and Zouk / Antillean music during her upbringing. Although initially she began as a dancer she soon discovered singing was her true calling in life.
As soon as she began recording demos and shopping them around to various record labels, she met Canadian rapper K-maro who agreed to sign her to his label and release her debut album Mes fantaisies in 2006. It features hit singles such as Femme de couleur, Victoriees Parties et Oublie Moi which all became Platinum hits.
Her style can be described as R’n’B mixed with Pop and electronic sounds, with her songs covering love, feminism, self-confidence and confidence issues. Additionally, she is renowned for being an incredible actress; having played the lead role on French TV series Profilage.
Jazz Manouche
Gypsy jazz or manouche jazz was made popular by Romani guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli of France. Their group, known as Quintette du Hot Club de France, remains one of the most influential ensembles in jazz history.
This style features melodic improvisation by guitar or violin with an accompaniment that often doesn’t include drum kits; rhythm guitars play “la pompe” picking techniques to provide rhythmical beats; this, combined with strongly syncopated bass lines makes a drummer unnecessary.
This innovative picking technique requires practice for guitarists who are used to using chords and arpeggios with their left hand. Additionally, this unique style incorporates rest strokes wherein a pick rests (or “rests”) briefly on each string before being played again, creating a distinctive sound and producing complex yet melodic harmonies with elements drawn from classical, rock, and Greek music influences.
Pomme
Pomme is an elegant and modern venue perfect for weddings, mitzvahs and private dinners of all kinds. It can accommodate up to 200 guests for seated receptions with dancing or 350 for cocktail parties; making Pomme an excellent option for corporate events as well.
French singer/songwriter Pomme has won hearts around the world with her angelic vocals and emotive songs for years now, captivating audiences worldwide with her celestial music. At only 26, she’s already won two Victoires de la Musique awards as well as amassing millions of Spotify streams – as well as building up an avid following.
Pomme started off as an insecure egg, but has grown and flourished under her caretakers’ tutelage. She enjoys building with Baghera and Antoine; learning engineering with Aypierre; exploring dungeons with Etoiles; painting; playing flute all day long! Pomme is truly an inspiration to everyone she encounters!