I have a confession to make… I hate French music. After spending two years working at a popular French restaurant in Toronto, the sounds of Serge Gainsbourg, Edith Piaf, and other classic French chanteurs still drive me a bit crazy. I guess that’s what happens when you’re forced to listen to the same playlist on repeat for eight hours per day.
Since moving to Paris, I’ve given Francophone music another chance, but this time through a more modern lens. Inspired by some of my favorite anglophone artists, here are a few French/Francophone music artists to check out now:
If you like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Lorde, check out Angèle
If you know anything about modern French music, you’ve probably already heard of the Queen of French Pop, Angèle. And for those who may not be in the know, if you tuned into the Olympic Closing Ceremonies you will have caught Angèle’s appearance with the French electro-pop legend Kavinsky in ‘Nightcall’, which became the song Shazamed the most times in one day on the music recognition app.
Angèle rose to fame in 2018 after her single ‘Tout Oublier’ broke the record for weeks at the top of the Belgian singles charts, formerly set by fellow Belgian singer and rapper Stromae. She broke onto the international pop scene with her collaboration with English singer Dua Lipa on the single ‘Fever‘. Angèle’s single ‘Balance ton quoi’, gained notoriety for its committed, funny and incisive lyrics which put ordinary contemporary cultural sexism on trial. It also happens to be a near-perfect, infectious pop tune.
If you like Mac Miller, Kid Cudi, and Childish Gambino, check out Roméo Elvis
Keeping it in the family, rapper and hip-hop artist Roméo Elvis is actually Angèle’s older brother. They’ve collaborated on songs like Tout Oublier and my personal favorite J’ai vu, alongside his producer, Le Motel. His music has evolved quite a bit over the years, so I recommend checking out his debut album, Chocolat.
If you like Kehlani, H.E.R., and Jhené Aiko, check out Yseult
Another familiar face to those who caught the Olympics Closing Ceremony is Yseult. She first rose to prominence as runner-up on the tenth season of Nouvelle Star (France’s American Idol). Yseult released her first self-titled album in 2015, but it wasn’t met with commercial success.
She left her music label and returned in 2019 with her own independent label and a more raw and personal style of music, a stark contrast to her earlier days of electro-pop. Since then, her music has been widely recognized and praised. Her song Corps was nominated in the Original Song category at the French music awards Victoires de la musique. While Yseult didn’t win in that category, she was named Révélation feminine, or Best Female Newcomer.
If you like SZA, J. Cole, and Frank Ocean, check out Swing
Okay okay, one last Belgian artist. Swing is inspired by hip-hop and soul, and especially artists who rap and sing at the same time. The catchy beats and refrains will catch your ear at first, but be sure to listen closely to meaningful lyrics in songs like S’en aller, Pas besoin de raison, and Homosapiens with his group L’Or du Commun, joined by fellow Belgian rappers Primero and Loxley.
If you like Marina, HAIM, and Robyn, check out Christine and the Queens
In 2016, Christine and the Queens was at the top of Vanity Fair’s list of the most powerful and influential French people, ranked ahead of the president of France! They have said that they don’t want to choose between English and French music, so they typically release singles in both languages. Their indie pop often takes a second listen to fully understand the lyrics, especially in songs like People I’ve Been Sad where they switch back and forth from English to French.
If you like The Strokes, and Arcade Fire Check Out Phoenix
Perhaps the highlight from the Olympic Closing Ceremony was the electric performance of their hit ‘Lisztomania’ from the French band Phoenix, with the athletes joyfully ascending onto the stage to surround them while the arena sang the familiar chorus, finally turning the event into the party everyone was waiting for.
Originally hailing from Versailles, the indie band has released seven studio albums, have won a Grammy and appeared at major festivals like Austin City Limits and Coachella. Frontman Thomas Mars is married to director Sophia Coppola. Phoenix’s music has played no small part in helping to create the lonely and emotionally rich world of her films, with their first collaboration dating back to her haunting debut The Virgin Suicides.
If you Like Fela Kuti and Shakira, check out Aya nakamura
The French-Malian superstar is the most popular singer in France by a mile. She has 25 top 10 songs and 20 million+ social media followers. Nakamura set the opening ceremony alight with her medley of hit songs which meld French slang, the West African dialect of Nouchi and playful turns of phrase which are at times non-sensical but catchy, plus her take on Charles Aznavour. Backed by the Republican Guard against a backdrop of the Académie Française (the guardians of the French language) her appearance was a potent symbol of modern France.
Written by Jessica Johnston for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person (when possible)? Check out new marketplace shop and experiences.
WRITTEN BY
Jessica Johnston
Jessica is from Toronto, Canada, where she studied communication and public relations at Ryerson University, and worked in internal communications. She moved in Paris in the summer of 2020 after quitting her corporate job in the pursuit of the Parisian lifestyle. She loves trying new things, discovering new cultures, and connecting with people. In her free time, you can find her trying new restaurants, browsing the skincare section in pharmacies, and spending time in parks across Paris.
