Aurgasm

pop français // singer-songwriter

French pianist and composer Albin de la Simone is best known for his collaborations with Jeanne Cherhal, Vanessa Paradis and Keren Ann. Although Un Homme (2013) is his fourth solo album, de la Simone is still relatively anonymous among contemporary French chansonniers. His lyrics are clever and his melodies engaging, but what makes de la Simone stand out is his voice and remarkable subtle string and piano arrangements. “Moi Moi”, featured below, is a delightful duet with the lovely Emiliana Torrini.

Elegant songwriting with a dose of whimsy.
Albin de la Simone & Emiliana Torrini – Moi Moi
Albin de la Simone – Le Fuite
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French soul // German funk

Sensual but tough, French chanteuse Caroline Lacaze’s sings from the heart on her debut ‘En Route’. After moving to Hamburg to write and sing her own music, she hooked up with Germany’s finest in Funk; The Mighty Mocambo’s aka The Mocambo Electric Sound Orchestra. She unifies a French style with mod revival; singing from the coeur about love, passion, anger and sadness. A full pocket of stories with lo-fi production that comes off as an honest homage to the seventies. Brash and bright, play this out loud to boost your day.

Gritty romance in Nouvelle Chanson
Caroline Lacaze – L’Etrange
Caroline Lacaze – Toujours Lui
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french vocal // soft soul

Quebec native Amylie first caught our attention (and stole our hearts) with her debut album Jusqu’aux Oreilles back in 2008. Four years later, Amylie is back with a new album, Le Royaume (2012), and its first single “Les Filles“. Le Royaume is a colourful mix of retro pop and soul, soulful vocal harmonies and truly refreshing melodies. The new album ranges from delicate to playful uptempo melodies with ocasional electro touches, bringing to mind Feist, Jessica Fichot and the Parisian avant-pop of Camille. As of now, I’m certain Amylie’s Le Royaume will end up among my most listened albums of the summer.

Strong, irresistible melodies.
Amylie – Les Filles
Amylie – Tais Ta Tête
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french acoustic // soul

Zaz’s (Isabelle Geoffroy) music reminds me of Caro Emerald’s. Her voice however, is completely different and quite unlike the mellow sultry voice of Caro – and the songs demand that. Her music evokes vintage nostalgia, with passion and zest. “Je Veux” and “Ni Oui Ni Non” express this perfectly.

Post contributed by Divya Manian. Thx to Pixlux for a simultaneous recc. :)
Passionate, romantic, peppy.
Zaz – Je Veux
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folk // soul // french vocal

French-Senegalese chanteuse Madjo first captured my attention with “Le Monstre” back in 2009 making her debut album Trapdoor (2010) among my most anticipated albums of the year. While there is very little information about Madjo available to English speakers, she’s the new chanteuse on the rise among French music lovers. Madjo’s repertoire varies from vintage pop influences to Southern folk-blues and tender ballads, somewhat recalling Feist, Yael Naim and Okou with the subtle avant-garde touch of Camille. Une chanteuse extraordinnaire!

From acoustic simplicity to multi-layered beauty.
Madjo – Le Monstre
Madjo – Cracheur De Feu
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