Up-and-Coming French Artists That Are Magnifique

By Cassidy Segovia
Music Journalist

A few months ago, I started studying French with hopes of becoming fluent in the language. After weeks of using language learning videos and websites, I began to grow tired of the repetitive sentences and accent phrases. Instead of relying solely on those sources, I decided to turn to music to help me learn French and maybe even help me find some amazing artists. I discovered some of the most funky and addicting songs while deep-diving into France & Canada’s French-speaking artists, leaving me with no choice but to add them to my playlists. Based on my discoveries, I listed a few of the French bands and artists that stole my attention and are worth listening to.

L’Imperatrice

L’Imperatrice is a six-piece pop group that originates from Paris, France. After releasing their first full length album, Matahari, in both French and English, listeners around the world overcame language barriers and found themselves infatuated with not only the text, but the music itself. L’Imperatrice combines R&B/Funk with Indie-Pop to create songs that make listeners want to spend a night out on the town. The band released a new album, Tako Tsubo, in March of this past year, with catchy songs such as “Peur des filles” and “Voodoo?” I highly recommend this album to anyone who would like to hear what France’s innovative pop scene has to offer.

Hubert Lenoir

Hubert Lenoir is a bilingual pop artist from Québec City, Québec, Canada. Although he is notoriously known in Canada for past controversial stunts pulled at the 2018 ADISQ Gala, Lenoir is still loved for his quirky and eccentric sense of style. He recently came out with a single titled “SECRET” that followed up his full-length 2018 album, Darlène. American artists that have similar music include Gus Dapperton, Mac Demarco and Foxygen; so if you find yourself searching for artists that sound similar to those listed, check out Hubert Lenoir’s discography!

Mcbaise

Mcbaise (also known as Mcbase and Mcbess) is a bilingual French artist that specializes in funk/synth-pop. His music consists of groovy guitar riffs as well as psychedelic synths that makes listeners feel as if they are in a trance-like state. His third full-length album, Tubes, released hits such as “Cobra” that received comparisons to the sound of great bands such as Men I Trust and Home. Mcbaise is not an artist to ignore, and he especially is not one that disappoints.

Les Louanges

Les Louanges is the Canadian solo project of Vincent Roberge. Roberge received notable recognition for his first album, La nuit est une panthère, due to his use of jazz influences along with his signature pop sound. He also has two incredible EP’s and just released a single called “Pigeons” this past April. Les Louanges is set to release another album sometime in the future and I cannot wait to listen to what Roberge has in store for his listeners.

Nicolet

Nicolet is the Canadian solo project of Etienne Hamel. Hamel’s music is a mix between indie rock and pop, but takes a softer approach to his technique. In his first single off of his 2021 album, “Dans l’étang filtrait la lumière,” Hamel displays impressive vocals filled with compelling emotion. Not only does he bring the intensity in every one of his songs, but he does so in a way that leaves listeners wanting more.

All of these bands and artists are continuing to make new music, so hopefully we will see more releases from each of them in the future! Whether or not you are fluent in French, these artists will have you humming and dancing along to their captivating and funky melodies. Check out these artists and let us know what you think… amusez-vous à écouter! ([translated] have fun listening!)

Featured Image by L’Imperatrice