French is the fifth most spoken language in the world. It is used across swathes of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Thus, Francophone music encompasses a myriad of genres. Today, we will explore only pop and rock. Moreover, all the artists I am showcasing are from either France or Belgium. Nevertheless, I hope this article inspires you to discover the breadth of Francophone music, and to support these new artists on their journeys.
Turquoise – ‘Le Bruit’ (The Noise)
‘Le Bruit’ is the latest single from Belgian powerhouse, Turquoise. Its message is deeply personal. Harsh drums and screeches of feedback reflect what Turquoise calls, “the loud inner noises we don’t always want to hear.” An unforgettable riff enlivens the choruses, whilst listless basslines propel the track forward. The second verse sees this bassline mutate into harsh hammering. Meanwhile, the singer’s deep vocals become even less melodic. A wordless bridge reveals the dexterity of the singer’s voice. Turquoise graced the stage of this year’s Francofolies Festival in Spa, Belgium – an indication of how far the band have come.
Flora Junie – 'Fleur' (Flower)
A veteran of the all-girl rock’n’roll scene, Flora Junie has now embarked upon a solo career. With Fred Lefranc as her producer, Junie’s style has veered towards the experimental. Her latest single, ‘Fleur’, is raw and passionate. Its opening evokes impending doom. The rough, veiled timbre of her voice and unusual phrasing are the hallmarks of her style. Interestingly, Junie accentuates consonants, not vowels. Forceful piano and defeating drums render the choruses more impactful. Junie moves in surprising directions, introducing chromatically ascending chords and subtle backing vocals for a big finish.
Fine Lame – ‘Fantasie Ferroviaire’ (Railway Fantasy)
Another band melding genres is Fine Lame (Fine Blade). In ‘Fantasie Ferroviaire’, they fuse jazz and rock to produce an insane seven-minute ode to the hectic nature of modern life. “Planes don’t let you travel, even the endless rails don’t let you travel,” their frontman moans, commenting on the superficiality of it all. Thundering bass and detuned vocals produce a disturbing atmosphere. Meanwhile, strident drums add momentum. The song’s drama arises from its frantic keyboard solo and rapid drum fills. Our only respite is its stripped-back middle section, which provides a satisfying contrast.
Mackenzie Leighton – ‘James’
Mackenzie Leighton’s ‘James’ oozes groove. However, her serene style is far removed from the content of her lyrics. An expatriate from the US living in France, Leighton tackles the US political situation in this new single. Her lyrics are structured as a letter to American author, James Baldwin – a champion of the civil rights and gay liberation movements. Yet, despite Leighton’s abstract lyrics, her opinions are clear when she sings, "James, James, not much here has changed, the house is still the same, run by the same men." So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Leighton’s delicate saxophone fills and vocal harmonies, but make sure to take note of her message.
John Roman – ‘Bad Omen’
Anticipation is established from the opening note of ‘Bad Omen’ thanks to John Roman’s low, reverberating vocals. Catchy melodic rhythms and jumps in octave produce an instant ear worm. The Belgian artist’s infectious beat and dark piano offer continuity, whilst soulful backing vocals maintain interest. A switch to electric guitars halfway through the song demonstrates the breadth of Roman’s talent; Roman is a multi-instrumentalist proficient in piano, guitar, and flute. Yet, Roman is incredibly new to the industry, this track marking his first venture into the studio.
All these singles are currently available on streaming services.