jackhammer

France does have some awesome Electronic music with Air and Daft Punk obviously well known but Birdy Nam Nam, Le Peuple De L'Herbe, Cassius, Dub Incorporation and MC Solaar are well worth a listen, not to mention two of the best Metal bands to have come out of mainland Europe in the last 10 years, namely Gojira and Hacride.

Their Horror Cinema is not be sniffed at either.

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Zaqarbal

My superficial impression has always been that the predominant styles in the most popular French music are almost always related to electronica in some way. Anyway, I only have listened to a 0.1 % of the music.

Regarding pop or rock, my limited memories are usually of bands such as Indochine:



I mean it seems the synthesiser is always present, in a way. But apart from the few groups already mentioned, I'd like to know some French bands with a more rocky sound. Maybe it's because my main references are the Argentine and Spanish rock and pop-rock, where the guitar has always been the "king" of the instruments, but I miss the guitar's sound.

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glastonelle

Phoenix and Feist are great - but they both sing mostly in English

ikvat

Thx for your introduction to Dub Incorporation, i never heard of them before

You're right Zaqarbal, synthesizer is become a major instrument in the french music since the 70's. But there are some more conventional bands, i.e. Noir Désir or Eths that could satisfy your preference.
Feist seems to be a Canadian band from Vancouver. But yes, many french band sing in english nowdays.
Phoenix
Pony pony run run
Syd matters
M83
Tahiti 80
Hey hey my my
Hushpuppies
Stuck in the sound
...

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ikvat

Kells

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ikvat

Kyo

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ikvat

Benjamin Biolay is actually The man of the french traditional pop stage. The single evocation of his name can provoke strange hormonal phenomenons in french women. Many consider that he could be the new Gainsbourg.

(Because of EMI restriction, i can't post more)

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ikvat

Even if he is less under the spotlight today, Etienne Daho stays one of the most important singer-songwriter of the french pop stage of that last 30 years. I'm sure that If he was born English or American, he probably will have been becoming a superstar. I post some songs i love for you. Some other good Daho songs are not available because of EMI restriction.

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Zaqarbal

I've found Plastiscines right now. Rockin' ladies:

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Goblin Tears

France is one of the largest music markets, with a lot on offer. Mylène Farmer is a must! Rich, dark romanticism, and some of the most expensive (and amazing!) music videos ever produced worldwide! If you understand French, you'll love her lyrics, though the melodies themselves are evocative enough for you to get suckered in.

Another one to watch out for is Benjamin Biolay, a talented singer songwriter with an international flair. Vanessa Paradis, better know as Johnny Depp's beloved wife in anglo speaking territories, will also give you a run for your money.