The French scene is one of the fittest and most respected in Europe. But the home of the legendary Daft Punk, it’s much more than just them and others like David Guetta, DJ Snake, Bob Sinclar and Martin Solveig.
While Paris is undoubtedly the neurological centre geographically, there is a growing number of events in Lyon – home of Nuits Sonores -, Nantes, Bordeaux and Montpellier. Nor is the list of clubs and festivals any less impressive than its neighbouring countries, with REX, N.A.M.E Festival, T7 and The Peacock Society Open Air ranking the highlights.
One of the most essential elements of the Gallic industry is the rise of collectives. Possession, for example, was a major forerunner of the hard techno fever across Europe and brought some of today’s most requested acts into the spotlight. The array of initiatives and names is overwhelming. And the quantity of cheese, of course. But who are the trendsetters? We make it easy for you with our recommendation of 5 artists to watch next season.
LB aka Labat
The man of the hits. The guy who gets you motivated every 3 minutes with his music collection. And best of all, he loves vintage gear. LB aka LABAT is a 360º artist and the smartest decision you will make in a long time is to go see him live with his MPCs and 303 acid bass lines.
LB is a regular to the sound of artists from the other side of the world like Mall Grab or Partiboi69, which gives a charismatic touch to his DJ career as well. He is the creator of tracks like ‘Lambo’ or ‘I WANNA RAVE’, remixed in an outstanding way by KiNK. It’s not techno, it’s not groove, it’s simply LB aka LABAT.
Mac Declos
The advanced pupil of the Mama Loves Ya label and agency, with Anetha as captain. Mac Declos will make you bounce like nobody’s watching. His story can be summed up in three steps: contemporary dance, hip-hop and from there to house by buying a mixer. We already have Mac in the booth.
Eclectic, unpredictable, euphoric but precise. His sound can be described in many ways but always between the body and the mind. Mac Declos is able to get you up to 160 BPM without losing any groove and fuzz. His vision of techno will make you dance more than if you were dancing to a tango.
Oden & Fatzo
The house band with the most hooks at the moment. Three men, one word: fun. Oden & Fatzo can be seen dressed as astronauts while they DJ or in a fort built in the 16th century. You won’t find them in a non-live set.
Their musical spectrum is influenced by a bit of everything: breakbeat, electro, garage, jazz, hip hop. And this variety is reflected in their own labelSaké Rec, where they host the sound of frequent artists like Chesster. Enter the electronic galaxy of Oden & Fatzo!
Miley Serious
Hannah Montana has changed, hasn’t she? Miley Serious is the coolest version of the American blonde you’re going to find, but in a brunette and French edition. She is the founder of 99CTS RECORDS, also a resident of REX and KILLEKILL Berlin and host of Rinse France radio. Literally the complete combo. In her sets you will find dynamism, progression and punk influences.
Lacchesi
It’s power, it’s speed, it’s hard. Lacchesi is anything but cheesy. Get it? The Parisian producer is a hybrid of what’s most in demand from today’s underground with a naughty twist that’s just right. Next time the co-founder of Maison Close Records comes to your city, you’d better buy your ticket fast because he’s sure to sell out.
Is this list too short for you? We also like many others like Bellaire, UFO95 or Mezerg if you want to become an expert on what France has to offer.