Quebec R&B by duo Rau_Ze, who certainly made a very soulful track, with 80s synths, laidback funkrhythms and that lovely lazy voice of Rose Perron. If it gots to be funky:
Mira Zoff
Thanks to fellow French pop aficionado Steve J, here’s a small feature on Swiss singer Mira Zoff. Steve tipped me her EP, released last year, and the new single (alas not on Bandcamp). Mira has a soothing sweet voice, makes indie(ish) pop with nods to Vanessa Paradis and Feist. I’d say ‘Vampire’ is a step up from the charming EP. Mira’s one to watch.
Ëda Diaz
Something different, but something really beautiful now, this French track by French-Colombian bassist Ëda Diaz. Suave Bruta is her debut-album, with a modern feel (electronics, samples, etc) but nods to the great Afro-Colombian musical tradition too. Check out the catcy Al Pelo, to get a good taste. Really colourful album. The last song is a slow burner in French:
Corine BLF
Belgian singer Corine BLF released this early 00’s sounding, sensual and danceable track:
Joe la Panic
Paola Frankel, actress, singer, is Joe la Panic. She released an album in 2022 that had a slow jam/soul vibe. This new single is more in the realms of the neon-coloured Videoclub retro-80s synth pond. Still soulful, too. I like to see where this going:
Lonny
So, in 2021, we said, hey, there’s this singer called Lonny, she’s from Quebec, oops, no, she’s from France, and she’s an artist to watch. Keep track of Lonny! And then, we didn’t follow our own advice. So now, in 2024, we have to catch up. Lonny released an album (Ex-Voto, on Bandcamp HERE), and an EP, with reworked versions of song on her debut album, live tracks, demo’s. Her sultry, yet powerful voice is something else. There’s classic chanson in her voice, deep Americana and Stereolab’ish experiment. This is my favorite new track:
The guitars, the ethereal vibe of this song, reminded me of this Filles Sourires fave by Lisa Portelli:
Peppermoon
Second single from the upcoming new album by Peppermoon, this time a more upbeat, danceable track:
Barbara Rivage
First feature on this blog for Rennes-based duo Barbara Rivage. They released several singles and EPs, that were interesting. This new track (video might be coming up) stands out. There’s a slight Françoise Hardy influence, synthpop, a cool groove and nice musical details. Might not be the first time BR will be featured here:
Bonnie Banane
This was recommended to me as a track with Les Rita Mitsouko vibes. Say no more (and yes, it’s true)