After the huge success of French Krautrock punk band, La Femme, Figure8 will now be presenting one of France’s top pop idols, Julien Doré, alongside Electropop band Yelle this May. This is the brand’s second phase in unveiling a new realm of music exploration on this side of the world. Announced earlier this year that it would be bringing in a stellar lineup of the latest and most intriguing artists out of France, Figure8 adds some Electropop and French Pop music, to the mix.
Neon-Streaked and Gleefully Mad with Stylish Dance Pop Goddess, Yelle (12 & 13 May)
“Sunny French electro pop with clean lines and ice cream hooks”
– New York Times
Kicking off May’s performances is French Electropop group Yelle. Leading crooner Julie Budet leads the pack with impeccable style, oozing the vibrant electro spirit reminiscent of trendy early 2000s.
The French synth-pop band including producer Grand Marnier deliver a colourful myriad of keyboard sounds, addictive synth beats punctuation by Budet’s youthful, silky voice. Get ready for a rainbow display of playful, flirtatious and addictive tunes that will leave you thumping on the dancefloor.
Yelle came to prominence when they posted an early version of the song “Je veux te voir” on Myspace in September 2005. The song’s original title refers to Cuizinier of French alternative hip hop band TTC and charted at No. 4 in France. Yelle then began working on recording their debut album, Pop Up, in 2006. Arriving amid a flurry of 80’s inspired pop, with the likes of CSS and New Young Pony Club all revered for their take on brightly colored electro. Yelle’s first album stood out from the crowd with its wry, frothy and unashamedly fun outlook. This infectious appeal not only led to work with Robyn and Katy Perry, but gained them fans in fellow musicians such as M.I.A. and Mika.
Their second song “A Cause Des Garcons” was released by music tastemaker and fashion label Kitsune, and inspired the great Tecktonik dance movement which went viral in Europe and eventually, across the world. Since then, Yelle have produced three highly successful chart-topping albums and have enjoyed a significant following overseas. They toured internationally in support of each of their album releases and remain one of the very rare French acts to have performed three times at Coachella. On tour with their latest sweet and soothing 2016 track “Ici & Maintenant (Here & Now)”, the band embrace their new state of mind of being simply and fully in the moment.
Yelle will be performing for the very first time in Singapore on 12 & 13 May at the Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore (NMS). NMS will also present a free talk and Q&A session on 13 May with the French band on how their brand of French electropop has resonated across cultures. More details to come.
Connect with France’s Biggest Pop Artist, Julien Doré (21 MAY)
Julien Doré is one of France’s biggest pop stars. A recipient of the coveted Victoire de la Musique award for Artist of the Year (2015), he has won fans and critical acclaim for his four-time platinum album, LØVE. Julien rose to fame as the winner of the fifth season of Nouvelle Star (France’s answer to American Idol). Charming audiences with his genuine talent and trusty ukelele, he has never looked back since. The French Idol exudes a relaxed, beach boy vibe and returns recharged, after taking a hiatus from the scene to reconnect with nature. His new album “&” springs from this recent time off, where he crafted a new sound somewhere between electronica and chanson française. Confirming his talent as a songsmith, the album rose to the top of the French iTunes charts on its release in late 2016.
Performing at Kallang Theatre, Julien Doré will mark his debut in Singapore as part of his Asian tour to promote his new album “&”, as part of Voilah! French Festival Singapore.
“Voilah! French Festival Singapore aims to promote French culture. We are proud to welcome Julien Doré in this frame, as a symbol of a new generation of artists who cross the borders and styles to share universal values“ Laurence Lochu, Counsellor for Culture, Science and Education.
