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In his latest survey of the French music scene, David McKenna takes stock of a tumultuous few months in French politics, picks some recent cultural highlights and reviews culture-straddling music from Marseille as well as new folk, occult rock and an adventurous gamelan ensemble
In his latest survey of the French music scene, David McKenna takes stock of a tumultuous few months in French politics, picks some recent cultural highlights and reviews culture-straddling music from Marseille as well as new folk, occult rock and an adventurous gamelan ensemble
In his latest survey of French releases, David McKenna looks at one of the first great rap releases of the year from Lala &ce, tackles imposing composers and dives into a delightful debut from Franco-Moroccan Hanaa Ouassim. Homepage photo: Hanaa Ouassim by Clara Casero
In his latest survey of French releases, David McKenna looks at one of the first great rap releases of the year from Lala &ce, tackles imposing composers and dives into a delightful debut from Franco-Moroccan Hanaa Ouassim. Homepage photo: Hanaa Ouassim by Clara Casero
A collaboration between psychedelic French band PoiL and Japanese traditional musician Junko Ueda, inspired by a 12th century sea battle and its aftermath, resulted in not one, but two of the best albums of last year. Ahead of a performance at Tremor Festival next month, they speak to David McKenna
A collaboration between psychedelic French band PoiL and Japanese traditional musician Junko Ueda, inspired by a 12th century sea battle and its aftermath, resulted in not one, but two of the best albums of last year. Ahead of a performance at Tremor Festival next month, they speak to David McKenna
In his latest dispatch from the French fringes, David McKenna looks at Irish and British labels providing great homes for Gallic experimentalists, cosmopolitan pop, abstract rap and the latest avant-folk releases. Homepage photo: Audrey Carmes by Julia Henderson
In his latest dispatch from the French fringes, David McKenna looks at Irish and British labels providing great homes for Gallic experimentalists, cosmopolitan pop, abstract rap and the latest avant-folk releases. Homepage photo: Audrey Carmes by Julia Henderson
In his latest survey of the French fringes, David McKenna celebrates polyvalent drummer and composer Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy, a thrilling Franco-Japanese collaboration, a fusion of folk and reggaeton and French-Algerian R&B. Homepage photo, PoiL Ueda by Paul Bourdrel
In his latest survey of the French fringes, David McKenna celebrates polyvalent drummer and composer Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy, a thrilling Franco-Japanese collaboration, a fusion of folk and reggaeton and French-Algerian R&B. Homepage photo, PoiL Ueda by Paul Bourdrel
Surveying more music from the French fringes, David McKenna looks forward to two shows at Cafe OTO this month and delivers your essential guide to an array of new rap, folk and experimental releases. Homepage photo, Erwan Keravec by Atelier Marge Design
Surveying more music from the French fringes, David McKenna looks forward to two shows at Cafe OTO this month and delivers your essential guide to an array of new rap, folk and experimental releases. Homepage photo, Erwan Keravec by Atelier Marge Design
What happens when France's burgeoning rap scene ingests the energy of UK garage and 2-step? Bangers, that's what. Our French music specialist David McKenna guides you through five of the best in our latest Organic Intelligence subscriber exclusive
What happens when France's burgeoning rap scene ingests the energy of UK garage and 2-step? Bangers, that's what. Our French music specialist David McKenna guides you through five of the best in our latest Organic Intelligence subscriber exclusive
In the final look at the French scene in 2021, David McKenna reviews releases from L’Ocelle Mare, Aquaserge and the new star of French drill Ziak, and rounds up a few overlooked gems. Home page photograph: Soporific
In the final look at the French scene in 2021, David McKenna reviews releases from L’Ocelle Mare, Aquaserge and the new star of French drill Ziak, and rounds up a few overlooked gems. Home page photograph: Soporific
In his latest look at French releases, David McKenna surveys the effervescent rap scene and reviews a terror-stricken but cathartic album by Rien Virgule, Stranded Horse’s kora-laced folk and a couple of tasty tapes. Home page photo: Ateyaba
In his latest look at French releases, David McKenna surveys the effervescent rap scene and reviews a terror-stricken but cathartic album by Rien Virgule, Stranded Horse’s kora-laced folk and a couple of tasty tapes. Home page photo: Ateyaba
In his latest French music column, David McKenna gets reacquainted with nouvelle nouvelle chanson singer Mathieu Boogaerts, visits producer NSDOS’s Micro Club and finds energy in the young French jazz scene to rival that in the UK. Home page photograph: Edredon Sensible
In his latest French music column, David McKenna gets reacquainted with nouvelle nouvelle chanson singer Mathieu Boogaerts, visits producer NSDOS’s Micro Club and finds energy in the young French jazz scene to rival that in the UK. Home page photograph: Edredon Sensible
David McKenna rounds up the cream of the latest electronic, jazz and indie rock releases from France, taking in Maghrebi sounds from Lyon, farty drum machines and oceanic musique concrete. Homepage image of TripleGo
David McKenna rounds up the cream of the latest electronic, jazz and indie rock releases from France, taking in Maghrebi sounds from Lyon, farty drum machines and oceanic musique concrete. Homepage image of TripleGo
Lucio Battisti was a huge star at home in Italy but he tended to be regarded as a teenybopper abroad (despite once being David Bowie's favourite singer). It is time this view is questioned, says David McKenna, so we can start celebrating him as the godfather of Italian spiritual cosmic fusion
Lucio Battisti was a huge star at home in Italy but he tended to be regarded as a teenybopper abroad (despite once being David Bowie's favourite singer). It is time this view is questioned, says David McKenna, so we can start celebrating him as the godfather of Italian spiritual cosmic fusion
David McKenna flags up some French compilations released in response to the Covid-19 crisis and reviews new music from Felicia Atkinson, Franco-Senegalese rapper Zuukou Mayzie and the final album from Black Devil Disco Club
David McKenna flags up some French compilations released in response to the Covid-19 crisis and reviews new music from Felicia Atkinson, Franco-Senegalese rapper Zuukou Mayzie and the final album from Black Devil Disco Club