When I think of France, I immediately think of divine pastries and fashion. Of course I would, they happen to be culinary geniuses and host to one of the most illustrious fashion events in the world (two important things I follow very closely). However, their music scene has grown immensely gaining global attention with acts like Air, Daft Punk and most recently with David Guetta, Justice and Phoenix. One of my favorite bands or musical artist at the moment is french band M83 who’s double album I can’t stop listening to. So, I thought I might gather for you some of my favorite french musical acts. Give them a listen and tell me what you think in the comments section.

M83.
An electropop musical act from Antibes, France and one of my favorites at the moment. The act was originally established as a duo in 2001 but split up after touring to promote their second album Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts. The act is now lead only by musician Anthony Gonzalez. I love their mix of different tempos and soft vocals.  Their Saturdays = Youth album gave them hits like “Kim and Jessie” and the beautiful “We Own The Sky“, but they are mostly known for their hit “Midnight City” from their most recent album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. Some of my favorites from this album (although it’s hard to pick just a few) include  ”Claudia Lewis“, “Raconte-Moi Une Histoire“ and “Steve McQueen”.

Yelle
French electropop band Yelle is so eclectic and fun. Julie Budets’ sarcastic and playful personality add to the allure of this band. Their mix of rock, rap, techno, pop and 80′s influences create a sound that’s unique and contagious. Some of my favorite tracks off the last album Safari Disco Club include: “Que Veux-tu“, “J’ai Bu” and “Mon Pays“. I recently discovered that Yelle was featured in a Fatal Bazooka (french rapper) song called “Parle à ma main” which translates to “Talk to the hand” and the video is hysterical. My favorite all time Yelle song though has to be “A Cause Des Garcons”, because it’s energetic vibe keeps me going at the gym.

Mademoiselle K
French rock band whose female lead singer is the soul of the band. I absolutely love her and this band. Her voice can be melodic and raspy when it needs to be adding texture and complexity. The band’s name is taken from the lead singer Katerine Gierak, hence the “K” in the name. Songs I like from her last album Jouer Dehors include, “Branc“, “Aisément“, “Me taire te plaire” and “Jouer Dehors”.

Baden Baden
French indie rock band from Paris whose sound is similar to french indie faves Phoenix and Swedish indie rockers Shout Out Louds. In 2010, they released in EP 78 with 7 songs. It’s a great EP with most of the songs in english and a couple that sound so charming in french. Listen to “You’ll See” and “The Book” . Here’s the song they are most known for called “Anyone”.

BADEN BADEN – ‘ANYONE’ (Official Video / Long Version) from StarlightWalker on Vimeo.

OH LA LA!
A french indie rock band that truly live up to their name. Their lead singer, Natacha Le Jeune, used to front the popular french band AS Dragon. I love her voice. Back with a new band, and slightly less punk sound, OH LA LA! is fun and sexy. Some songs to listen to are “Un Poing c’est tout“, “Relax“, “Nu dans ton jean” and “Oser”.

Oser from Oh La La ! on Vimeo.

Les Shades
Another great french indie rock band from Paris who’s influences include The Strokes, AS Dragon and the Velvet Underground. Their last album 5 Sur 5 (5 Of 5) was released in 2010 and it’s the one I am most familiar with. Songs I really like from this album include “Hors la Loi“, “C’est la Guerre“, “Infanterie” and “Dans les Artères”.

Les Shades – Dans les Artères from La Sucrerie on Vimeo.