There are a lot of good things happening in the French music scene, with loads of great new artists emerging. Keep following Carte Blanche Music, and I’ll introduce you to all of them.

Did you know Foé already? He only released his self-titled debut EP last autumn. All four tracks off it – and seven more – are now also available on his first full album Îl. It’s out on the Tôt Ou Tard label, home to acts like Cats On Trees, Shaka Ponk and Yael Naim, who featured here before as well.

Foé, only 20 years old, named himself after Daniel Defou, the author of ‘Robinson Crusoé’. You could file him under ‘urban pop’, but Foé is not your regular new artist. The first thing that will strike you, is his theatrical voice and way of narrating/singing, slightly reminiscent of Grand Corps Malade. Musically, he presents a mix of hip hop rhythms, classical piano and electronic sounds, ranging from dance pop via latin jazz to classic French ‘chanson’ territory.

One of my favourite tracks on this promising debut album is Qu’est-Ce Que T’as Là? It has verses in French, while the chorus is in English. At the same time, the music switches from summery mid-tempo dance pop to a slow, less heavy form of dub step. Actually, you shouldn’t read about it, you should just listen…

For more great new music follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.