French Synth-Pop
French Synth-Pop was a widely popular music genre in the 80’s, which shouldn’t come as a surprise as this scene later evolved into a global phenomenon known as French Touch with the likes of Daft Punk, Air, Justice.
The French infatuation for electronic music was probably the result of France’s central European location with Germany and Kraftwerk on one side, the UK with Depeche Mode and Gary Numan on the other. The fact that some British bands such as Visage were also using French female vocals to add a cold sexy note probably turn French into the (un)official language of Synth-Pop.
While plenty of 80s French bands, artists and duos followed the steps of British band Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk other French pop opportunists also jump the bandwagon for better or worse turning the entire French music scene to electronic sounds for a short moment.
Here is a selection of French Synth-Pop bands and artists as well as famous songs from the 80s to 2024:
TAXI GIRL
Founded in 1978 and Led by the late Daniel Darc, Taxi Girl delivered one of the first French Synth-Pop hits with their signature song “Cherchez le Garçon”. The band released one album, Seppuku, as well as a few EPs and singles. After calling it quit in 1986, Darc worked on his solo project while keyboardist Mirwais collaborated with Madonna, producing her albums Music, American Life and part of Confessions from the Dance Floor.
ELLI & JACNO
Founded by ex The Stinky Toys Elli Medeiros and her partner Jacno, Elli & Jacno released 3 albums and a few singles including “Je T’Aime Tant”. The band only lasted 4 years, from 1980 to 1984, both of them continuing solo careers, Elli Medeiros more particularly founding commercial success with her pop tunes.
ETIENNE DAHO
Acclaimed French artist Étienne Daho is undoubtedly the one responsible for bringing French Synth Pop into the mainstream thanks to a series of hits such as “Week-end à Rome”,”Tombé Pour la France”, ” Épaule Tattoo” and “Le grand Sommeil” which remain some of his best songs to date. Starting his career in 1978 under the wing of Elli & Jacno, he is still going strong to this day.
JAD WIO
New Wave Bondage-Cabaret band Jad Wio released the Synth-Pop album Contact in 1989 which turned them into a cult act thanks to deviant songs such as “L’amour à la hâte”, “Ophélie”. “Priscilla” and “Mad Sex”. With 6 albums under its belt, the band is still releasing music and playing shows.
INDOCHINE
The biggest French band to date, Indochine is still touring stadiums, thanks to its mix of New Wave, Industrial, Synth-Pop with social conscious Pop. Following their breakthrough debut album L’Aventurier and its eponymous huge hit single, Their 1985 album 3 and latest 2017 13 feature plenty of Synth-Pop style tunes including the singles “Trois Nuits Par Semaine”, “3e Sexe” and “Station 13”.
PARTENAIRE PARTICULIER
With the reputation of being corny Depeche Mode clones, “Partenaire Particulier” embraced the Synth-Pop sound and were a one-hit-wonder with their eponymous debut single. They are still releasing studio albums.
LIO
A popular pop singer who joined Étienne Daho on “Week-end à Rome”, Lio gained fame with Synth-Pop tainted hits “Amoureux Solitaires” and “Le Banana Split”. She is still releasing albums and touring.
STEPHANE EICHER
Stéphane Eicher is a Swiss artist who started his career and gained recognition thanks to Synth-Pop hits “Combien de Temps” and “Two People In A Room”. Now an acclaimed singer/songwriter, he is still releasing music in German, French, English and touring.
OTHER 80’S ARTISTS
Other noticeable artists who released Synth-Pop influenced tunes in the 80s include Complot Brownswick, Les Visiteurs Du Soir “Je t’écris d’un pays”, Comix (“Touche pas à mon sexe”), Marie Moor “Pretty Day” and Bashung “SOS Amor”,
THE NEW GENERATION
With Synth-Pop being cool again 40 years later, new French groups and artists are keeping the flame alive whether it’s old school Synth-Pop or Dark Wave including Xeno & Oklander, Vive la Fête (Belgian),Sébastien Tellier, Automelodi, Mathématiques Modernes, Gargantua, Deux and yours truly Noisegun (watch the music video below and DJs can download the MP3 here).
To listen to all these artists, check out our French Synth-Pop playlist on the Spotify app
