Aurgasm

french vocal // soft soul

Quebec native Amylie first caught our attention (and stole our hearts) with her debut album Jusqu’aux Oreilles back in 2008. Four years later, Amylie is back with a new album, Le Royaume (2012), and its first single “Les Filles“. Le Royaume is a colourful mix of retro pop and soul, soulful vocal harmonies and truly refreshing melodies. The new album ranges from delicate to playful uptempo melodies with ocasional electro touches, bringing to mind Feist, Jessica Fichot and the Parisian avant-pop of Camille. As of now, I’m certain Amylie’s Le Royaume will end up among my most listened albums of the summer.

Strong, irresistible melodies.
Amylie – Les Filles
Amylie – Tais Ta Tête
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french acoustic // soul

Zaz’s (Isabelle Geoffroy) music reminds me of Caro Emerald’s. Her voice however, is completely different and quite unlike the mellow sultry voice of Caro – and the songs demand that. Her music evokes vintage nostalgia, with passion and zest. “Je Veux” and “Ni Oui Ni Non” express this perfectly.

Post contributed by Divya Manian. Thx to Pixlux for a simultaneous recc. :)
Passionate, romantic, peppy.
Zaz – Je Veux
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folk // soul // french vocal

French-Senegalese chanteuse Madjo first captured my attention with “Le Monstre” back in 2009 making her debut album Trapdoor (2010) among my most anticipated albums of the year. While there is very little information about Madjo available to English speakers, she’s the new chanteuse on the rise among French music lovers. Madjo’s repertoire varies from vintage pop influences to Southern folk-blues and tender ballads, somewhat recalling Feist, Yael Naim and Okou with the subtle avant-garde touch of Camille. Une chanteuse extraordinnaire!

From acoustic simplicity to multi-layered beauty.
Madjo – Le Monstre
Madjo – Cracheur De Feu
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indie pop // french eclectic

The Dø is one of those musical gems I’ve been meaning to write about for a long time. Now, with their debut album A Mouthful (2010) finally released in the US and the recent North American tour, is the time to introduce this French-Finnish indie pop act. The Dø first captured attention of European music lovers with their song “The Bridge is Broken”, written for a contemporary dance performance Scène d’amour back in 2005. A Mouthful, a rather eclectic collection of songs, evokes similarities to the sweet quirkiness of Nina Perrson, the Knife’s electro touch and the sharp playfulness of Lykke Li. “At Last” carries rich guitar riffs, piano and bluesy harmonica arrangements woven with Olivia’s yearning, seductive vocals. Ukulele driven “Stay (Just A Little Bit More)” is simply a little delightful track.

Somewhat eccentric, playful melodies.
The Dø – At Last
The Dø – Stay (Just A Little Bit More)
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soul // french // motown

The sounds of Ben l’Oncle Soul are spreading through Europe, with a major hit this summer in the form of an uptempo soul cover of “Seven Nation Army”. Signed to Motown, Ben has all elements covered. Some say his style is not original enough, but when the styles are blended and performed this well, and the songs are this catchy, who really cares. This is good music. Period. So if you like soul & funk and appreciate a singer that knows how to manipulate his sound to range from John Legend to Jamie Lidell and back to all the soul greats from the ol’ days, this should be on blast.

French retro soul with a modern edge.
Ben l’oncle Soul – Seven Nation Army
Ben l’oncle Soul – Soulman

[Editor's Note: Please join me in welcoming Sjoerd Kranendonk to Aurgasm. Also known as zephirnl on soundcloud and @mffonline on twitter, he has a mean habit of unearthing the good 'n raw funky stuff. We're thrilled to have him share his best finds here.]

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