The hottest up-and-coming music made in France breaks the surface as France Rocks returns to CMJ with a genre-defying selection of exciting new artists. Running from October 21st through 25th, CMJ takes over 80+ venues throughout New York City and Brooklyn, with 1,300+ bands of all stripes and over 125,000 fans from across the world.
This year’s group of French artists is an exciting cross-section of the best rising talents from across the Atlantic, with indie-electro (Andrea Balency), art-pop (Cleo T), underground electro (Rone), indie pop (SoKo) and hard rock (Apolline).
Stay tuned to the France Rocks Blog as more artists and updates are sure to come!
ANDREA BALENCY is a 22-year-old Mexican-French electro art-rock pop singer who’s supported James Blake, Kimbie and The Cure on tour. Balency’s ‘Walls’ EP is a hauntingly beautiful mix of elegant hooks, soul-tinged indie electro, ethereal soul dubstep and a fairy-like voice. Read More
10/25: Coco66 (10 PM)
CLEO T opens the curtains on her glamorous chiaroscuro theater in ‘Songs of Gold & Shadow’ recorded by legendary John Parish, and feat. Robert Wyatt. Cleo’s songs blend symbolist harmonies and ancient tones into a dark, delightful romanticism à la Nouvelle Vague. Read More
10/21: Rock Shop (7 PM)
10/24: Bitter End (5 PM)
RONE is one of the most acclaimed French musicians on the electro scene. Now living in Berlin, the artist’s creative juices seem to be flowing like never before, combining a melodic straightforwardness with the firmly harnessed power of analog soundscapes. Read More
10/17: Music Hall of Williamsburg (8 PM) [Opening for Com Truise]
SOKO crafts impossibly fragile music. Her guitar playing coats her songs’ rhythm like honey, with the intoxicating wooziness of Mazzy Star. Modulating between a gingerly sing-song and a forlorn crackle, Soko is a singer-songwriter who channels art out of her vulnerable heart. Read More
10/24: United Palace Theater (8 PM)
10/25: United Palace Theater (8 PM) [Opening for Foster the People]
APOLLINE, a French rock band solidly rooted in seventies and progressive music like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, return to CMJ after 3 shows there in 2013. The band’s sound is penetrating, marked by powerful guitar riffs, harmonic finesse, and a telepathic rapport. Read More
10/17: Pianos (7 PM)
10/20: Arlene’s (7 PM)
10/22: Trash Bar (12 PM)
Stay tuned for more artist announcements and updates
