When French Electro Took Over

It was sophomore year of high school in 2007, and "D.A.N.C.E." by Justice had taken over the world. Even for those not privy to the electronic scene, this album struck a special chord. French Electro had reached a momentous cultural peak, intersecting with hardcore electronic music fans, the fashion scene, and the general music audience alike. This movement began to gain more spotlight after the explosion of Daft Punk across the globe, but in the mid-2000s, the larger French electro scene boasted a pool of talent that produced such incredible works that it was impossible not to shine the light on them as well. As the years continued, Justice, Ed Banger Records, SebastiAn, Uffie, Breakbot, and more defied genres, creating an amalgamation of amazing music and unique sounds to permanently solidify French Electro as iconic. But how did this all begin? And who are some of the favorites at Undermind that hold a special place in our hearts?

French electro emerged from the fashion streets of Paris, France, with inspiration drawn from the diverse array of musical genres and new cultural movements that were a mix of French culture and new immigrant groups arriving in the country. At the forefront of this electro moment was Ed Banger Records. The label was founded by Busy P., who helped cultivate and promote incredible talents such as Mr. Oizo, SebastiAn, Justice, and Breakbot. His label, characterized by its fusion of house, disco, and funk influences, emerged as a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences in the process. Over the years, his release of singles and label-compilation albums had gained momentum across Europe. But after handpicking Justice as the new kids on the block, the label's fame and notoriety took on a new scope.

By 2007, Ed-Banger and French electro had taken over Europe. But it was the release of Justice’s “Cross” that made many people in the USA, and across the globe, realize that French Electro even existed, starting their interest and research of the larger scene. “Cross” was a genre-defying masterpiece that would become the poster child of the French electro sound and movement moving forward. Fusing together elements of rock, electro, and catchy lyrics, the album showcased the duo's intense production skills as well as their understanding of how to reach across the aisle into new audiences. The song that took over my high school and the larger country by storm was the timeless and still catchy: D.A.N.C.E. It made many of us ask, “WTF IS THIS?” And our crate digging of everything/anything related to it began.

As the years rolled by, another name rose to the top of the charts. His music was more funk and disco-inspired, and therefore was accessible to fans of a variety of genres, age groups and even was easily liked by main mainstream and pop enthusiasts. Breakbot was his name, and he took over the world by storm with his soulful memories, uplifting lyrics, soulful melodies, and retro-infused aesthetic. It almost sounded like it was new, but at the same time had been around for decades. His breakthrough moment coincided with his debut album, “By Your Side,” released by none other than Ed Banger Records. We can suffice to say that EBR had a special gift at finding special talent. Baby I’m yours was playing within my electronic focused friend-group, but also would find play in college basements across the country. It had broken down genre walls, and Breakbot has been a common name, across fans of all genres, ever since. I personally am a massive Breakbot fan and consider him one of my favorite French-based musicians of all time. If you ever get the chance to see him and his band live, DO NOT miss out; it is truly special.

The dominance of French Electro persisted until around 2013, when a shift in the electronic music scene became evident. While French Electro remains an enduring force and a global titan in its own right, the ever-evolving nature of electronic music saw the emergence of fresh sounds and the resurgence of older genres. New-age deep house and melodic techno burst onto the scene, while Chicago house experienced a remarkable revival, reclaiming its spotlight.

Despite these shifts, French Electro's influence continued to resonate throughout the music industry. Its impact transcended boundaries and genres, leaving an unmistakable imprint on popular culture. This influence was evident in the ascent of electro-pop acts like M83 and Phoenix, who drew inspiration from the French Electro sound. Moreover, the proliferation of electronic music festivals and events worldwide bore testimony to the enduring legacy of French Electro, reaffirming its status as a transformative force in contemporary music. French Electro artists not only reshaped the sonic landscape of electronic music but also left an indelible mark on popular culture itself, ensuring their legacy would endure for generations to come.