Les Rencontres Trans Musicales #Trans2018

With the days getting shorter and the weather getting colder, there's no denying winter is on its way. And with the change of the season we're looking ahead to the big event in December - Les Rencontres Trans Musicales in Rennes.

2018 marks the 40th edition of the festival that acts as a major showcase for some of the best developing artists. There is always a well-curated selection of acts from around the world, but there's always a solid presence of French artists. For many, an appearance at the Trans Musicales is the first major step in a career.

Recent years have seen performances by Benjamin Clementine, Jeanne Added, Stromae and Grand Blanc.

Fourteen names were released earlier this month, but another major tranche of artists have been added to the bill.

Among the French acts this year are rapper Disiz, electro act Dombrance, Ouai Stéphane, RexRegis, The Psychotic Monks, The YD and Venice Club.

From Canada there are francophone artists Hubert Lenoir and  Les Louanges and further afield come Franco-Chilean duo Nova Materia.

Local acts from Rennes and elsewhere in Brittany include Initials Bouvier Bernois, Fleuves.

Already announced are Aloïse Sauvage, Praa, Ryder The Eagle and  La Fraicheur.

I'll feature some of these acts in more detail in coming weeks. There are likely to be some memorable live sets this year.

This year's poster was designed by US artist Brendan Monroe. It's got to be one of the best so far.

The festival runs from December 5 to Sunday December 9.

Festival: I'm From Rennes

If I had to choose a favourite French city, Rennes would be a strong contender. It's a scenic and historic place of course, but it also punches well above its weight in terms of its music scene.

Maybe it's the large student population, with a univesity and art school in the city. Or maybe it's something in Brittany's celtic culture, where pubs take a more significant place in society than the traditional French cafe, that helps support a thriving musical culture.

Or perhaps it is because it is far enough away from Paris that acts have the opportunity to practice their craft and develop organically at their own pace and in a supportive environment.

Like Liverpool, Manchester or Glasgow it has a vibrant musical landscape and history of its own, as well as providing a fertile ground for the artists of tomorrow.

While events like the Transmusicales attract international attention, today sees a smaller scale event in the city to celebrate the local talent. I'm From Rennes runs from today until September 23 and sees events at clubs, theatres as well as other venues including public squares and libraries.

The event describes itself as La rentrée de la scene Rennais - the return of the Rennes scene after the holidays.

Tonight sees contemporary rock act Février play at the Champs Libres in the city centre, and Maximilien and Praa bring electro and soul ouotdoors at Place de la Parcheminerie.

This weekend Square Guy Houist hosts microbreweries, street food and rock 'n' roll, with two days of  a German biergarten vibe featuring local brewers, local bands and sets from local DJ.

There's much on offer over the next ten days. I'll feature some of the acts over the next few days, as rather than just list them here, they deserve a bit of attention in their own right as well.