Victoires de la Musique 2026 - the shortlist

The shortlist for this year's Victoires de la Musique awards has been released, and as always, it's an interesting read. It's the 41st time the event which celebrates Francophone music and artists has been held.

Sitting with five nominations is Theodora, with breakthrough female artist, live artist, album, single and audiovisual creation, so she'll probably be going home with something to decorate her mantlepiece.

Meanwhile, there are four significant nominations for Star Academy graduate Helena, best female breakthrough artist, live breakthrough artist, and best album and single, 

But not all the focus is on modern Francophone pop, it's nice to see Feu! Chatterton make the shortlist with what was - for this blog at least - the French album of the year as well as a nomination for best male artist.

The awards take place on Friday February 13 at the Seine Musicale arena, and long with the awards there will be some memorable performances showcasing the musical talent of France and beyond, televised on France 2.

Male artist

Disiz
Feu! Chatterton
Pierre Garnier
Orelsan

Female artist

Charlotte Cardin
Aya Nakamura
Vanessa Paradis
Santa

Male breakthrough

Ino Casablanca
L2B
Sam Sauvage

Female breakthrough

Helena
Miki
Theodora

Live breakthrough

Helena
Miki
Theodora

Album 

Hélé - Helena
Labyrinthe - Feu! Chatterton
La fuite en avant - Orelsan
Méga BBL - Theodora
On s'en rappellera pas - Disiz

Song 

Fashion Designa - Theodora
Les filles les meufs - Marguerite
Mauvais garçon - Helena
Soleil Bleu - Luiza & Bleu Soleil
Tant pis pour elle - Charlotte Cardin

Concert

DJ Snake
Justice Live - Justice
Santa
Zouzou Tour - Philippe Katerine

Audiovisual creation

Fashion Designa - Theodora
Je t'accuse - Suzane
Tant pis pour elle - Charlotte Cardin

Cats on trees: Keep on dancing

Remember Cats on Trees? Of course you do. Siren's Call was a charming piece of French indie appropriation of a very English style song, and it quite rightly became a massive hit in 2013, reaching the top three in the French charts.

Their self-titled debut was released that year and it made the top ten in France, the following year singer Nina Goern and musical collaborator Yohan Hennequin picked up a Victoires de la Musique award for best breakthrough album for the collection.

But other than a stint as coaches on The Belgian edition of The Voice, there's not been a lot to report in terms of new releases since then.

So it's good to report a new track with an accompanying video, and a new album due out shortly.

Keep on dancing take the duo in a slightly different direction. More dancefloor, less Belle and Sebastain perhaps, but the charm that helped establish them is still there.

The new album by Cats on Trees, entitled Neon,  is due out on March 16. They play at La Cigale in Paris on May 16.

Live in London: The Dø

A gig in London tonight by The Dø, following the success of their Shake Shook Shaken album.

The collection, released in France last year and reaching the top ten, was released in the UK earlier this year.

The band recently celebrated a significant win at the Victoires de la Musique awards in Paris last month, where they won the best Rock Album of the year award.

There is, of course, more to The Dø than just last year's album, their 2008 debut A Mouthful reaching number one in the French album chart, a feat that had never been accomplished before by a French act performing entirely in English.

The Dø play at Koko tonight.

Calogero: Drôle d'animal (acoustic)

A tasteful acoustic take on the track Drôle d'animal by Calogero.

Calogero was of course one of the winners at the  Victoires de la Musique 2015 earlier this month, with the song  Un jour au mauvais endroit winning the Best original song category.

Drôle d'animal  comes from his 2007 Pomme C album, a collection that reached number  two in France.

The acoustic clip followed the broadcast of his show at the Trianon in Paris, shown on the Alcaline show on France 2.

Les Victoires de la Musique 2015: Who won what

A brief look back at who won what at the Victoires de la Musique 2015 on Friday, and equally a look
back at where I thought the honours might have gone.

For all it's easy to criticise award ceremonies as glossy events that don't really reflect the reality of the music scene, they certainly give acts a platform that they might not otherwise have, and bring a massive potential audience to them.

With awards for Cascadeur and The Dø , as well as Christine and the Queens this year, it was a ceremony that saw some well-deserving acts get appropriate recognition.

Nice again to see much of the video available to watch internationally.

Male artist: Julien Doré
Thought that this would have gone to Johnny Hallyday, although I said "Personally I think Julien Doré might deserve it" So nice to see this.


Julien Doré – « Chou Wasabi » Victoires de la... by france2

Female artist: Christine and the Queens
As I predicted, saying "hopefully one of several much-deserved awards" It's been an extraordinary year for Christine, hard to believe the impact that her debut album has had.


Christine & The Queens – « Christine... by france2

Breakthrough album: Indila - Mini World
Again, predicted right. Would have been nice if it went to The Dø , but not surprised it went to this massive selling act.


Indila – « Dernière danse » Victoires de la... by france2

Breakthrough act or artist: Benjamin Clémentine
Called this right, with a "Certainly deserves to win this. " Clémentine is an extraordinary artist who'll certainly go on to be a massive star.


Benjamin Clémentine – « Nemesis » Victoires de... by france2

Best chanson album: Alain Souchon & Laurent Voulzy - Alain Souchon & Laurent Voulzy
Predicted this one, and despite what was probably a close fight I said "I think this might go to the old guard though."


Alain Souchon et Laurent Voulzy – « Derrière... by france2

Best rock album: The Dø Shake, Shook Shaken
Though this would go to Shaka Ponk - The White Pixel Ape as they were the more commercial act, but did say: "I thing The Dø would be worthy winners, even though they might not be 'rock'; enough for many folk." So delighted by the result


The Do - Despair, hangover and extasy by rtl-fr

Best urban album: Akhenaton - Je suis en vie
Went for Black M - Les yeux plus gros que le monde, on account of its massive success, but the Akhenaton album probably had more hip hop credibility.



Akhenaton – « Souris, encore » Victoires de la... by france2

Best world music album:  Rivière noire - Rivière noire
Called this one right.

Best electronic album: Cascadeur - Ghost surfer
Had hoped for Yelle - Complètement fou here, but was right to say it wouldn't go to Guetta.  A well deserved winner.


Cascadeur – « Ghost Surfer » Victoires de la... by france2

Best original song: Un jour au mauvias Endroit - Calogero
Had gone for Black M - Sur ma route, but this was always going to be one of the most difficult categories to call.



Calogero – « Un jour au mauvais endroit... by france2

Show, concert or tour:  Stromae
Thought this would have been another for Christine and the Queens, but the Stromae juggernaut shows no sign of slowing down.


Stromae – « Carmen » Victoires de la Musique 2015 by france2


Best video: Christine and the Queens - Saint Claude
Called this one right with a "Of the shortlisted videos, probably the one that stands out. "

So seven out of twelve. A pass, including getting Best Female artist, breakthrough acts and album and Best chanson album and best video.

Victoires de la Musique 2015: Who might win

Tonight sees the Victoires de la Musique unfold in Paris, so I thought  a list of who I thought might
win would be in order.

It's not necessarily who I'd like to win in each category, just who I think might swing it.

I reckon it will be a big year for Christine and the Queens, but we'lls ee how it goes.

Male artist
Johnny Hallyday

A strong year for Johnny with the release of Rester vivant and live shows. Personally I think Julien Doré might deserve it but I reckon they'll give this to Jojo.

Female artist
Christine and the Queens

Outstanding year for Christine, hopefully one of several much-deserved awards

Breakthrough album
Indila - Mini World

Massive selling album by an artist who could go on to international success. Would personally prefer The Dø to take this one, but I think they'll got for the more commercial act

Breakthrough act or artist
Benjamin Clémentine

Certainly deserves to win this. 

Best chanson album
Alain Souchon & Laurent Voulzy - Alain Souchon & Laurent Voulzy

Close to call this one, Christine and Calogero are both serious contenders. I think this might go to the old guard though.

Best rock album 
Shaka Ponk - The White Pixel Ape

Again, I think this will go to the more commercially successful act, again I thing The Dø would be worthy winners, even though they might not be 'rock'; enough for many folk.

Best urban album
Black M - Les yeux plus gros que le monde

Rap album with Sexion d'assaut credentials, but with massive crossover popularity.

Best world music album 
Rivière noire - Rivière noire

Best electronic album
Yelle - Complètement fou

Fingers crossed. Guetta might be the obvious one here, being such a big seller, but hopefully Yelle will get what they deserve.

Best original song
Black M - Sur ma route

Another one that's very close to call. All four songs here are impressive. Hip hop is massively popular and this is a hugely likable track that went well beyond his own (massive) fanbase.

Show, concert or tour
Christine and the Queens

Probably Christine's year at the Victoires. 

Best video
Christine and the Queens - Saint Claude

Of the shortlisted videos, probably the one that stands out. 

Victoires de la Musique 2015 nominations

Nomination have been announced for this year's Victoires de la Musique awards, with some
interesting nomination in the list.

Christine and the Queens do well, with a total of five nominations, including female artist, best video, best song and best chanson album as well as best tour.

A nod as well for Yelle and Cascadeur in the best electronic album category, and it's heartening to see three nominations for the Do, for best video, best female artist and best rock album.

Nice to see a nomination for François & The Atlas Mountain as well, although quite how they qualify as a breakthrough act I'm unsure.

The winners are announced on February 13 at a show in the Zénith in Paris.

Male artist
Calogero
Julien Doré
Johnny Hallyday

Female artist
Brigitte
Christine and the Queens
The Do

Breakthrough album
Vianney - Idées blanches
Indila - Mini World
François & The Atlas Mountain - Piano ombre

Breakthrough act or artist
ALB
Benjamin Clémentine
Féloche

Best chanson album
Alain Souchon & Laurent Voulzy - Alain Souchon & Laurent Voulzy
Christine and the Queens - Chaleur humaine
Calogero - Les Feux d'artifice

Best rock album 
Skip The Use - Little Armageddon
The Do - Shake, Shook, Shaken
Shaka Ponk - The White Pixel Ape

Best urban album
Soprano - Cosmopolitanie
Akhenathon - Je suis en vie
Black M - Les yeux plus gros que le monde

Best world music album 
Asa - Bed of Stone
Tiken Jah Fakoly - Dernier appel
Rivière noire - Rivière noire

Best electronic album
Yelle - Complètement fou
Cascadeur - Ghost Surfer
David Guetta - Listen

Best original song
Alain Souchon & Laurent Voulzy - Derrière les mots
Christine and the Queens - Saint Claude
Black M - Sur ma route
Calogero - Un jour au mauvais endroit

Show, concert or tour
Jean-Louis Aubert
Christine and the Queens
Stromae

Best video
Indila - Dernière danse
The Do - Despair, Hangover & Ecstasy
Christine and the Queens - Saint Claude

Shaka Ponk: Lucky G1rl

A new video from French rockers Shaka Ponk with the track Lucky G1rl released on the week the band put
out their latest album.

The White Pixel Ape came out on Monday, over two yeas since the band's last collection The Geeks and the Jerkin' Socks.

The success of that album put the band firmly on the French musical map, selling over 200,000 copies in France.

The new video follows Wanna Get Free, which emerged in January as the first track to be promoted from the album.

The band recently picked up an award at the Victoires de la Musique ceremony for the best music DVD for their Geeks on Stage collection, documenting a show at Bercy in Paris during the band's tour that followed their last album.

They've got a few live dates ahead of them in Belgium and Switzerland, and some shows in France in May and June, including three nights at the Zénith in Paris in June.

Victoires de la Musique 2014

This weekend saw France's most significant music awards ceremony, with the Victoires de la Musique ceremony being held for the 29th time.

The good year for Stromae continues, with the Belgian picking up three awards, and Vanessa Paradis, Phoenix, Johnny Hallyday and Woodkid picking up some new ornaments for their trophy cabinets.

Male artist: Stromae
Female artist: Vanessa Paradis



Breakthrough album: La Femme - Psycho tropical Berlin



Breakthough artist: Woodkid

Chanson album: Stromae - Racine carrée



Rock album: Phoenix - Bankrupt

Urban music album: 1995 - Paris sud minuit


World music album: Ibrahim Maalouf - Illusions



Electronic or dance album: Kavinsky - Outrun

Original Song:  Johnny Hallyday - 20 ans


Musical / tour / concert: M - Îl(s)

Video: Stromae - Formidable



Music DVD: Shaka Ponk - Geeks on stage



It seemed a fairly obvious selection of winners. It wasn't hard to predict that Stromae might do quite well, for example.  But the list of winners doesn't really give the whole picture by any means, as there were some great performances during a programme that showcased some of the best music that France has to offer.



Among the performances were the likes of Cats on Trees, Zaz,  Etienne Daho, Indochine, Christine and the Queens and Grand Corps Malade, along with Vanessa Paradis, La Femme and Shaka Ponk.



I'm sure it's easy to criticise the list of winners, but the talent on show during the ceremony shows that French music is without a doubt in great shape and that there are acts that are not only delivering the best work of their careers at the moment and there are new acts creating some of the best work around.



In short, a great showcase for France's musical talent after what has been an historic year for French musical talent.

Shaka Ponk: Wanna Get Free

A new video for the track Wanna Get Free, by Shaka Ponk, released as a single ahead of their forthcoming
new album The White Pixel Ape.

It's a wildly imaginative video, exactly what you'd hope for from one of France's most colourful rock acts.

The new album, the band's fouth, is due to be released on March 17.

Their last, 2007's The Geeks and the Jerkin' Socks collection was a huge seller in France. The subsequent live DVD Geeks on Stage saw them nominated for a Victoires de la Musique award in the best music DVD category.

The band are touring shortly, and play three nights at the Zénith in Paris in June.

Victoires de la Musique Awards 2013

A weekend of big award ceremonies, with the Baftas and the Grammies taking place, but it was the Victoires de la Musique awards that held our attention.

As always with events like this, some interesting outcomes, some surprises and some disappointments, but always interesting to see how these things go.

Obviously pleased to see Lou Doillon win the best female artist, I'm certain it was all down to her video being filmed in Glasgow.

C2C picked up four awards, winning every category they were nominated in.

No such luck though for -M-, who had three nominations and came home empty handed, or for Sexion d'Assaut who had two nominations and also left with nothing for the mantlepiece.

And I have to say a wee bit disappointed that Lescop didn't pick up an award for best original song after being nominated for his song La forêt.

But anyway, here was where the awards went to:

Male artist
Dominique A

Female artist
Lou Doillon

Breakthrough artist/group (public vote)
C2C

Breakthrough artist/group
C2C

Chanson album
La place du fantôme - La Grande Sophie

Rock album
Can be late - Skip the Use

Urban music album
Roi sans carrosse - Oxmo Puccino

World Music album
Folila - Amadou and Mariam

Album de musiques électroniques ou dance
Tetra - C2C

Original song
Allez allez allez - Camille

Musical show/tour/concert
The geeks tour - SHAKA PONK at l'Olympia, Zénith and Bataclan

Video
FUYA - C2C

Victoires de la Musique awards: Best video shortlist

With the Victoires de la Musique awards ceremony taking place tonight, I thought a quick round up of some of the nominated work was in order.

In particular, I thought that a look at the four videos shortlisted for the best clip of the year deserved a closer look.

Some I've featured before, others I've not, but they all certainly give a good snapshot of music videos in France.

We'll find out who wins later tonight.

C2C: FUYA



-M-: Mojo



Olivia Ruiz: My Lomo & Me (Je Photographie Des Gens Heureux)



Shaka Ponk - Let's Bang

Les Victoires de la Musique 2013 shortlist

Awards season is fast approaching, with short lists being presented for the star studded ceremonies that take place in the next couple of months.

certainly the most exciting from a French music point of view is the annual Les Victoires de la Musique, being held this year for the 28th time.

The short list has some interesting entries, with some that we might expect to be present, and a good mix of the established artists and newcomers.

The ceremony is being held at the Zénith in Paris on February the eighth, and is being broadcast on France 2, France Inter and France Bleu.

Male artist

Benjamin Biolay
Dominique A
-M-
Orelsan

Female artist

Céline Dion
Lou Doillon
Françoise Hardy
La Grande Sophie

Breakthrough group/artist of the year (public vote)

- C2C
- Barbara Carlotti
- Rover
- Tal

Breakthrough group/artist of the year

- Boulevard des airs
- C2C
- Barbara Carlotti
- Irma

Chanson album

Vengeance (Benjamin Biolay)
L’amour fou (Françoise Hardy)
La place du fantôme (La Grande Sophie)
Il (-M-)

Rock album

Long courrier (BB Brunes)
Places (Lou Doillon)
Super welter (Raphaël)
Can be late (Skip The Use)

Urban music album

Extra-lucide (Disiz)
Roi sans carrosse (Oxmo Puccino)
L’apogée (Sexion d’Assaut)
Le droit de rêver (Tal)

World music album

Folila (Amadou & Mariam)
Al (Bumcello)
Talé (Salif Keita)
C’est la vie(Khaled)

Electronic/Dance music album

By your side (Breakbot)
Tetra (C2C)
Franky Knight (Emilie Simon)
Dusty rainbow from the dark (Wax Tailor)

Original song

Allez allez allez (Camille – writer/composer : Camille Dalmais)
Avant qu’elle parte (Sexion d’assaut – writer/composers : Maître Gims, - Lefa, Mask, Jr Ochrom, Doomans, Adams Diallo, Black Mesrines, Stan-e, Wati-b)
Je descends du singe (Marc Lavoine – Writer: Marc Lavoine/composer: Christophe Casanave)
La forêt (Lescop – writers/composers : Mathieu Peudupin, Gaël Etienne, Johnny Hostile)

Musical show/tour/concert

Ilo veyou (Camille at the Olympia and on tour – Production: UNI-T)
Silence on tourne, on tourne en rond (Thomas Dutronc at the Olympia and on tour – Production: Auguri Productions)
La place du fantôme (La Grande Sophie at the Café de la Danse, at the Trianon, the Olympia and on tour – Production: 3C)
The geeks tour (Shaka Ponk at the Olympia, the Zénith and the Bataclan – Production: Zouave)

Video

FUYA (C2C – dir: Sylvain Richard (20Syl) – Francis Cutter)
Mojo (-M- – dir: Beryl Koltz)
My lomo & me (Olivia Ruiz – dir: Nicolas Houres)
Let’s bang (Shaka Ponk – dir: Frah)