Who are the artists on the new Parisian music scene?
From rap to electronic music, here are the best artist recommendations
August 2nd, 2023
The Parisian music scene, as eclectic as it is diverse, has housed many artists and shone a spotlight on numerous talents that have left their mark on history. Paris, once the home of iconic authors in French culture, from Charles Gainsbourg to Alain Bashung and Vanessa Paradis, has evolved over time and adapted as much to its artists as to their audience. The capital, far from the literary subtleties and melancholy of Gainsbourg, also became the stage for all altercations, commonly referred to as «clashes» between rappers. If we had overlooked listening to the punchlines of Sinik or Rohff in the 2010s, specifically targeting Booba, we could later observe this one engaging in a public confrontation with Kaaris - thus inscribing the clash culture in the hip-hop scene and highlighting the competitive aspect that can sometimes be found among various musical artists.
Beyond Paris and even France itself, the wealth of talent from the capital often exports to international audiences - Daft Punk, PNL, Christine & The Queens, and Aya Nakamura joining the playlists of fervent admirers all over the world. Today’s scene, much more inclined to show love, showcases numerous talents that are sometimes inspired by the above mentioned references while creating a new, unique, and multidisciplinary genre. Our musical artists, growing up and evolving in a society where image is sometimes as important as melody, are inclined to develop various aspects related to their art. In parallel, the forefront of the stage, once predominantly composed of singers, tends to more prominently feature behind-the-scenes personalities such as beatmakers, DJs, and producers. Among the numerous talents representing this new Parisian scene - emerging artists, sometimes «niche» or already with a certain notoriety - we have decided to portray five of them, belonging to this versatile generation that bathes in flexibility.
Carla Genius - DJ, Singer
Carla Genus would be the epitome of this generation of versatile musical artists, showcasing a strong and distinctive image. The young woman from Guadeloupe is now perfectly established to shine in the capital. First known as a DJ, Carla is remembered for her memorable sets at the Colors Studio event, Aya Nakamura’s after party, and more recently at Boiler Room x Nike during «La Fête de la Musique». Very close to the fashion world, she has been heard at Givenchy afterparties, Vaillant Studio, and Adidas events. Behind the turntables but also in front of the camera, Carla Genus reveals herself as a model as well, occasionally posing for various brands or fashion editorials, displaying a unique and recognizable image characterized by the «badgyal» style. The versatility doesn’t stop there for the DJ, who is also an amateur of shatta, dancehall, or trap, and has co-founded her own music collective named Sixtion. «Create differently, Party differently» is the collective’s slogan, known for its lively Parisian parties. Recently, the young woman has also allowed us to discover her voice through just under 10 tracks, all very promising. We can’t wait to hear more.
Aime Simone - Singer, Musician
Tattooed with the word «reckless» on his left cheekbone and sporting a rather punkish appearance at first glance, Aimé Simone is one of the new faces of Parisian pop. The former model, inspired by the city of Berlin and influences from artists such as Billie Ellish, Drake and Rosalia, first made a name for himself after the success of his track «Shinning Light» in 2022. His soft, slightly spleen-like voice, highly personal lyrics reflecting his inner journey, and sounds ranging from classic pop to soul, emo trap and electro are all reasons why Parisian audiences have been drawn to him - and why he has signed with the label Because. The artist is also known for his singular visual aesthetic, with one of his music videos entirely created using artificial intelligence. Following the success of his latest album, «Oh Glory», Aimé Simone takes on the role of rising star & seems to be following in the footsteps of our French pop stars.
Broodoo Ramses - DJ
While some may have discovered DJ Broodoo Ramses at the Jacquemus x Boiler Room afterparty last December, the young talent has not ceased to amaze us and establish himself as one of Paris’s finest ambiance-makers. Initially affiliated with the &ce Recless collective led by Lala &ce, Broodoo Ramses went on to make a name for himself with his very singular style mixing jersey, garage and juke sounds, while remixing rap, baile funk or using voguing beats, exposing his audience to an impressive musical culture. Establishing himself on the Parisian club & rap queer scene, Broodoo also performed live in Berlin at HÖR a.k.a. the HQ of the European underground techno scene. Apparently a globetrotter, the same month we found our artist at the queer ball Sinderella in New York. Equally at home on the fashion scene, the young talent also got us dancing to his hybrid sets at the latest Mugler, Emporio Armani, Blue Marble and Songzio aftershows.
Suki - Musician, Performer
Initially at the center of the creative scene with campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Moncler and Nodaleto, the young Parisian Jade Rabarivelo, a.k.a Suki, also shares her talents as a musician, skilfully establishing herself on the emerging Paris scene. With a pseudonym inspired by Devon Aoki’s role in Fast & Furious, the young girl, guitar in hand, offers a genre all her own, blending soul, RnB and electro influences, all with a melancholy teenage feel. A strong 90’s image & aesthetic already established, in addition to the fashion magazines she’s been rubbing shoulders with for several years, Suki offers us a lo-fi & minimalist universe. If you hadn’t missed listening to her freshly released debut EP «Nineteen», you may have come across one of these acoustic sessions delivered on Instagram, in an intimate atmosphere.
Luther - Rapper, Producer
Based outside Paris, but nevertheless much appreciated by the Parisian public, the young Luther, barely 18, is establishing himself as one of the most promising rappers of 2023. The new wave of French rap, made up of artists such as La Fève, Khali, J9nueve and So La Lune, now welcomes a new talent with a mysterious universe and lyrics as melodious as they are incisive. Luther is a pure product of the internet generation, a homebody, a geek on the edge, spending his days locked away in his room making instrumentals or writing rhymes about his life, girls, his torments or desires, dropping a few references to video games or manga as in his latest EP, «Ami». Alternating between airy flow and melancholy piano notes, the young prodigy first exposed on Soundcloud & Twitter later signed to Disiz’s label, Sublime, ensuring his place alongside the biggest names. With a strong visual identity, between black & white drawing and graphic effects, a touch of old school, often blurry - Leaving room for all the mystery that lurks around the character and making us want to see, know and, above all, listen to more.