Nouvelle Chanson[1] (French pronunciation:[nuvɛlʃɑ̃sɔ̃], meaning "New Song"), derived from the French expressionnouvelle scène française, sometimesanglicized asNew Chanson, is amusical genre of Chanson which emerged in France in the 1990s and developed in the 2000s. This genre takes inspiration from such forefathers of French Chanson the 1950s-1970s asJacques Brel,Georges Brassens orBarbara, albeit in a more soft-pop music style. However, the principal influences appear to be rockier artists such asSerge Gainsbourg orBrigitte Fontaine. Principal 21st century French exponents of Nouvelle Chanson include artists such asBenjamin Biolay,Émilie Simon,Coralie Clément,Keren Ann,Françoiz Breut,Olivia Ruiz,Dominique A, andCamille. The term Chanson Nouveau is also used, and as a developing genre, there is considerable disagreement even in France about who belongs in this genre and how it is to be described.[2]
Well-known contemporary English speaking artists who might also be termed New Chanson in that their musical style is clearly traceable to this same Chanson lineage include artists such as New York-basedRufus Wainwright, his sisterMartha Wainwright (who has recorded Barbara's song 'Dis, quand reviendras-tu ?'),[3]Regina Spektor (showing French influence in songs such as 'Après moi' and 'Ne me quitte pas'),CocoRosie (originally American, now Paris-based) and London-based singer-songwriterAna Silvera.[4]
Nouvelle Chanson, whilst influenced by the forefathers of French Chanson (cited above) has developed through modern influences such asrock andelectronica. There is a tendency for theatricality and the adoption of personas, alongside intensely poetic lyrics incorporating surreal and metaphorical elements. Wry, intelligent humour is also often prevalent. However the defining characteristic of Chanson, both old and new, is that it focuses on the French language as vehicle and instrument. There is an emphasis on craftsmanship with many of the artists classically trained and/or having studied music academically (cf.Benjamin Biolay studied at theNational Conservatoire, Lyon,[5]Emilie Simon studied musicology at theUniversity of Montpellier,[citation needed] andAna Silvera has performed with theEnglish National Opera and at theRoyal Opera House[citation needed]) giving an intellectual aspect that sets this style of music apart from other genres such as pop, rock and 'anti-folk'.
Nouvelle Chanson artists can be divided into the following genres:
Nouvelle Chanson takes its inspiration artistically from Dada and Surrealism.Lyrically, inspiration is also drawn from fairy tales, contemporary poetry, and magical realist literature. It is also theatrical, and draws on the adoption of various personas.