Oct 31st, 2017, 11:00 AM

Emerging Artists: November Edition

By Oliver Edward Ross Henry
Thundercat. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons/Drew Yorke
A monthly series showing you the best new artists touring Paris.

October has come and gone, but November arrives smoothly with new, diverse artists and genres—from both the international and local sphere. 

NOVEMBER 1: Les Désaxés

Origin: France

When and where: 7:30 PM, The Alhambra, 21 rue Yves-Toudi, 75010 

This quartet consisting of soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophonists does not sound like your typical woodwind section. Instead of playing the greats like Charlie Parker and Sonny Rollins, these virtuosos perform comedic music.


LES DESAXES, Le chef d'orchestre


NOVEMBER 2-4: Pitchfork Music Festival

When and where: 5 PM, Grande Halle De La Villette, 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019

This year Pitchfork Music Festival has some big names like The National, Cigarettes After Sex, Tom Misch, and RUN THE JEWELS lined up, but who are the opening acts?

DAY 1: Chassol

Origin: France

Christophe Chassol is a French pianist known for his ability to fuse jazz and electronic music. He and his band also enjoy the occasional odd sample and time signature to shake it up. Chassol has gained a steady following in France as he has worked with Sebastien Tellier and Phoenix. Though he is not well known internationally, he is starting to amass popularity due to his recent work with Frank Ocean.

Chassol - Reich & Darwin (Big Sun)



DAY 2: Polo & Pan

Origin: France

Polo & Pan is a Parisian electronic duo formed in 2012. They derive their musical style from 1970s psychedelic rock and 21st-century electronic music. Though usually playing DJ sets, these two musicians will be performing on day 2 of Pitch Fork Music Festival with a live band!

POLO & PAN - Zoom Zoom (official video)

DAY 3: The Black Madonna

Origin: USA

The Black Madonna got into DJing by selling mix tapes at raves while living in Chicago. From there she started doing DJ sets and making music which is great to dance to by offering up some steady beats and groovy samples.

The Black Madonna - He Is The Voice I Hear

NOVEMBER 7: Oddisee

Origin: USA

When and where: 7 PM, La Bellevoise, 21 Rue Boyer, 75020

Oddisee is a multi-talented rapper, poet, and producer. Oddisee gained a large following in Paris after working with French DJ, 20syl. This concert at La Bellevoise is going to be a melange of hip-hop, rap, and slam poetry.

Oddisee - You Grew Up | Official Music Video

NOVEMBER 10: Lyre Le Temps

Origin: France

When and where: 11 PM, La Java, 105 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75010

Lyre les Temps is a French band that just released the new album Prohibition Swing. This band completely embodies the Jazz of that said era but modernizes it with hip-hop beats and vocals. This concert only costs 10 euros but is sure to go on all night.

Lyre Le Temps - Party Raiser

NOVEMBER 11: Kadhja Bonet

Origin: USA

When and where: 8 PM, Cafe de la Danse, 5 Passage Louis-Philippe, 75011

Kadhja Bonet is an up and coming singer/songwriter and classically trained violinist. Last year, Bonet released her first studio album The Visitor which amounted to incredible success. Now, Bonet continues to write and tour as she attempts to define herself as a modern jazz singer.

Khadja Bonet - The Visitor

NOVEMBER 18: Moon Hooch

Origin: Germany

When and where: 8:30 PM, La Clef, 46 Rue de Mareil, 78100 St. Germain en Laye

Take a day trip to the beautiful Parisian suburb of Saint Germain en Laye and cap off with a rambunctious acoustic rave. A melange of European and American heritage, Moon Hooch combines to make some of the best hardcore modern jazz. They have coined this genre "cave music" calling it "as funky as it is unlikely." These multitalented musicians can play nearly every woodwind instrument, all with the rhythm kept by energetic percussion. 

Moon Hooch: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

NOVEMBER 21: Thundercat

Origin: USA

When and where: 7:30 PM, Élysée Montmartre, 72 boulevard Rochechouart, 75018

Free your funk with Thundercat and his magnificent trio. Thundercat comes to you straight out of Compton, California, with some of the most sizable contemporary bass lines. Thundercats music is a unique blend of funk and jazz that is sure to impress. He has played bass or produced music for the likes of Kamasi Washington, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, and even Kendrick Lamar.

Thundercat - 'Uh Uh'