What is the French touch style? Tips for adding Parisian flair to your home decor

The French touch style is a unique genre that is defined by a specific attitude and geographical location rather than a set of strict guidelines. This genre of music has been described as a fusion of various styles, including dreamy nostalgia, sultry shuffling, and distorted DIY techno. To better understand the French touch style, let’s take a look at some of its defining characteristics:

Geography: The French touch style originated in France, specifically in the Parisian club scene. The combination of French culture, architecture, and nightlife helped create the atmosphere that birthed this unique genre.

Sampling: Sampling is a key component of the French touch style. Artists were known to sample everything from disco and funk to Bollywood movie soundtracks to create their own unique sound.

Use of instruments: While sampling was a big part of the French touch style, instruments were still used extensively. You can hear everything from synthesizers to electric pianos in this genre of music.

Catchy hooks: French touch artists were masters of creating catchy hooks and melodies that would get stuck in your head for days.

Eclectic: French touch artists were not afraid to mix different styles and genres of music to create something entirely new and unique. This approach resulted in a genre of music that was eclectic, experimental, and always evolving.

Overall, the French touch style is a fascinating genre of music that is defined by its attitude, location, and willingness to experiment. Whether you are a fan of dreamy nostalgia or distorted DIY techno, the French touch style has something for everyone.

The Origins of French Touch Style

The French Touch style emerged in the 1990s and was largely influenced by the electronic music scene in Chicago, Detroit and New York. The French Touch artists were inspired to create a unique sound that combined elements of disco, funk, and 1970s pop music with modern electronic beats. These artists wanted to bring a touch of French sophistication and romance to the electronic music scene, and thus the French Touch genre was born. The French Touch sound quickly gained popularity and influence worldwide, particularly in Europe and the United States.

Characteristics of French Touch Music

French Touch music is characterized by its eclectic nature and distinctive sound. Some of the most common elements of French Touch music include:

• Dreamy and nostalgic 1970s pop-inspired melodies
• Catchy basslines and funky beats
• Sultry and sensual vocals
• Electronic and techno inspired beats
• Incorporation of live instruments such as guitar, trumpet, and saxophone

These elements come together to form a unique and memorable sound that is instantly recognizable as French Touch.

The Artists that Defined the French Touch Style

Several artists are considered pioneers of the French Touch music scene, including:

• Daft Punk – A duo consisting of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo that started in the early 1990s and quickly gained international popularity. Their album Homework is considered to be a landmark album in the French Touch genre.
• Air – A group consisting of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel that gained popularity in the late 1990s with their album Moon Safari. They are known for their dreamy and nostalgic melodies and their use of live instruments in their recordings.
• St. Germain – A solo artist named Ludovic Navarre, who gained popularity in the late 90s with his album Tourist. His music incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and African music, and has a distinctive shuffling beat.

These artists, along with several others, defined the French Touch sound and influenced electronic music for years to come.

French Touch Style’s Impact on Electronic Music

The French Touch style had a profound impact on electronic music, influencing artists all over the world to embrace its eclectic and innovative sound. French Touch artists paved the way for the incorporation of live instruments in electronic music and inspired many new genres such as nu-disco, indie dance, and electroclash. French Touch music is still popular today, and its influence can be heard in modern electronic music.

How to Incorporate French Touch Style into Your Home Decor

The French Touch style is not limited to music – it can also be incorporated into your home decor. Here are a few tips to bring a touch of French Touch style into your home:

• Choose furniture and decor that has a retro or vintage feel, such as mid-century modern pieces.
• Use warm and rich colors such as brown, gold, and burgundy, as well as bold prints and patterns.
• Incorporate live plants and natural elements such as wood, stone, and metal to add a touch of nature to your space.
• Focus on lighting, using warm and soft lighting to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere.

By incorporating these elements into your home decor, you can create a space that reflects the romance and sophistication of French Touch style.

French Touch Style in Fashion and Art

The French Touch style has also influenced fashion and art, with many designers and artists incorporating its distinctive elements into their work. Fashion designers such as Balmain, Yves Saint Laurent, and Isabel Marant have all drawn inspiration from French Touch music, incorporating funky prints, bold colors, and retro-inspired silhouettes into their designs. Artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring also drew inspiration from the eclectic and vibrant nature of French Touch music, creating bold and colorful pieces that reflect the spirit of the genre. In conclusion, French Touch style was a genre that combined different styles and influences to create a unique, innovative and irresistible sound. Its impact on the electronic music scene and beyond has been immense and its influence still heavily felt to this day. By incorporating elements of French Touch style into your home decor, fashion or art, you can bring a touch of romance, sophistication, and nostalgia into your life.