Music
Listen to a playlist of French touch classics that inspire Notre Dame
The Parisian DJ and producer selects 12 tracks that shaped his journey into electronic music and influenced the sonic formula of his newly-founded record label, Paranormal Society
“I grew up in the golden years of French touch, and as a French artist, that heritage is something I carry with pride,” says Paris-born DJ and producer Notre Dame, who takes his name from the capital’s historic cathedral and famed cultural landmark. “It shaped the way I listen to and create music. I’d like to honour that legacy, and draw from it to create my own sound.'
Drawing on influences from the likes of Daft Punk, Cassius, and Justice with a style described as ‘modern French touch’, Notre Dame is continuing the legacy of an era that defined dance music forever. Not just in his productions and sets, but through his newly-founded record label, too, Paranormal Society – a testbed and “playground to do what I love”, he says.
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“It’s about showcasing my passion for Japanese anime culture, while also giving myself the freedom to express musically without limits. At the same time, I always want to keep a strong focus on the heritage of the French touch, which is at the core of my identity as an artist.”
Building on the momentum of a breakout year that saw him ascend to new heights with the release of beloved melodic single ‘Yumi’, and remixes for the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Röyksopp, and even Nelly Furtado & Timbaland, Notre Dame is now hot off the back of the release of a brand new six-track EP, ‘Nobody Told Me’, on Diynamic. To celebrate, we asked the Parisian artist to select the French touch tracks that shaped his sound.
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“These are some of the tracks that really shaped my journey into electronic music, among so many others of course,” he explains. “I have huge respect for all these artists, they’ve each contributed to the way I see and feel music today.”
Check out his selections below, and listen to Notre Dame's latest EP, 'Nobody Told Me’, here.
1 Laurent Garnier 'Sake Stars Fever' (2004)
2 Daft Punk 'Something About Us' (2001)
3 Stardust 'Music Sounds Better With You' (1998)
4 Cassius 'Cassius 1999' (1999)
5 Justice 'Genesis' (2007)
6 Air 'Sexy Boy' (1998)
7 Bob Sinclar 'I Feel For You' (2000)
8 Étienne de Crécy 'Am I Wrong' (2000)
9 Vitalic 'La Rock 01' (2001)
10 Sébastien Tellier 'La Ritournelle' (2005)
11 M83 'Midnight City' (2011)
12 The Supermen Lovers 'Starlight' (2001)
Keep up to date with news and releases from Paranormal Society, here.
