Folamour

Last updated
Folamour
Birth nameBruno Boumendil
Genres Electronic, house, disco, French house
Years active2014–present
Website folamour.love

Bruno Boumendil, known artistically as Folamour, is a French DJ, producer, and founder of FHUO Records. Considered an influential figure in the recent revival of French house and disco producers, [1] his diverse catalog includes albums, EPs, and remixes, featuring a blend of house grooves and disco textures. Known for his dynamic performances and versatile sets, Folamour has established himself in the underground house scene with his sample-based four-on-the-floor tracks. [2]

Contents

Career

Folamour's early work spanned genres from pop to jazz, eventually leading him to focus on house music. [3] His music is deeply influenced by his upbringing in Lyon, a city that played a crucial role in his artistic development. His early life was marked by frequent moves and a sense of displacement, which drove him to immerse himself in music and literature. [4] Folamour is trained in guitar, drums, bass, and percussion. [5]

Folamour first gained recognition with his debut EP, Deeply Rooted Vibes, released around 2014. This EP marked the beginning of his career in house music, characterized by a blend of house grooves, disco textures, and emotional depth. [4] His second album, Ordinary Drugs, was released in February 2019, following his 2017 debut album Umami. Umami is an 11-track LP characterized by its blend of house, disco swing, and future jazz, [1] and is inspired by Folamour's appreciation for Japanese culture.

In 2019, Folamour performed 140 gigs worldwide. The year 2020 marked a hiatus from touring, during which he focused on refining his production skills. [6] On February 6, 2021, he released the single "Just Want Happiness," which came in advance of his upcoming album, the details of which had yet to be announced at the time. In March 2021, Folamour released the epynomous single "The Journey" ahead of his upcoming album, [7] which was released in June of that year. [8] The album, described as a personal project exploring themes of love and freedom, was well-received and marked a shift from using samples and computers to writing original texts and recording live instruments. The Journey featured collaborations with SG Lewis, Tertia May, and Zimbabwean artist Zeke Manyika. [9] In a review for Clash Magazine , Ben Miles rated the album 8 out of 10 and described it as a bold shift from Folamour's earlier sample-based house sound. Moving away from 70s and 80s disco influences, the album embraces live instruments like acoustic drums and electric guitar, showcasing his "extensive musicality". He highlights that tracks such as "The Journey" and "Lost in Space" mix house, techno, and pop, pushing his music toward mainstream appeal. Miles also notes the rhythmic experiments and lush synths in songs like "We Gotta Wake Up This World From Its Sleep," signaling what he saw as Folamour’s evolution from DJ to composer. [8] Following The Journey's release, Folamour resumed his extensive touring, performing across the United States and Europe. [6]

Following The Journey, Folamour released the single "Fearless" in April 2022 and "Alive" in December 2022. "Fearless" had become a staple in his DJ sets prior to its official release, generating significant anticipation among fans. It marked Folamour's first release since The Journey. [10] "Alive" marked a continuation of Folamour's evolving approach to music production. Departing from the use of samples, he wrote and recorded his own vocals for the track, incorporating live instrumentation such as orchestral strings, live piano, and electronic drums and bass. [3]

In May 2023, Folamour released his fifth studio album, Manifesto, through Columbia France, Ultra, and his own FHUO Records imprint. This 14-track album took two years to complete and was described by Folamour as a deeply personal project that explores themes of love and freedom. It features collaborations with Amadou & Mariam, Baccus, Jungle By Night, Khazali, Emmanuel Jal, and Tim Ayre. It was described by Mixmag as "building on signature house sound while also venturing into new sonic territories." [11] This album continued to showcase Folamour's ability to blend different musical styles and work with a wide range of collaborators. [12]

In 2024, to celebrate a decade in the industry, Folamour embarked on a series of special releases, beginning with Pressure Makes Diamonds, a single characterized by sentimental chords, disco influences, and pitched-down vocals. The track reflects his experiences growing up in Lyon. He also organized a free open-air launch party in Lyon's Parc des Berges as part of his Decade Together Tour, paying tribute to the city that had supported him during his formative years as an artist. [4]

Folamour has performed at renowned venues and festivals globally, including the Olympia in Paris, Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Paradiso in Amsterdam, and Printworks in London. He has also performed at major festivals such as such as Glastonbury, Tomorrowland, Sónar, [12] Gala, [13] Pete The Monkey, [14] Marsatac, [15] Parklife, [16] Kappa FuturFestival, [17] Karrusel, [18] and Cabourg Mon Amour. [19] By December 2022, he had played over 500 live dates internationally. [3] He has been recognized for his ability to connect with audiences and create distinctive atmospheres during his performances. [12]

Folamour has been recognized in Mixmag's lists of "The 21 Top DJs Of The Year" in 2021 [20] and "Top Live Acts Of The Year" in 2022. [21] The magazine has described him as "one of the most sought after ticket-sellers in the game" [20] and as "not just a DJ but also a performer." [21]

In addition to his solo work, Folamour co-founded the label Moonrise Hill Material in 2017 and has collaborated with Lyon's National Orchestra. [1] In August 2022, Folamour launched record label House of Love. [22] The label was introduced with the release of an EP by French DJ/producer Kousto, titled When We Were There. This four-track EP, which includes the lead track "Friendship For Lovers" and a collaboration with Folamour titled "Jungle Bird," explores the concept of "future memories of the past." Folamour has stated that he envisioned the label as a space without musical limits, where any track that resonated emotionally would find a home. [23] Through these ventures, Folamour has played a significant role in shaping the modern French house and disco scene. [1]

His musical output includes releases on various labels, such as All City, Glitterbox, [24] Classic Music Company, Church, Kyoku Records, [1] as well as his own label, FHUO Records. [25]

Discography

Albums and EPs

Singles

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Felix da Housecat</span> American DJ and record producer

Felix da Housecat is an American DJ and record producer, mostly known for house music and electro. Felix is regarded as a member of the second wave of Chicago house.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music Sounds Better with You</span> 1998 single by Stardust

"Music Sounds Better with You" is the only record by the French house trio Stardust, released on 20 July 1998. Stardust comprised the Daft Punk member Thomas Bangalter, the DJ Alan Braxe and the vocalist Benjamin Diamond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justice (band)</span> French electronic music duo

Justice is a French electronic music duo consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay. Justice is known for incorporating a strong rock influence into their music and image.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Booka Shade</span> German house music duo

Booka Shade is a German house duo. It is made up of Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier, described as veterans of the Frankfurt electronic music scene. They have released 7 studio albums, including Memento (2004), Movements (2006), The Sun & the Neon Light (2008), More! (2010), Eve (2013), Galvany Street (2017), Cut the Strings (2018), various EPs and a mix album for DJ-Kicks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AutoKratz</span>

autoKratz is a London based electronic duo composed of David Cox and Russell Crank. They have released on both French electronic label Kitsuné Music and their own imprint Bad Life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gesaffelstein</span> French record producer and DJ

Mike Lévy, known professionally as Gesaffelstein, is a French music programmer, DJ, songwriter and record producer from Lyon. He has worked alongside artists such as the Weeknd, Daft Punk, Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, Electric Youth, Haim, Miss Kittin, The Hacker, Jean-Michel Jarre, Lil Nas X, Charli XCX, and Pharrell Williams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defected Records</span> British record label

Defected Records, or simply Defected, is a British independent record label specialising in house music recordings, compilation albums, events, publishing, artist bookings and management.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys Noize</span> German music producer (born 1982)

Alexander Ridha, better known by his stage name Boys Noize, is a German electronic music record producer, songwriter, and DJ. In 2005, Ridha established his label, Boysnoize Records. Ridha has remixed the work of a number of other artists, including Snoop Dogg and Depeche Mode. In 2019, he produced Frank Ocean's song "DHL".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maya Jane Coles</span> British musician

Maya Jane Coles is a British music producer, audio engineer and DJ, born in London. Under her real name, she mostly composes and plays house and techno music, while her alias Nocturnal Sunshine creates darker, more bass-driven productions with a heavy hip-hop and dub influence. She was previously part of an electronic dub duo called She Is Danger with Lena Cullen.

<i>Spitfire</i> (EP) 2011 EP by Porter Robinson

Spitfire is the debut extended play (EP) by American electronic music producer Porter Robinson, released on September 13, 2011, through Owsla. After releasing his 2010 single "Say My Name", Robinson expressed desire to explore different musical genres by producing an EP, diverging from his traditional eurodance style. Spanning a range of genres, Spitfire marked the inaugural release on Owsla and caused Beatport to crash following its promotion by musicians Skrillex and Tiësto. The EP charted at UK Dance Albums, Dance/Electronic Albums and Heatseekers Albums, with Robinson subsequently embarking on a tour to promote it. Songs "The State" and "Unison" received particular attention for their libertarian themes and use in DJ sets, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tchami</span> French DJ (born 1985)

Martin Joseph Léonard Bresso, better known by his stage name Tchami, is a French record producer and DJ from Paris. A founding member of the Pardon My French collective, he is best known for his solo work and regarded as a pioneer of the future house genre – the term for which he coined – alongside Dutch DJs Oliver Heldens and Don Diablo.

Bicep are an electronic music production and DJ duo from Belfast, Northern Ireland, consisting of Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gordo (DJ)</span> American disc jockey, record producer and former rapper (born 1991)

Diamanté Anthony Blackmon, known professionally as Gordo and formerly known as Carnage, is a Nicaraguan-American disc jockey, record producer, and former rapper. Born in Washington, DC and raised by Nicaraguan parents. He first gained recognition for his DJ mixes and live performances at music festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival. He began releasing EDM singles in 2012 and occasionally performed as a recording artist; however, he has since retired from doing so, along with his Carnage stage name in favor of Gordo in 2022, after which he began working solely in production for other artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joseph Capriati</span> Italian electronic music producer and DJ

Joseph Capriati, born as Giuseppe Capriati is an Italian DJ and music producer.

Gqom, gqom tech, sgubhu, 3-Step or G.Q.O.M) is an African electronic dance music genre and subgenre of house music, that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, South Africa, pioneered and innovated by music producers Naked Boyz, Rudeboyz, Sbucardo, Griffit Vigo, Nasty Boyz, DJ Lag, Menzi Shabane, Distruction Boyz and Citizen Boy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Midland (DJ)</span> Musical artist

Harry Agius, known professionally as Midland, is a British DJ, producer and record label owner who began his career in Leeds and is now based in London. He founded his label Graded in 2013 as an output for his own productions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moon Boots</span> American DJ and music producer (born 1984)

Peter Dougherty, who goes by the stage name Moon Boots, is an American DJ and music producer from Brooklyn, New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charlotte de Witte</span> Belgian DJ and record producer

Charlotte de Witte is a Belgian DJ and record producer, best known for her "dark and stripped-back" brand of acid techno and minimal techno. She has previously performed under the alias Raving George. She is the founder of the labels KNTXT and Époque.

Emma Kirby, known as Elkka, is a Welsh producer, vocalist, and DJ. With a background of songwriter and vocalist for Elkka is best known for winning the Essential Mix of the Year (BBC1) in 2021. She is also known as the co-founder of femme culture, which she founded with her partner Alex Lambert, an inclusive queer platform. The label organizes the annual HeForShe compilation, and all profits go to the charity U.N. Women.

Ben Sterling is a British DJ and electronic music producer from London. He has been described as "a leader of the UK’s new school" by Mixmag.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Folamour goes record shopping at Chez Emile Records | DJ Mag Crate Diggin' | S1 E1". DJ Mag. 2020-03-31. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  2. ↑ "Folamour on his quarantine studio set-up and how it's inspired new music". MusicTech. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  3. 1 2 3 Ingram, Niamh (December 11, 2022). "Feel 'Alive' with Folamour's latest single". Mixmag . Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  4. 1 2 3 "Folamour shares new single, 'Pressure Makes Diamonds', via All Night Long: Listen". DJ Mag. 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  5. ↑ Taneva, Sianna (2024-01-22). "Folamour returns to London with 'A Decade Together'". Electronic Groove. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  6. 1 2 "The 21 Top DJs Of The Year 2021". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  7. ↑ Skala, Jemima (March 20, 2021). "Folamour embarks on 'The Journey' on latest single". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  8. 1 2 Miles, Ben (2021-06-10). "Folamour - The Journey". Clash Magazine . Retrieved 2024-09-20.
  9. ↑ Fielding, Amy (2021-03-19). "Folamour announces new album, 'The Journey'". DJ Mag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  10. ↑ Eede, Christian (2022-04-29). "Folamour releases new single, 'Fearless': Listen". DJ Mag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  11. ↑ Buckle, Becky (May 26, 2023). "Folamour releases new album 'Manifesto'". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  12. 1 2 3 Rosemberg, Yosef (2024-04-10). "Folamour shares a special track as free download ahead of Coachella's debut". Electronic Groove. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  13. ↑ Bird, Sophie (2024-06-17). "Gala Festival celebrated its ninth year with Folamour as headliner". FLAVOURMAG. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  14. ↑ Campbell, Maeve (2023-06-22). "Partying, but not for profit – 8 ethical music festivals in the UK and Europe". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  15. ↑ "Orelsan, Eddy de Pretto, The Blaze et 50% de femmes... Marsatac 2019 fait dans le pointu". Le Figaro (in French). 2019-02-28. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  16. ↑ "Parklife reveals 2024 headliners including Doja Cat, Disclosure and J Hus". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  17. ↑ "9 photos of Kappa FuturFestival, an art and techno lover's dream". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  18. ↑ "14 of the best images from Copenhagen's electric Karrusel Festival 2022". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  19. ↑ Davet, Stéphane (2019-07-01). "Cabourg mon amour, festival rafraîchissant". Le Monde (in French). Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  20. 1 2 "The 21 Top DJs Of The Year 2021". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  21. 1 2 "The 15 Top Live Acts Of The Year 2022". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  22. ↑ "Folamour Releases New Album 'Manifesto' Out Now". Mixmag Caribbean. May 26, 2023. Retrieved 2024-09-11.
  23. ↑ "Folamour launches label, House Of Love, with Kousto EP". DJ Mag. 2023-01-16. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  24. ↑ Fielding, Amy (2021-03-19). "Folamour announces new album, 'The Journey'". DJ Mag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
  25. ↑ "Folamour proclaims to 'Just Want Happiness' on latest single". Mixmag. Retrieved 2024-08-29.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.