Nouvelle Chanson

Nouvelle Chanson^[1] (French pronunciation: [nuvɛl ʃɑ̃sɔ̃], meaning "New Song"), derived from the French expression nouvelle scène française, sometimes anglicized as New Chanson, is a musical 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 as Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens or Barbara, albeit in a more soft-pop music style. However, the principal influences appear to be rockier artists such as Serge Gainsbourg or Brigitte Fontaine. Principal French exponents of Nouvelle Chanson include artists such as Benjamin Biolay, Émilie Simon, Coralie Clément, Keren Ann, Françoiz Breut, Olivia Ruiz, Dominique A, and Camille. 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-based Rufus Wainwright, his sister Martha 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-songwriter Ana Silvera.^[4]