Abstract
Focusing on the long-running magazine Les Inrockuptibles, this article examines how far the “national myth” of French chanson (Looseley 2003) has been maintained in contemporary French music journalism, particularly in terms of the values of quality, emotion and social/political commitment. Discussion also highlights the importance attached to regenerating chanson: long-established artists are viewed in mentoring roles, while Serge Gainsbourg, more than twenty years after his death, is identified as a key inspiration. Chanson and the singer-songwriter are also situated within a broad network of musical and cultural influences and collaborations, both French and international. Moreover, the writing of lyrics in English is viewed as a legitimate aspiration. Finally, new developments in the production and mediatisation of chanson are represented in music coverage, as DIY/artisanal approaches become more popular and as the television talent show develops in new directions.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 85-96 |
Journal | Revue critique de fixxion française contemporaine |
Volume | 5 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2012 |