Disco lives on forever! Though Steve Dahl tried to put an end to the dance music subculture with Disco Demolition Night in 1979, the genre endures well into the 21st century, thanks to a surging, sensational European electronic scene. Cut from the same cloth as fellow French disco stalwarts Daft Punk, sextet L’Impératrice have become a staple in the post-French house, nu-disco era. Comprising Charles de Boisseguin, Hagni Gwon, David Gaugué, Achille Trocellier, Tom Daveau, and Flore Benguigui since their formation in 2012, L’Impératrice are one of the most enthralling dance acts working today.
The band’s most recent album, Tako Tsubo, is a masterclass in synth-heavy pop, with a bevy of staccato guitars and 4/4 drums in tow. It’s another incomparable stamp on an already-great legacy, and they’ve brought their captivating live set to America this summer. With San Diego’s CRSSD Festival just around the corner, L’Impératrice took the time to share a playlist of some of their favorite songs to get the festivities started.
Check out their picks below along with some words from each member of the band.
Beyonce, “Pure / Honey”
Because she’s always ahead of her time, because she is the only one who can turn a bitchy instrumental into a genuine hit, because she is the only Queen remaining, and because Questlove compared her album to a Michael Jackson classic ♡ – de Boisseguin
Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk”
The most efficient song, works every time! – Gaugué
DJ Kool, “Let Me Clear My Throat”
Love the use of the Kool and the Gang sample! Perfect peak-time song. – Daveau
Kali Uchis, “Fue Mejor”
Could have been any [song from] this extraordinary album Sin Miedo, my fave of all-time. – Gwon
Say She She, “Blow My Mind”
Amazing, groovy song from a new female-led American band. I especially love the vocals on this one, it reminds me of the Jones Girls with a little modern twist! – Benguigui
Gorillaz, “Dare”
My favorite song from my favorite band. Maybe the best [song] to discover if you don’t know them already! – Trocellier
Jim Hall, “Concierto De Aranjuez”
One of the best initiations to '70s jazz music, a long journey through sensitivity, poetry and mellow. I never heard a jazz classic interpreted by such a team of musicians: Jim Hall playing guitar, Ron Carter to the bass, Steve Gadd playing drums, masters Paul Desmond and Chet Baker playing Saxophone and trumpet, and my favorite pianist ever, Roland Hanna. – de Boisseguin
Peter Cat Recording Co., “Memory Box”
Very fresh and lo-fi. Gives me good vibes! – Gwon
Luiz Bonfá, “The Shade of the Mango Tree”
The only song that calms me down. I’m very fond of the arrangements. – Gaugué
Haircut 100, “Favorite Shirts”
Discovered recently this gem from the ‘80s. Very punchy with very groovy guitars! – Trocellier
Pierre Rousseau, “Maladresse”
The whole EP of this French producer is amazing but this one is definitely my favorite. Might be the best instrumental synth song to listen to in your bed if it’s cold and stormy outside. My personal favorite for when I’m feeling melancholic in my bunk on the tour bus. – Benguigui
Peaches & Herb, “Shake Your Groove Thing”
Best dance track! – Daveau
