New York, NY (Top40 Charts) A creative force to be reckoned with, Parisian electronic-pop singer-songwriter and producer
Claude Violante, returns with a new EP 'Road Race', set for release on 17th March via Panenka Music.
Through the four-track EP, the chameleonic producer challenges her own weaknesses, "the road I talk about is the path we all have in common, the words we all understand, the Pop music codes we can all agree on. While the race is about going against myself to discover new possibilities, new abilities I didn't know I had," explains Claude. Recorded in her home studio, just after releasing her free mixtape 'Radio Violante', the release credits Bastien Doremus from electronic duo TOYS, as the only outside contribution to the songs final mixes.
Offering an adventurous take on future pop,
Claude Violante's music - described by Earmilk - "effortlessly blends notes of driving 80's synth pop with 90's contemporary R&B". Her rich and unique soundscape is aptly illustrated in the opening track 'Do That Thing'; where her confessional and cinematic lyrics explore the intense feeling of desire-fulfillment. Singing "you can run no more, it hurts when you close that door", she carries a memorable hook through a restless bed of mesmerising analog synths and breathy vocal harmonies. The first single off the EP, 'Like That', sees tastefully picked drum patterns and old school's vocal samples wrapped around lyrics that are at the same time a celebration of loving someone and wanting to be free.
Closing on a more dramatic tone, 'Control' is about dealing with people's differences. Written as an homage to the 'Gay Pioneers' - who through their activism brought the partial decriminalization of homosexuality - the song paints France divisive political landscape during the anti-gay marriage protests, which tried to halt the momentum gained by the introduction of same-sex marriage in 2013. "Most American people must have felt the same when they realized a big portion of their own country was ready to breach the boundaries that have long constrained Americans' public discussion of sex and race", explains Claude. Taking a step back, 'U're The Man' defies gender roles stereotypes, while asking men to play a greater role on fighting for equality.
A prodigy of the French Electronic scene,
Claude Violante boasts an impressive resume; her first self-titled EP, included the underground hit 'Your Way', which ended up featuring in 'Pussy Riot Je T'aime', a compilation born from artists responding to the charges against Pussy Riot. Her distinctive vocals can be heard on Ed Banger Records producer Feadz 'Far From Home', a track included on the label's compilation 'Let The Children Techno'. The talented producer has also lent her hands to remixes for top artists such as La Roux, and as part of the French band Haussmann, she is known for 'Boys Like Us', which soundtracked the film's credits of Academy Award winner Jean Dujardin's comedy 'Les Infidèles'.
Her latest EP, 'Your
Heart Is Weak', released in the USA in partnership with MEN JD Samson's record label
Atlas Chair, saw her unique blend or future-pop gracing the pages of American music bible Billboard. With both Stereogum and Noisey already heaping praise onto her previous tracks, 'Road Race' is set to make
Claude Violante into one the most exciting names coming out of France in 2017.
