[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hen I first arrived in Toronto, I noticed a lack of electronic music that wasn’t defined by traditional EDM. While French groups like Daft Punk were able to penetrate the electronic musical scene, other groups like Darius, Breakbot, or Kavinski seemed to remain hidden and out of sight. These groups are part of something called ‘French touch,’ a musical movement that emerged in the ’90s that created solid foundations for the next 20 years of musical evolution and inspiration within electro. The French touch was influenced by European disco, space sounds, and 1980s American funk. Its style offers a myriad of different sounds that borrow from everything — from jazz notes to deep house beats.

This eclectic playlist displays a wide range of artists and genres for the French electronic music novice.

“La Ritournelle” by Sébastien Tellier

This first dip into FEM is a classic French song with emotional undertones that will lead you to a place of nostalgia. Tellier is a master at intertwining melancholic sounds with a dynamic rhythm.

“Hot Hands” by Darius

Darius gracefully transitions between sensual vocals and deep house beats. The rhythm he brings will have you on your feet in a second.

“Lying Together” by French Kiwi Juice (FKJ)

French Kiwi Juice is one of the most talented artists France has to offer. FKJ is sensational as it integrates saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, and electronic beats. This song will mesmerize you with incredible female vocals balanced with some hard funk.

“One Out Of Two (feat. Irfane)” by Breakbot

Many of you will know Breakbot for “Baby I’m Yours,” but the artist is much more than that hit song. His album combines features of pop and romance, with singing partner Irfane’s enchanting voice complementing his music in the most harmonious way.

“La lune rousse” by Fakear

Beginning with guitar and followed by simple vocal samples, Fakear defines himself with original, calming sounds. This is perfect music to listen to while studying.

“Delta” by C2C

This funky group of disco fiends will blow your mind. They were very popular in France a couple years ago with the release of their album Tetra, which offered a strange yet melodic suite of songs. The band members define themselves in a style that knows no competitor.

“New Order” by Dabeull

Dabeull is part of the record label Roche Musique and is a funk revival artist. A musician and established artist, Dabeuell has turned to combining funk and disco as the next stage of his artistic evolution.

“Escape” by Zimmer

Zimmer, a Parisian, draws on influences from both the city of love and California to create dreamy atmospheres that just sound like summer.

“I <3 U SO” by Cassius

Funky, electronic, and groovy.

“Genie (feat. Mayer Hawthorne)” by Busy P

The founder of Ed Bangers Records, Busy P is a master of his craft.

“Young Rich And Radical – Radio Mix” by Club cheval

Club cheval is a group of four DJs with both a unique sense of fashion and a unique approach to pop electro.

“Odd Look” by Kavinsky

The artist whose song “Nightcall” was featured in Drive with Ryan Gosling recently surprised fans with a followup album. His tunes are perfect for long drives, no surprise when one considers that his music has been used in advertisements by Mercedes Benz and BMW.

“Let the Beat Control Your Body (feat. Louisahhh!)” by Brodinski

Brodinski led the record label Bromance for the last five years, until deciding to shut it down. He is strongly influenced by the Atlanta rap community, and characterizes his music with a combination of rap and deep house.

“Bye Bye Macadam” by Rone

Rone is a specialist in sounds reminiscent of outer-space and astronomical technology, as evident in “Bye Bye Macadam.”

“Aleph” by Gesaffelstein

Formerly part of Bromance, Gesaffelstein dives into an obscure style of music filled with deep bass and rapid tempo.

“On’n’On” by Justice

Who can forget Justice? An iconic name in the world of electronic disco, “On’n’On” is an appropriate finish to this playlist.