About
Biography
Early Life and Background
Sébastien Tellier was born on February 22, 1975, in Le Plessis-Bouchard, France. He developed an interest in music from an early age and was influenced by a wide range of genres, including electronic, pop, and psychedelic music. Tellier emerged as a key figure in the French music scene, blending experimental and melodic sounds.
Music Career and Early Releases
Tellier gained initial recognition in 2001 with the release of his debut album L’Incroyable Vérité (“The Incredible Truth”), a record that showcased his unique approach to songwriting and production. The album included the single Fantino, which gained additional exposure when it was featured in the film Lost in Translation (2003).
His follow-up album, Politics (2004), marked a shift towards a more sophisticated sound, incorporating elements of orchestral arrangements. The standout track, La Ritournelle, remains one of his most well-known songs, praised for its cinematic quality and lush instrumentation.
Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Tellier gained international attention when he represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song Divine. His performance was notable for its distinctive visual aesthetic and the use of a vocoder. Although the song did not place highly in the competition, it solidified his reputation as an avant-garde artist unafraid of taking creative risks.
Albums and Evolving Style
Over the years, Tellier has released multiple albums that explore different musical styles:
Sexuality (2008) – Produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk, this album delves into electronic and sensual themes.
My God Is Blue (2012) – A concept album that presents a utopian vision through its surrealist themes and grandiose arrangements.
L’Aventura (2014) – Inspired by Brazilian music, this album features a tropical and nostalgic sound.
Domesticated (2020) – A reflection on everyday life, with a more minimalistic production approach.
Tellier’s ability to reinvent his sound with each album has kept his work relevant and widely discussed within the music industry.
Collaborations and Influence
Throughout his career, Tellier has collaborated with various artists, including Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Air, and Philippe Zdar. His music has influenced numerous electronic and indie artists, and his work continues to be celebrated in contemporary pop and electronic music circles.
Recognition and Cultural Impact
Tellier has received critical acclaim for his innovative compositions and production techniques. His music has been featured in films, commercials, and television series, further expanding his reach beyond traditional music audiences. He is also known for his theatrical live performances, often incorporating elements of performance art.
Recent Activities
In 2020, Sébastien Tellier released his seventh studio album, Domesticated, on May 29. This album marked his return after a six-year hiatus and explored themes of domestic life, inspired by his experiences with marriage and fatherhood. The production featured collaborations with artists such as Corentin “nit” Kerdraon, Jam City, Mind Gamers, Varnish La Piscine, and the late Philippe Zdar.
In the same year, Tellier released an album titled Simple Mind, where he revisited and reinterpreted tracks from his previous works, including Sexuality, My God Is Blue, L’Aventura, and Domesticated.
Tellier’s involvement with the fashion industry continued as he collaborated with CHANEL. He composed two EPs to accompany the Haute Couture fashion shows for the Spring-Summer 2022 and Autumn-Winter 2022/2023 collections, staged by contemporary artist Xavier Veilhan.
In 2024, Tellier performed his renowned track “La Ritournelle” alongside Ensemble Matheus at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games, delivering a memorable rendition that resonated with audiences.
