Mylène Farmer, the Silent Singer

Diego is a dear Parisian friend. He was named by his Spanish mother, and his love for French music was cultivated throughout his life between Paris and Provence. We invited Diego to introduce us to his favorite artists. Today, we publish the third post. The text was written in French. Below is our free translation.

By Diego Milatz

If there is one singer in France who stands out, it is Mylène Farmer, an essential figure in the French music scene.

Born in France, she lived in Canada until she was eight years old. She was discovered in 1984 during a radio contest organized by Laurent Boutonnat, who became her musical partner for the rest of her career. Her first song, 'Maman à tort', which tells of her love for a nurse, became a huge hit and instantly showed that the singer had something special. It was at this moment that she chose her stage name 'Farmer', in honor of the American actress Frances Farmer, who had a tragic fate.

Public recognition came in 1986 with the release of her song 'Sexy' and two key events: her physical transformation (she became a redhead, which distinguished her from all other French female singers of the time) and, notably, the video for this song (directed by Laurent Boutonnat), a true short film that revolutionized the music video landscape in France. Did she inspire Michael Jackson?

Two years later, she achieved recognition with the release of the album 'Ainsi soit je' and the song that made her a gay icon: 'Sans contrefaçon je suis un garçon' (Without falsification I am a boy). Another notable song on the album is 'Pourvu qu'elles soient douces' (the continuation of 'Libertine'), whose music video became a sensation due to its content and its 16-minute length. In addition, we can already distinguish her trademark 'Farmer': strong lyrics written by her, dealing with special themes: sex, death, religion, or love.

In 1989, Mylène Farmer performed live for the first time, and already another revolution was taking shape: a scripted, choreographed, stylized show; in short, a show 'à l'américaine' like nothing seen before in France. The 'Farmer' mark is reinforced, and all her shows become increasingly grandiose and impressive. Some like to call her 'the French Madonna'. From that moment on, all her albums sold millions of copies and all tickets to her shows sold out within minutes.

She became a superstar in France and Europe after the release of her third album 'The Other' and its song 'Désenchantée'. This album is still the second-best-selling female album in France (after 'D'eux' by Céline Dion), and 'Désenchantée' is her best-selling single.

This album is my favorite and includes both melancholic and dynamic songs: 'Je t'aime mélancolie', particularly scathing, and 'Beyond my control', whose music video caused a scandal. Also listen to the song 'L'autre', with fragrances mixing love and friendship, an emotionally charged song that personally brings me many memories....

Unfortunately, this incredible success is marred by a tragic event. At that time, an obsessed fan coldly killed the receptionist of the singer's record label because she refused to give him the address of his idol. From then on, Mylène Farmer became increasingly discreet in the media and distanced herself from the world of showbiz. She gave few interviews, made few promotions for her albums, and retreated into silence, allowing only her songs to speak. She even refused to have an official website. This behavior could certainly have hindered her career. But, on the contrary, she became a truly mystical icon to whom her audience dedicated a true cult.

We had to wait four years for her next album 'Anamorphosée' to be released. Recorded in California, this rock-sounding album marks a pause in Mylène Farmer's career. Although sales were challenging at the time of its release, the album ultimately triumphed and gave life to the cult songs of today: 'XXL', 'L'instant X', 'California', 'Rêver'.

Even though some media claim that Mylène Farmer no longer reaches the success she had when she started, the sales of her five other studio albums prove otherwise.

Furthermore, the increasingly incredible shows in the largest venues in France, all sold out, demonstrate that she still has a very large audience. To this day, she is the only French singer to have filled the 'Stade de France' (2009).

Some critics assert that her 'strategy of silence' is cleverly calculated to keep her loyal audience enchanted. Others say that she does not have an extraordinary voice and that it might even be weak.

I do not believe that. The duration of a career depends mainly on the talent of the artist, not on any strategy. Mylène Farmer, in my opinion, is simply shy. As for her voice, I would describe it as supernatural, even hypnotic. Few artists in France, after thirty years of career, ignite such passion. This is not a coincidence.

In deciding to dedicate this post to the idol Mylène Farmer, even though I have never been a huge fan despite liking several of her songs, I discovered superb compositions, particularly touching lyrics, and a singer with emotion and sensitivity that will forever be engraved in our souls and bodies.

I am now officially a fan of this divine redhead and sincerely hope you will become one as well.

Listen to the Conexão Paris playlist on Deezer featuring songs by Mylène Farmer:

Also read other articles written by Diego: