Eugénie is the voice defining French pop and beyond right now. Singing from a young age, the musician has gone on to release a series of singles and projects, and as we speak, is touring across Europe. Combining sultry vocals with a dream-like aesthetic, Eugénie’s ‘multi-pop’ music feels like anticipating something special: starting slow, keeping you hooked, and primed for the drop.

We caught up with her to discuss the French music scene, what she wants people to take away from her music, and when she knew she wanted to make it a career.

How would you describe your sound and what makes it unique?
I definitely have a mainstream pop background but what I really like about pop is how you can play with different influences like alternative music, D&B, R&B, or hyperpop. I like productions to be playgrounds for my voice and feelings. I never want to express myself in the same way, it’s boring. I am multiplicitous and free in my creative process. I like to say I do multi-pop music.

Was there a lightbulb moment for you when you knew you wanted to pursue music?
I went on stage for the first time at 13 years old, and since then I’ve been looking for that feeling each time. Then I discovered writing. It is therapeutic to me but also a way to connect with people on a deeper level. I would say the hardest thing was to consider this passion a full time job, I was afraid it would make the magic go away but I always find new ways to create that magic.

How does the French music scene differ from others that you’ve encountered?
The French scene is not that different from other scenes, rap music is the new pop there. The only thing I would say is that French people often tell me I should only write in French as it is my native language. But what’s funny is that English speaking people don’t even second guess my choice. The French language is beautiful and I understand why rap music has become so popular, we’re really into lyrics. French writing actually helped me improve my songwriting. I never quit it, I just came back to my first musical language which is English.

Who are your creative influences?
I feel like my mother influenced the way I create. She’s a painter and her abstract paintings made me realise our creation process is similar. We like the same painters: Cy Twombly, Basquiat, Monet, Turner… I like when creations feel spontaneous and almost naïve, but also very well constructed. I also like how art can be soothing and contemplative. I feel the same way about music. 

What’s one thing you want people to take away from your music?
I worked on my mental health these past few years. I’ve learned that I don’t feel good when I’m not allowing myself to feel emotions, whether they’re positive or negative ones. That’s why I let myself be vulnerable in my last song, I want people to take vulnerability as a way to connect and feel understood.

What one song do you wish you’d written and why?
I wish I wrote “Yesterday” by The Beatles, it’s a classic. But I feel like the most beautiful things are the simplest ones. Love is always the most common theme but also the most relatable one, and there’s a naturally easy flow to the melody.