An Interview: French 79

 

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Hailing from Marseille, French 79—aka Simon Henner—has emerged as one of the most exhilarating voices reimagining the French Touch legacy with a modern twist. Drawing from a rich lineage that spans Erik Satie and Jean-Michel Jarre to AIR and Daft Punk, Henner blends psychedelic textures with bold synths, crafting a sound that’s both dancefloor-ready and steeped in nostalgia. With just three albums—Olympic (2016), Joshua (2019), and TEENAGERS (2023)—he’s carved out a global following, proving himself a visionary unafraid to push the boundaries of electronic music.

We had an insightful interview with French 79 , diving into his musical journey, inspirations, and the unique perspective he brings to the electronic scene. Simon Henner’s candid responses reveal not just a producer, but a storyteller whose work resonates with passion and energy. This conversation offers a window into his creative world, setting the stage for a deeper appreciation of the magic behind his music.

And for French 79 fans, there’s more to celebrate: the artist is set to take the stage at Istanbul’s beloved Gezgin Salon Festival in the summer of 2025! On June 28-29 at Bonus Parkorman, Henner will bring his nostalgic yet electrifying synths to life under the summer sun, sharing the lineup with acts like AIR, Neil Frances, and King Hannah. It’s a performance that promises to capture the festival’s vibrant spirit and invite Istanbul to dance.

 

Hello Simon, thanks for this interview. What are you doing these days? 

Hello! These days, I'm focused on preparing for my upcoming live performances and working on new music. I'm also spending time exploring new sounds and experimenting with different synthesizers to keep my creative process fresh and exciting.

Your interest in music dates back to your childhood, and you received training in percussion and piano at the conservatory. How has this classical music education influenced your electronic music productions? 

My classical music education has been fundamental in shaping my approach to electronic music. It has given me a strong foundation in music theory and composition, which I use to create complex and emotive electronic tracks. The discipline and attention to detail I learned from classical training have also influenced my production process, ensuring that every element of my music is carefully crafted.

You've mentioned artists like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder as influences on your music. How have you drawn inspiration from these artists, and how have you blended these influences to create your unique sound? 

Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder have been pioneers in electronic music, and their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments has greatly inspired me. I've drawn inspiration from their ability to create emotive and atmospheric sounds using technology. In my own music, I blend these influences by incorporating analog synthesizers and creating textures that evoke a sense of nostalgia while still sounding modern and fresh.

After working with bands like Nasser and Husbands, you launched your solo project, French 79, in 2014. How did this transition to a solo project come about, and what motivated this decision? 

The transition to a solo project was a natural evolution for me. After working with bands, I felt a strong desire to explore my own creative vision without compromise. I was motivated by the freedom to experiment with different sounds and styles, and to create music that truly reflected my personal experiences and emotions. Launching French 79 allowed me to do just that.

Your debut EP, 'Angel' and particularly the track 'Between the Buttons' garnered international attention. How did this early success impact your career and approach to music? 

The early success of 'Angel' and 'Between the Buttons' was both exciting and validating. It gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my solo project and to trust my creative instincts. The international attention also opened up new opportunities for collaborations and performances, which have been instrumental in shaping my career. It motivated me to keep pushing the boundaries of my music and to strive for excellence in every track I produce.

Following your 2016 album Olympic you released Joshua in 2019 and Teenagers in 2023. What were the main themes and emotions that influenced you during the creation of each album? 

Each album has been influenced by different themes and emotions. 'Olympic' was about capturing the energy and excitement of my early experiences in the music industry. 'Joshua' drew inspiration from childhood memories and the soundtracks of 80s and 90s sci-fi films, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder. 'Teenagers' explores the emotions and experiences of adolescence, including the discovery of freedom, first loves, and the challenges of growing up.

In your Joshua album, you drew inspiration from childhood memories and the soundtracks of 80s and 90s sci-fi films. How did you merge these nostalgic elements with modern electronic music? 

To merge these nostalgic elements with modern electronic music, I focused on incorporating analog synthesizers and creating textures that evoked the sounds of the past. I also used modern production techniques to ensure that the music sounded fresh and relevant. The goal was to create a blend of old and new, capturing the essence of those childhood memories while still pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

You've shared that you recorded at Jean-Michel Jarre's studio and had the opportunity to work with legendary synthesizers. How did this experience influence the technical and creative aspects of your music? 

Recording at Jean-Michel Jarre's studio was an incredible experience that had a profound impact on my music. Working with legendary synthesizers allowed me to explore new sounds and textures that I hadn't previously considered. The technical aspects of the studio also influenced my production process, inspiring me to pay even more attention to detail and to strive for the highest quality in my recordings.

You're known for your interest in analog synthesizers. How do you balance analog and digital technologies in your music, and how does this balance affect the character of your sound? 

Balancing analog and digital technologies is crucial in my music. Analog synthesizers provide a warmth and character that is difficult to replicate with digital tools. However, digital technologies offer flexibility and precision that can be invaluable in the production process. I strive to use the best of both worlds, incorporating the rich textures of analog synthesizers with the versatility of digital plugins to create a unique and dynamic sound.

How did you approach composing music for the film 'Sur un fil'? Could you share the story of how you became involved with this project? 

Composing music for 'Sur un fil' was a unique challenge that allowed me to explore new creative avenues. I became involved with the project through a mutual connection who thought my music would be a good fit for the film's aesthetic. My approach was to create a score that complemented the film's narrative and visual style, using a blend of electronic and acoustic elements to evoke the desired emotions.

When adapting 'Between the Buttons' for the film, what elements did you consider? How did you infuse new dimensions into the original track during this process? 

When adapting 'Between the Buttons' for the film, I considered how the track could enhance the scene's emotional impact. I infused new dimensions into the original track by adding layers of instrumentation and adjusting the arrangement to better fit the film's pacing and mood. The goal was to create a version of the track that felt fresh and engaging while still retaining its core identity.

What differences did you experience between composing for a film and working on your solo albums? How has creating film music influenced your creative process? 

Composing for a film requires a different mindset compared to working on solo albums. When scoring a film, the music must serve the narrative and enhance the visuals, whereas solo albums allow for more personal expression. Creating film music has influenced my creative process by encouraging me to think more cinematically and to consider how my music can evoke specific emotions and atmospheres.

Following the 'Sur un fil' project, do you have plans to engage in more film scoring? How might this experience shape your future work? 

I am definitely open to more film scoring opportunities in the future. The experience of working on 'Sur un fil' has expanded my creative horizons and inspired me to explore new ways of incorporating visual storytelling into my music. I believe that this experience will continue to shape my future work, both in terms of composition and production.

You will be performing in Istanbul once again this summer on Gezgin Salon Festival. How do you feel about it? What do you remember about your previous concert in Istanbul? (about the city or audience) Do you know anything about Turkish music scene? 

I am thrilled to be performing in Istanbul again this summer. My previous concert in Istanbul was an incredible experience, with an enthusiastic and engaged audience. I remember the city's vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage. While I am not deeply familiar with the Turkish music scene, I am always eager to learn more and connect with local artists and fans.

Who are you listening to these days? T

hese days, I've been listening to a diverse range of artists, including both electronic and non-electronic genres. Some of my current favorites include Floating Points, Jon Hopkins, and Nils Frahm. I also enjoy exploring new and emerging artists to stay inspired and up-to-date with the latest trends in music.

Is there anything else you are passionate about besides music? 

Besides music, I am passionate about outdoor activities such as skateboarding, mountain hiking, and sailing. These activities not only provide a much-needed break from the studio but also inspire my creative process by allowing me to connect with nature and experience new perspectives.

What are your plans for the near future? 

In the near future, I plan to continue touring and promoting my latest album, 'Teenagers.' I am also excited to explore new collaborations and experiment with different musical styles. Additionally, I hope to spend more time in the studio working on new material and pushing the boundaries of my sound.

Thank you very much, finally, is there a message you would like to give to your Turkish listeners? 

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for my music. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to perform in Istanbul again and to connect with such a passionate and engaged audience. I look forward to seeing you all at the Gezgin Salon Festival and sharing this incredible experience together.