L'Imperatrice & Louve

Biography

L'Impératrice is a French pop and nu-disco band that originated in Paris in 2012, founded by keyboardist and songwriter Charles de Boisseguin. Initially conceived as a solo project, the group gradually expanded to include Hagni Gwon (keyboards), David Gaugué (bass), Tom Daveau (drums), and Achille Trocellier (guitar), with each member joining through a network of musical acquaintances. For the first three years, the band focused on instrumental music, aiming to offer an alternative to standard pop formats. In 2015, vocalist Flore Benguigui joined, marking a turning point in the band's sound and international reach, particularly with her debut on the EP 'Odyssée.'

L'Impératrice is known for blending '70s space disco, '90s synth pop, French house, new wave, Eurodisco, jazz, and funk, creating a lush, cinematic, and danceable sound that is both retro and modern. Their critically acclaimed albums, including 'Matahari' (2018), 'Tako Tsubo' (2021), and 'Pulsar' (2024), have cemented their reputation for sophisticated pop with a distinctly French flair. In September 2024, Benguigui departed the band, citing personal and artistic disagreements, and was soon replaced by French artist Louve as the new lead vocalist, signaling a new chapter for the group.

With Louve now fronting the band, L'Impératrice continues to evolve its sound while maintaining its core identity rooted in analog disco and dreamy Europop. Their music is celebrated for its intricate arrangements, infectious grooves, and a playful yet polished aesthetic that appeals to both nostalgic and contemporary audiences.

Fun Facts

• The band's name, L'Impératrice ('The Empress'), was chosen to reflect the feminine energy in their music, even before they had a female vocalist.
• Founder Charles de Boisseguin was a respected music journalist before starting the band, writing for Les Inrockuptibles and co-founding Keith magazine.
• L'Impératrice's early releases were entirely instrumental, with vocals only introduced after three years when Flore Benguigui joined.
• The group has expressed a dream of performing at Madison Square Garden, considering it one of their favorite venues.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• François de Roubaix - Influence on cinematic and melodic style (General influence, not specific albums) [1970s influence, cited throughout career]
• Michel Legrand - Inspiration for lush arrangements and French pop sensibility (General influence, not specific albums) [1970s influence, cited throughout career]

Key Collaborators

• Flore Benguigui - Lead vocalist from 2015 to 2024, shaped band's vocal identity (Odyssée, Matahari, Tako Tsubo, Pulsar) [2015–2024]
• Louve - Current lead vocalist, joined after Benguigui's departure (Pulsar (post-release performances, future projects)) [2024–present]
• Band members: Charles de Boisseguin, Hagni Gwon, David Gaugué, Tom Daveau, Achille Trocellier - Core creative collaborators and instrumentalists (All albums and live performances) [2012–present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging French disco-pop acts - Inspired a new wave of French nu-disco and synth-pop artists (General influence, no specific artists named) [2018–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Sickomode (Fena EP)
2. Cawuso (Fena EP)
3. Jarka (SOF010)
4. Instability: Closer Than You Will Ever Be (Impérieux Remix) (Instability: Closer Than You Will Ever Be (Impérieux Remix))
5. Kala (Kala)
6. Fena (Fena EP)
7. Saat (Fena EP)
8. Fena (Fena)
9. Fo Pio (Rezil)
10. Young (Rezil)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia