Do you know the Indétendances albums? Edited every two months by Fnac since 2002, these compilations highlight the current musical events of the independent labels and self-produced artists supported by Fnac.
Committed to musical diversity and access to all cultures, Fnac actively participates in promoting these independent groups. The Festival itself is the live translation of these albums and it represents a great opportunity for its musicians who have the possibility to perform in front of a large audience. Thanks to FnacIndétendances artists such as Anaïs, Abd al Malik, Emily Loizeau or even Pauline Croze have been revealed.

 

Taking place for the first time in the main square of Paris Town Hall, after five years on the Sully Bridge, the 2009 Festival is growing in momentum!
This year, there will be more than 30 artists sharing the bill: a very eclectic programme with notably Amadou & Mariam, Naïve New Beaters, La Rue Kétanou, Cirkus with Neneh Cherry, Peter von Poehl, Joseph Arthur and Joseph d’Anvers, to name but a few.
Previously unseen events will pepper the festival. On Wednesday 5 August, Parisians will be able to discover Africa Express. Musical collaboration between African and Western musicians, this concept is based on music, people and the celebration of cultures. Africa Express takes place in different places, generally unannounced and without prior rehearsal. After Kinshasa, Liverpool, Lagos and London where Western artists met and played with African musicians, it is now down to Paris to welcome them, with, among others, Amadou & Mariam and Damon Albarn. Those who are not lucky enough to participate in this incredible experience will be able to obtain the first Africa Express compilation, which will be exclusively released in mid-July across the 144 Fnacs, in association with Puma, another of the PPR Group’s brand.

 

Another highlight of the festival, the election of the most Rock n’ Roll city in France! Friday 31 July, FnacIndétendances is organising a great musical battle between Bordeaux and Clermont-Ferrand. With Noir Désir on one side, Jean-Louis Murat on the other, these two cities have already proved their musical enthusiasm. To defend the respective colours of their city, three groups and a prestigious sponsor will be competing relentlessly, but not without a bit of humour!

 

Finally, three artists ‘Découvertes 2009 du Printemps de Bourges et de la Fnac’ (2009 Talent Discovery Programme of Printemps de Bourges and Fnac) were selected by record dealers to be programmed during the festival: Beat Torrent (electro), Karimouche (French songs) and The Bewitched Hands on the top of your Heads (electro-folk).
Also, for the first time ever, Fnac Indétendances will be present on board iD-TGV and iD-NiGHT, these trains offering various "moods" of travel, from 17 August to 30 September. A unique opportunity to discover the artists supported by the Fnac in exclusive acoustic show-cases. Furthermore, all travellers with a “concert” ticket are to meet on board the trains in the coach where the bar is and where the DJs provide electro sets in an atmosphere worthy of some of the best clubs around!

 

Find all the programming on www.fnaclive.com