Clio: The French Touch of Electro-Pop

Clio is the stage name of French singer-songwriter and electro-pop artist Clémence Quélennec. Hailing from Paris, she has carved out a distinct space in the modern French music scene with her blend of nostalgic synthesizers and candid lyricism. Her major label debut album, "Éternité rentable," released in 2020, marked a significant commercial and critical peak in her career.

Early career

Clémence Quélennec began her musical journey under the moniker Clio in the early 2010s, initially sharing demos and early tracks online. Her first official release, the EP "T'as vu," arrived in 2014, showcasing her knack for crafting intimate, synth-driven pop songs with a distinctly Parisian cool. This early work caught the attention of the independent label Midnight Special Records, which helped cultivate her initial following.

Breakthrough

Clio's breakthrough arrived with her 2018 single "Fais-moi une place," a track that became an airplay staple on French radio. Its success paved the way for her signing with the major label Columbia Records France later that year. The subsequent release of her debut album "Éternité rentable" in 2020 solidified her status, with the record charting in France and being certified gold.

Key tracks

Fais-moi une place — This 2018 single was her first major radio hit, defining her signature blend of melancholic melodies and danceable beats.

Éternité rentable — The title track from her debut album is a quintessential example of her sharp, observational songwriting wrapped in lush production.

La fin du monde — A later single that showcases a more expansive, cinematic side of her electro-pop style.

T'as vu — The title track from her first EP remains a fan favorite, capturing the raw, intimate feel of her early work.

Following her debut album's success, Clio has continued to evolve her sound, collaborating with producers like Yuksek and releasing the well-received 2023 EP "Choses crues." Her music often explores themes of love, anxiety, and modern life with a poetic yet direct French touch. She maintains a consistent presence on the French festival circuit and continues to receive strong support from national radio.

Fans of Clio's stylish French electro-pop also enjoy the music of Vendredi Sur Mer, who shares a similar minimalist, spoken-word influenced approach. Claire Laffut explores comparable territories of chic, narrative-driven pop music from Belgium. The sophisticated production and lyrical depth of Fishbach will also appeal to listeners. For those who appreciate the synth-pop foundation, the iconic French sound of Air serves as a clear influence.

Clio's catalog is a staple on the playlists of numerous French and international online radio streams specializing in modern pop and independent music. Her hits are regularly featured on stations dedicated to the French Touch genre and contemporary alternative pop, ensuring her voice reaches a global audience of discerning listeners.

You can discover the evocative electro-pop of Clio by tuning into the radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can explore her discography, from early EPs to her gold-certified album, through the various independent music radio stations available on onairium.com.