Play The Bass: The Groove-Driven Force of French Electro-Funk

Play The Bass is the dynamic French electronic music project helmed by producer and multi-instrumentalist Julien Granier. Emerging from the vibrant Lyon scene, the act carved a distinct niche by fusing infectious basslines with live instrumentation, achieving notable success with their debut album charting in France and securing a gold certification for their breakthrough single.

Early career

Julien Granier formed Play The Bass in Lyon, France, around 2008, initially as a studio experiment. His vision was to bridge the gap between electronic production and the raw energy of funk and disco, leading to a series of self-released EPs that quickly garnered attention on the French underground circuit.

Breakthrough

The project's major breakthrough arrived in 2012 with the release of the single Electric Sunshine on the influential French label Record Makers. The track became an instant club and radio hit, eventually earning a gold certification in France and propelling the release of the debut album Connected in 2013, which charted within the Top 40 of the French albums chart.

Key tracks

Electric Sunshine — This gold-certified single defined the Play The Bass sound with its pulsating synth bass and summer vibe, becoming a national hit.

Connected — The title track from the debut album showcased a more expansive, atmospheric side of the project while maintaining its rhythmic core.

Dancing Shoes — A later collaboration with vocalist Mayer Hawthorne highlighted the project's seamless blend of modern production with classic soul influences.

Midnight Drive — This instrumental track became a staple for its cinematic feel and intricate bass work, demonstrating Granier's skill as an arranger.

The success of the debut album led to extensive international touring and notable collaborations. Play The Bass worked with artists like French singer-songwriter Kid Francescoli and contributed remixes for bands such as Phoenix, further solidifying their reputation within the indie-electronic landscape. Their sophomore album, Parallel Lines, released in 2017 on Kitsuné Musique, explored deeper house and nu-disco territories while retaining the project's signature bass-heavy funk.

Fans of the crisp, danceable French touch of Justice will appreciate the heavy bass and filtered funk elements. The groove-oriented production and live feel share common ground with Breakbot, another key figure in the French electro-funk revival. The project's blend of electronic and organic instrumentation also aligns with the work of L'Impératrice, who operate in a similar sophisticated disco realm.

The music of Play The Bass maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across European electronic and alternative music radio stations. Its infectious grooves and polished production make it a perfect fit for daytime dance music programming and specialist funk and disco shows on various online radio streams.

Listeners can explore the signature French electro-funk sound of Play The Bass through the curated radio stations available on onairium.com, where their tracks are regularly featured in rotation.