Ben L'oncle Soul: The French Soul Revivalist

Ben L'oncle Soul is a French singer and musician who masterfully blends classic soul and Motown influences with a modern pop sensibility. Hailing from Tours, France, he achieved major commercial success with his 2010 self-titled debut album, which was certified double platinum in his home country and spawned several hit singles.

Early career

Born Benjamin Duterde in 1984, the artist grew up in the central French city of Tours. His stage name, Ben L'oncle Soul, is a playful nod to his uncle's significant influence and his own deep love for soul music. He began his musical journey in the mid-2000s with the funk-rock band Shinobi, but his path shifted toward a solo career focused on vintage American soul sounds.

Breakthrough

The artist's breakthrough arrived in 2010 after signing with Motown France, a label perfectly aligned with his aesthetic. His debut album, Ben L'oncle Soul, became a massive hit, propelled by a viral cover of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" reimagined as a swinging soul number. The album soared to number two on the French charts and earned a double platinum certification for sales exceeding 200,000 copies.

Key tracks

Soulman — This original track became his signature song, a modern homage to classic Stax Records sounds that dominated French airwaves in 2010.

Seven Nation Army — His inventive soul cover of The White Stripes' rock anthem introduced him to a wide audience and remains his most recognizable recording.

Petite soeur — A smooth, melodic album cut that showcases the artist's vocal tenderness and his skill at crafting original material in a timeless style.

Addicted To You — This track highlights the upbeat, danceable side of his retro-inspired sound, often featured in his energetic live performances.

Continued success and evolution

Capitalizing on his debut's success, Ben L'oncle Soul released his second album, Under My Skin, in 2012. It debuted at number seven in France and was certified gold, featuring collaborations with artists like Belgian singer Selah Sue. His subsequent work, including the 2015 album House of Dreams, saw him exploring a broader palette of R&B and pop while maintaining his core soul foundation. He has performed on major French television programs and at prestigious venues, solidifying his status as a key figure in the French neo-soul scene.

For fans of Ben L'oncle Soul's vibrant take on classic soul, several other French artists explore similar territory. Ben L'oncle Soul shares a clear lineage with the smooth, retro-inspired sounds of Imany, who also blends soulful vocals with pop songcraft. The energetic, brass-driven funk of St Paul And The Broken Bones offers a more raw, American parallel. Listeners might also appreciate the modern soul and hip-hop fusion of FKJ, another talented French multi-instrumentalist.

The music of Ben L'oncle Soul maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on stations dedicated to adult contemporary formats, classic pop rotations, and specialty shows focusing on soul and French music. His catchy, upbeat singles are staples on playlists that aim to blend timeless sounds with a contemporary feel.

You can hear the distinctive French soul of Ben L'oncle Soul on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his hits and deep cuts through our curated selection of online radio streams that celebrate quality vocal and retro-inspired music.