French 79: The Cinematic Pulse of French Synthwave

French 79 is the electronic music project of French producer and composer Simon Henner, crafting immersive synthwave and cinematic electronica from his base in Marseille. His music, characterized by soaring melodies and driving retro-futuristic beats, has propelled him to the forefront of the modern French touch scene, with his albums consistently charting in his home country.

Early career

Simon Henner, born in 1985, began his musical journey in the early 2010s after studying graphic design and film. Initially producing under different aliases, he adopted the French 79 moniker, a nod to the year of his mother's Renault car, and started releasing tracks that blended nostalgic synthesizer sounds with contemporary production. His early EPs, such as 2014's Angel on his own label, Alt Vision, began to establish his signature atmospheric and melodic style.

Breakthrough

The project's major breakthrough arrived with the 2017 debut album Olympic, released via the influential French indie label Animal63. The record was a critical and commercial success, entering the French albums chart and resonating with fans of electronic and indie music alike. Its lead single became a streaming favorite, solidifying French 79's reputation for creating emotionally charged, visually evocative soundscapes perfect for both headphones and the live stage.

Key tracks

Hometown — This anthemic single from the debut album became an instant classic, defining his sound with its euphoric synth leads and propulsive rhythm.

Diamond Veins — Featuring Sarah Rebecca, this track showcased his skill at blending ethereal vocals with powerful, cinematic electronic arrangements.

By Your Side — A collaboration with artist Hannah, it exemplifies his ability to craft intimate, melancholic pop within a synthwave framework.

Joshua — Known for its infectious energy and memorable hook, this track remains a staple in his dynamic live performances.

The momentum continued with his sophomore album, Joshua, in 2019, which further refined his sound and expanded his audience. His third studio album, 2022's TEENAGERS, marked a confident evolution, exploring darker tones and more complex productions while maintaining the melodic core that defines his work, and it achieved a notable chart position in France.

French 79's sonic palette shares the atmospheric, synth-driven qualities of fellow French producers like Kavinsky, who also masterfully blends retro aesthetics with modern production. The melodic sensibility and electronic depth connect him to College, another pivotal act in the French synthwave and retro-electro movement. Listeners who enjoy the narrative and cinematic scope of French 79's music often appreciate the work of M83, known for crafting vast, emotional electronic soundscapes. Furthermore, the rhythmic pulse and indie-electronic fusion aligns with the style of L'Impératrice, though with a more synth-focused approach.

The dynamic and atmospheric tracks from French 79 are a perfect fit for a variety of online radio stations featured on this website. His music regularly spins on dedicated electronic music streams, synthwave and retro wave channels, and modern indie radio stations seeking sophisticated instrumental energy.

You can discover the evocative synthwave of French 79 by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where his cinematic hits and deep cuts are featured in regular rotation for electronic music enthusiasts.