Life of the Enchanting Singer, Julien Clerc, Illuminated by Melodies
French Singer-Songwriter Julien Clerc Unveils 28th Studio Album "Une Vie," Plans Tour for 80th Birthday
French artist Julien Clerc has announced his highly anticipated 28th studio album, titled "Une Vie," set for release on May 23, 2025. Born in 1947, Clerc has scheduled a tour for 2026 to celebrate his 80th birthday in 2027, underscoring his ongoing musical career.
The long-awaited album, which means "Life," is produced by Benjamin Biolay and features renowned collaborations with songwriters such as Carla Bruni, Serge Lama, Gaëtan Roussel, Didier Barbelivien, and David McNeil. The themes of the album encompass love, loss, memory, Alzheimer's disease, and universal moments drawn from both Clerc's personal life and broader human experiences.
Clerc has expressed his feelings of belonging and rejuvenation in the recording studio, where he found joy and regained his bearings. The singer describes the process as a team effort, involving musicians, technicians, and arrangers like Biolay. He emphasizes his preference for composing at home, away from the studio, and then returning to his home after the recording process.
Over the years, the recording industry has undergone significant changes, with advancements in technology enabling artists to set up their studios anywhere. Collaborative production has become more prevalent, as artists work with a team of specialized writers and producers to create their albums. The promotion and discovery of music have also changed, shifting from radio and television to online platforms, YouTube playlists, and social media. Clerc's focus remains on music, while he relies on others for lyrics, a trend that has become increasingly common.
The album opens with "En serais-je moins fou de toi?," a love song co-written by Serge Lama, and features songs with distinct tones, including the synth-filled "Duke," which tells the story of a dog's affection for his mistress. Each song blends Biolay's world with Clerc's.
"Saint-Nazaire" and "Les parvis" are emotive songs that pay homage to Clerc's brother and a murdered teacher's partner, respectively. Rather than dwelling on sadness, Clerc aims to underscore the beauty and shared joy found in these challenging times.
During a lighthearted interview, Clerc reminisced about the early days of his career and his encounter with Quebec artist Robert Charlebois. Citing a historical flop and Charlebois's knack for evoking laughter, the artist expressed his desire to reconnect with Charlebois for a potential Quebec stop on his 2026 tour.
Clerc's career spans over five decades, providing a testament to his resilience and adaptability within the evolving music industry landscape. Coupled with changing distribution formats, emerging collaborative production methods, and the shift toward digital promotion, Clerc exemplifies the versatility required to succeed as a contemporary artist.
The upcoming album "Une Vie" by French artist Julien Clerc, produced by Benjamin Biolay, embraces themes of love, loss, memory, and Alzheimer's disease, showcasing the fusion of music, entertainment, and culture.
In preparation for his 2026 tour celebrating his 80th birthday, Clerc anticipates collaborating with Quebec artist Robert Charlebois, a reminiscence of his early days in the industry and a promise of entertainment blending French and Quebec culture.
