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Modjo
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Modjo was a French house music duo formed in Paris in 1999 by producer Romain Tranchart (born 9 June 1976) and singer Yann Destagnol (born 14 July 1978). They are best known for their biggest hit, "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)", released in 2000, along with other successful singles such as "Chillin'" and "No More Tears", both released in 2001.
Key Information
Background
[edit]Born in Paris, Romain Tranchart moved with his family to Algeria and Mexico before settling in Brazil. There, he began learning the guitar, drawing inspiration from jazz classics.[1] In 1998, influenced by DJ Sneak, Ian Pooley, and Daft Punk, Tranchart released his first single under the name Funk Legacy, titled "What You're Gonna Do, Baby", through Vertigo Records. He then attended the American School of Modern Music in Paris.
Also Parisian, Yann Destagnol learned to play the flute and clarinet as a small child. As he grew older, he became deeply influenced by the Beatles, the Beach Boys, David Bowie, and other pop acts. He started playing drums by emulating them and also learned to play the piano and guitar. He later bought a four-track recording machine and began singing and songwriting. Fascinated more by voices than by charismatic bandleaders, he admired bands such as Aerosmith, the Police, and Queen, and later became an avid fan of R&B divas.[2]
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award | Year | Category | Nominee(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Dance Music Awards | 2001 | Best House/Garage 12"[3] | "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" | Won |
| MTV Europe Music Awards | 2000 | Best French Act[4] | Themselves | Won |
| Smash Hits Poll Winners Party | 2000 | Best Dance Choon[5] | "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" | Nominated |
| Best Dance/Solo Act[6] | Themselves | Nominated | ||
| Top of the Pops Awards | 2003 | Band of the Year[7] | Nominated |
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA [8] |
AUS [9] |
AUT [10] |
FIN [11] |
GER [12] |
SWI [13] | ||
| Modjo | 21 | 89 | 41 | 39 | 30 | 13 | |
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA [8] |
AUS [14] |
BEL [15] |
GER [12] |
NLD [16] |
SWE [17] |
SWI [13] |
UK [18] |
US [19] | ||||||
| "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" | 2000 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 81 | Modjo | |||
| "Chillin'" | 2001 | 44 | 35 | 34 | 38 | 41 | 26 | 10 | 12 | — | ||||
| "What I Mean" | 88 | — | 52 | 67 | 58 | — | 17 | 59 | — | |||||
| "No More Tears" | 2002 | — | 85 | 60 | — | — | — | 91 | — | — | ||||
| "On Fire" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||||||||||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Romain Tranchart interview". 27 October 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- ^ "Modjo - Biography". Modjo Music presents Modjo. Modjo Music. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ "31st Annual International Dance Music Awards - Winter Music Conference 2016 - WMC 2016". 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- ^ "Billboard". Nielsen Business Media, Inc. 10 November 2001. Retrieved 25 April 2020 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Page 12 - Smash Hits - Issue 575 - 13th December - 26th December 2000". 4 February 2019.
- ^ "Page 13 - Smash Hits - Issue 575 - 13th December - 26th December 2000". 15 July 2018.
- ^ "BBC - All New Top of the Pops - TOTP Awards 2003". 17 March 2005. Archived from the original on 17 March 2005. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- ^ a b "Discographie Modjo". lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 1st October 2001" (PDF) (605). Australian Recording Industry Association. 1 October 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2008. Retrieved 28 June 2020 – via Pandora Archive.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Discographie Modjo". austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "Discography Modjo". finnishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ a b "Discographie Modjo". offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
- ^ a b "Discographie Modjo". swisscharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ Peaks of singles in Australia:
- All except noted: "Discography Modjo". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- "No More Tears": "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 3rd June 2002" (PDF) (640). Australian Recording Industry Association. 3 June 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2008. Retrieved 28 June 2020 – via Pandora Archive.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help)
- ^ "Discografie Modjo". ultratop.be (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "Top 40-artiest: Modjo" (select individual songs for chart information). Dutch Top 40. Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "Discography Modjo". swedishcharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "Modjo" (select "Singles" tab). Official Charts Company. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
- ^ "Modjo – Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "French single certifications – Modjo" (in French). InfoDisc. Retrieved 1 February 2021. Select MODJO and click OK.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2000 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – 2000". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "Certified Awards" (enter "Modjo" into the "Keywords" box, then select "Search"). British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank: Modjo" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
- ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Modjo)". swisscharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
External links
[edit]
Modjo
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Modjo was a French house music duo formed in Paris in 1998 by producer Romain Tranchart (born June 9, 1976) and vocalist Yann Destagnol (born July 14, 1978, also known as Yann Destal).[1][2] The group drew influences from jazz, funk, and electronic music, blending disco elements with modern house production to create a signature sound during the late 1990s French house scene.[1]
Their breakthrough came with the debut single "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)", released in 2000, which sampled Chic's 1982 track "Soup for One" and became an international hit, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in September 2000 and topping the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in early 2001.[3][4] The song's success propelled Modjo to prominence, marking them as one of the few French acts to achieve a UK number-one single and establishing their place in the global dance music landscape.[5] Follow-up singles like "Chillin'" and "No More Tears" also charted moderately in Europe, further showcasing their funky, upbeat style.[1]
In 2001, Modjo released their self-titled and only studio album on MCA Records, which featured 12 tracks including their hit single and received acclaim for its polished production and nostalgic disco vibes.[6][7] The duo disbanded in 2003 after a brief but impactful career, with Tranchart pursuing production work and Destagnol focusing on other musical projects, though their music continued to influence house and electronic genres.[2][8]
Source for track listing: Discogs master release.[51]
Commercially, Modjo achieved moderate success in Europe, peaking at number 21 on the French Albums Chart (SNEP), number 13 on the Swiss Albums Chart (Schweizer Hitparade), and number 30 on the German Albums Chart (Offizielle Top 100).[52][53] It was issued in formats including CD and double vinyl, with digital availability following later.[51] No additional studio albums were produced after the duo's disbandment in 2003.[52]
In addition to these four major singles, Modjo issued various remixes and promotional releases, including alternate versions of "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" and "Chillin'."
History
Formation
Modjo was formed in Paris in 1998 as a French house music duo by producer Romain Tranchart and vocalist Yann Destagnol, also known as Yann Destal.[9][10] Romain Tranchart, born on June 9, 1976, in Paris, experienced a nomadic childhood, living in France, Mexico, Brazil, and Algeria, where he began studying guitar with a focus on jazz.[10][11] Yann Destagnol, born on July 14, 1978, in Paris, pursued early musical training on flute and clarinet before becoming self-taught on drums, piano, and guitar.[10] The two met while studying at the American School of Modern Music in Paris and decided to collaborate by combining Tranchart's production skills with Destagnol's vocal talents.[12][9] Their initial work as Modjo centered on creating a fusion of house, funk, disco, and pop elements, with Tranchart managing instrumentation and production while Destagnol handled lyrics and vocals.[9] In their early creative process, the duo emphasized sampling techniques to craft their distinctive sound, notably incorporating a sample from Chic's 1982 track "Soup for One" into what would become their debut single, "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)."[13][14]Rise to fame
Modjo's debut single, "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)", was released in May 2000 through the Sound of Barclay label in France, prominently featuring a sample from Chic's 1982 track "Soup for One".[15] The track quickly gained international traction, topping the UK Singles Chart for two weeks and the Swiss Singles Chart, while peaking at number 7 in France and number 10 in Australia.[3][16] It achieved commercial success with certifications in multiple countries, including platinum in the UK by the BPI and gold in France by the SNEP.[17][18] The single's breakthrough sparked media buzz and live performances across Europe, establishing Modjo as rising stars in the French house scene and securing an international distribution deal with MCA Records.[19]Studio album and later singles
Modjo's debut and only studio album, self-titled Modjo, was released on September 18, 2001, through MCA Records. The record comprises 12 tracks, blending electronic house grooves with disco samples and featuring an acoustic rendition of their earlier hit "Lady (Hear Me Tonight" as the closing number. Produced primarily in Paris at studios including Modjo Music Studio and Le Park, the duo incorporated live guitar work from Romain Tranchart alongside Yann Destagnol's vocals, creating a fusion of filtered house rhythms and organic instrumentation that evoked breezy, funk-infused energy.[20][21][22] The album garnered moderate commercial success, reaching number 21 on the French Top Albums Chart and number 13 on the Swiss Albums Chart.[23][24] Building on the momentum from "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)," Modjo issued follow-up singles from the album, starting with "Chillin'" in April 2001, which sampled Chic's "Le Freak" and climbed to number 12 on the UK Singles Chart.[25][26] "On Fire," released later that year, maintained the project's dancefloor appeal, while "No More Tears" arrived in January 2002 and peaked at number 85 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart.[27] Critics lauded the album for its summery, feel-good vibes and infectious grooves, with The Guardian highlighting the duo's flair in delivering extended funk jams that captivated live audiences.[28] However, some reviews positioned it as a solid but predictable extension of their one-hit wonder breakthrough, praising tracks like "Peace of Mind" for their exotic pop flair while noting the project's reliance on familiar house tropes.[29] Overall, Modjo solidified the pair's place in the French touch scene, though it underscored the challenges of surpassing their initial smash.[30]Disbandment and legacy
Modjo disbanded in 2003 following the promotion of their debut album, with producer Romain Tranchart and vocalist Yann Destagnol opting to pursue individual paths in the music industry.[31][32] Tranchart focused on production and remixing, collaborating with artists such as Sébastien Tellier, Shaggy, Mylène Farmer, and Salif Keita.[32] Destagnol shifted to a solo career, releasing his album The Great Blue Scar in 2004 and continuing to perform live, including renditions of Modjo's hits.[33][34] The duo's legacy endures through their role in popularizing French house during the early 2000s, particularly via the single "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)," which sampled Chic's 1982 track "Soup for One" and became a defining dance anthem of the era.[8][35] This track topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and exemplified the French touch movement, helping globalize the genre alongside contemporaries like Daft Punk.[8][36] Its innovative use of disco samples influenced subsequent nu-disco and house productions, sparking renewed interest in Chic's catalog.[37][38] The song's lasting appeal was evident in its 2017 resurgence, when it was remixed and sampled by artists including Austin Mahone and RedOne, reintroducing it to new audiences.[8] In 2023, "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" climbed back up the Beatport charts, underscoring its timeless status in electronic dance music more than two decades after its release.[39] As of 2025, remixes of the track continued to chart, reaching number one on Beatport's Afro House chart in November.[40]Musical style and influences
Characteristics
Modjo's music exemplified the signature French house sound, characterized by upbeat filter-house grooves that incorporated disco samples, lush synth layers, and infectious vocal hooks to create an energetic, dancefloor-ready aesthetic. Their tracks often featured filtered effects on samples to build tension and release, paired with groovy rhythms that evoked a sense of nostalgic euphoria. This approach aligned with the broader French touch movement, emphasizing polished electronic production that prioritized melodic accessibility over minimalism.[41][42] Central to their production techniques was a heavy reliance on sampling from disco and funk sources, such as the prominent sample of Chic's "Soup for One" in their debut single "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)," which provided a funky backbone enhanced by live-feel basslines and meticulously crafted electronic beats operating at tempos between 120 and 128 BPM. These elements were layered with shimmering synths and crisp percussion, resulting in a refined, radio-friendly polish that maintained club intensity without overwhelming complexity.[35][28] Lyrically, Modjo's songs centered on feel-good, escapist themes of love and nightlife, portraying romantic encounters and carefree moments under the moonlight with an optimistic tone that complemented the music's uplifting vibe; vocalist Yann Destagnol delivered these narratives in a soulful, high-register style that added emotional warmth. Unlike the rawer, more underground tech-house contemporaries, Modjo's output leaned pop-oriented, fusing broad appeal through brisk choruses and swaying melodies with the pulsating energy of extended funky jams, setting them apart in the early 2000s dance scene.[43][28][44]Influences
Modjo's music was deeply rooted in the French house genre, particularly its filter house subgenre, which emerged in the late 1990s as a fusion of electronic production techniques and disco-inspired loops.[45] This style drew significant inspiration from pioneering 1990s French acts such as Daft Punk and Cassius, whose innovative use of filtered samples and groovy basslines helped define the "French Touch" movement.[46] Key influences on Modjo included classic disco elements, notably from Chic and producer Nile Rodgers, whose funky rhythms and guitar work shaped the duo's sound.[8] This is exemplified by their debut single "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)," which directly samples the guitar riff from Chic's 1982 track "Soup for One."[35] Broader stylistic borrowings encompassed jazz-funk, R&B, and pop, blending soulful melodies with upbeat electronic beats to create accessible, dancefloor-oriented tracks.[47][48] The duo's work was also informed by the vibrant Paris club scene of the late 1990s, where DJs and producers experimented with merging electronic house rhythms with live instrumentation and disco revivals in underground venues.[49] Romain Tranchart's international upbringing—having lived in Algeria, Mexico, and Brazil during his childhood—introduced global rhythmic flavors, enriching Modjo's fusion of house with diverse cultural elements.[1] Over time, Modjo evolved from the underground French house circuit by incorporating catchy, hook-driven structures that broadened their appeal to mainstream audiences, transforming niche electronic sounds into global pop hits.[50]Discography
Studio albums
Modjo's sole studio album, titled Modjo, was released on September 18, 2001, by MCA Records.[21] The project was produced primarily by the duo's members, Romain Tranchart and Yann Destagnol, who handled writing, performance, and production across its tracks.[21][20] The album consists of 12 tracks, blending house, disco, and electronic elements, with notable singles such as "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)", "Chillin'", and "On Fire".| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acknowledgement | 3:04 |
| 2 | Chillin' | 4:51 |
| 3 | Lady (Hear Me Tonight) | 5:04 |
| 4 | Too Good to Be True | 1:25 |
| 5 | Peace of Mind | 3:14 |
| 6 | What I Mean | 4:10 |
| 7 | Music Takes You Back | 4:12 |
| 8 | No More Tears | 6:15 |
| 9 | Rollercoaster | 4:11 |
| 10 | On Fire | 6:33 |
| 11 | Saviour Eyes | 5:11 |
| 12 | Lady (Acoustic Version) | 3:13 |
Singles
Modjo's singles were primarily drawn from their self-titled debut album, achieving notable success in Europe and beyond, particularly with their lead single.| Title | Release date | Label | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" | June 2000 | Sound of Barclay | UK #1, France #7 | Platinum (UK), Gold (France, Australia) |
| "Chillin'" | April 2001 | Sound of Barclay | UK #12, France #44 | — |
| "On Fire" | 2002 | Sound of Barclay | France #25 | — |
| "No More Tears" | 2002 | Sound of Barclay | Australia #85, Switzerland #91 | — |