French Films (band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Defunct | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Finland |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
| Website | http://www.myspace.com/frenchfilmsofficial |
French Films was a rock ensemble from Finland, established in 2010. They signed with the Finnish label GAEA Booking & Records towards the end of 2010 and shortly thereafter released their initial EP titled Golden Sea. Their first full-length album, Imaginary Future, followed in autumn 2011. The band's sophomore album, White Orchid, came out in April 2013.
History
The founding members consisted of Johannes Leppänen (guitar, vocals), Joni Kähkönen (guitar, vocals), Mikael Jurmu (bass, vocals), Santtu Vainio (synthesizer, vocals), and Antti Inkiläinen (drums). Prior to forming French Films, Leppänen and Inkiläinen had collaborated frequently and often performed with Jurmu’s group "Yes Please!". The connection between Leppänen and Kähkönen was made at a neighborhood bar, where Kähkönen introduced him to Vainio. In October 2012, bassist Mikael Jurmu departed and was succeeded by Tuomas Asanti. Early in 2014, guitarist Joni Kähkönen was replaced by Max Salonen.
The band’s name was inspired by a discussion regarding a French arthouse film that Kähkönen had watched.
Beginning in 2010, French Films embarked on extensive tours throughout Europe and also performed in countries including Japan, China, and the United States. Their first performance abroad took place in Skopje, Macedonia during the summer of 2010. They participated in prominent European music festivals such as Roskilde Festival, Hultsfred Festival, and Flow Festival. Notably, in July 2013 they served as the opening act for Muse at Helsinki Olympic Stadium.
In 2013, French Films received the European Border Breakers Award, which honors promising European musical talents; the award ceremony was held at the Eurosonic Noorderslag event in Groningen.
Imaginary Future (2011)
The debut album Imaginary Future was released by French Films in September 2011. It attracted favorable critiques predominantly from independent music outlets and secured a European Border Breakers Award in early 2013. The group characterized this album as “a balanced fusion of punk’s raw energy with dream pop’s gentle melodies.”
White Orchid (2013)
In early 2013, French Films announced their follow-up album White Orchid, which was launched across Europe and Asia during April and May of that year. Similar to their first release, this album was self-produced and distributed through GAEA Records. The lead single from the album, "Latter Days," became available digitally on February 8, 2013.
Studio albums
- Imaginary Future (September 2011; GAEA / Rimeout / Zappruder)
- White Orchid (April 2013; GAEA / Rimeout / Popfrenzy / Odyssey)
EPs
- Golden Sea (October 2010; GAEA)
Other releases
- When People Like You Filled The Heavens 7" (2012; GAEA)
- You Are the Sun (2015)
- Think It Over / Telephone 7" (2016; Fullsteam Records)