After sweeping to victory at Eurovision France: C’est Vous Qui Décidez! last weekend, Breton supergroup Alvan & Ahez have released the official music video for their winning song “Fulenn” via the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.
What do we know about Alvan & Ahez and “Fulenn?”
The official Eurovision France channel this week also released the group’s pre-performance VT, featuring some background information about the band and their statement of intent for the contest.
In the video, Alvan describes “Fulenn” as combining elements of electronic music, Breton folk singing and feminism. Alvan & Ahez want to show off the richness of France’s regional cultures by bringing to Eurovision a song sung entirely in Breton – only the second time France has done so. Alvan comes from the Rennes electro-rock scene and is a musical experimentalist. Vocalists Marine and Sterenn D explain that Ahez are regulars on the Fest-Noz (traditional Breton festival) circuit and have been immersed in Breton culture since childhood. They are proud to represent the living legacies of their heritage, mythology and history. Alvan closes out the VT by suggesting that mixing his and Ahez’s universes poses something of a risk, but that singing for a television audience of 183 million warrants taking some risks.
“Fulenn,” a word that can be translated as either “young woman” or “spark,” is a reinterpretation of a Breton legend: the titulary young woman meets with the Devil and they dance themselves into a frenzy. Alvan & Ahez reimagine the tale as one of feminine emancipation by firelight. Alvan sings “She dances with the Devil – so what?” and the girls echo: “I dance with the Devil – so what?”
Stream “Fulenn” on Spotify
Stream “Fulenn” via Apple Music
Stream all the Eurovision 2022 entries
You can listen to “Fulenn” alongside the other songs competing at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest by following our Spotify playlist.
France’s Eurovision journey
France is a powerhouse in Eurovision, debuting at the first contest in 1956. Its first entries finished in second place, but no scores were ever published. Since then, France has gone on to win the contest five times. The most recent win came in 1977, with Marie Myriam’s “L’enfant et l’oiseau,” which scored 136 points.
Recent years have seen France slump in the results, but a change in direction in 2016 boosted the nation’s performance. Amir finished in sixth position for France that year with “J’ai charché,” and France placed 12th, 13th and 16th in the following years respectively. In 2021, Barbara Pravi was able to wow audiences across Europe and Australia with her song “Voilà.” At the close of voting, France finished in second place, earning earning a mammoth 499 points.
What do you think of the “Fulenn” official music video ? Do you think France could repeat its 2021 success? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. In addition, be sure to follow THAT Eurovision Site on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things Eurovision!
News source: official Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision France YouTube channels
Photo source: France 2
