the essential
Back from October 31 to November 2, the first albums festival once again welcomes 15 artists, ten years after its creation, on the banks of the Agout, in Castres. The director of Bolegason, Olivier Nicaise, shares his best memories.
The festival dedicated to the best of first albums is back. From October 31 to November 2, Les Primeurs de Castres welcomes a new line-up of 15 artists for an anniversary edition, ten years after the first edition, in 2015 in Castres. The director of Bolegason, Olivier Nicaise, presents his ten favorites and the ten artists who have marked the history of the festival. And it’s heavy.
> 2015: Rain of stars for the first edition
“Bigflo & Oli, Jeanne Added, Jain et Feu! Chatterton… Looking back, when we look at it on paper we say to ourselves that it’s incredible. At the time, we weren’t sure of anything for these artists: even if the room was full for Bigflo & Oli, I remember that Jain played under the big top, in front of fewer people. Today, they all fill Zeniths. I also remember the group Kid Wise, which no longer exists today. but whose musicians pursue very successful independent careers.”
> 2016: The emergence of Acid Arab and Sage comme des sauvage
“Acid Arab filled Rio Loco this year. We were pleasantly surprised nine years ago and we weren’t wrong (smile). Opposite, Sage comme des sauvage, continue to play in lots of venues and they keep this joy and good humor which characterize them.”
> 2017: The future of French song with Malik Djoudi and Juliette Armanet
“I first remember Malik Djoudi, who has just released a new album and who is talking a lot about him. I remember him for his kindness, he walked around the room, his vinyls under his arm, and he offered some to whoever wants. It was very touching And then we had the honor of welcoming a young singer, who already had a hit (L’Amour en solitaire), but who was not yet filling the rooms, Juliette Armanet, who was very sociable. and affordable, fills Zenith…”
> 2018: Delgrés and the future star Clara Luciani
“We welcomed Clara Luciani at the right time, before she became inaccessible. She was on the rise with her hit Grenade. We were very happy to discover a person who was open, friendly, smiling and happy to be there. C It was a very nice memory, with an audience who was eagerly awaiting it. And then, Delgres, a group who will come back to see us this year in November. They seduced me with their energy and this mixture of blues and pop. -music.”
> 2019: Flèche Love and the Suzane pile
“We welcomed Suzane, a very shy young artist, who had put on a great show. Today, she continues to climb the steps of success and play on big stages. At the big top, we also had Flèche Love. I had been captivated by the voice and the musical influences. It’s one of those groups that we hear less but which still tours.
> 2020: the edition that should have presented Hervé and Aloïse Sauvage
“It’s the famous year of Covid. Everything was set up, Gérard Philippe room, seats, to respect the measures. A week before we were told to cancel everything. We were unable to welcome Aloïse Sauvage, unfortunately. She continues a hybrid career, being music and cinema, for Hervé, we “revenged” (smile) by inviting him the following year.
> 2021: Noise with PR2B
“Les Toulousains de Bruit, including one from Tarnais, this satellite instrumental group which charmed me with its intelligent writing. The musicians continue to play with great artists. And PR2B which has made a name for itself and has been through the Victoires de la Musique.”
> 2022: The revelation of Pierre de Maere and Gwendoline
“Pierre de Maere experienced growing success after his time at Les Primeurs. I remember someone charming, who amazed us on stage. We saw that he had great potential as an artist and he continues to prove it. Next to it, in a completely different style, Gwendoline, a group of skinned people, very nice.”
> 2023: Structures and Ladavina
“Ladaniva, and its Armenian pop, is evolving enormously, while I loved Structures.”
> 2024: the Claude and Nerlov bets
“Nerlov touches me a lot in his antihero style. He’s a real, endearing character and I can’t wait to see him on stage. And then, I think that Claude will count in the French musical landscape. For those who wish to see him in a small, friendly room, it’s the moment.”
