It was thanks to Guillaume Piau that Asphalt was discovered. Seeing him on television, the RTL2 program director immediately saw the potential of the young artist. “We just knew you sang really well“, says Eric Jean-Jean, emphasizing the station’s enthusiasm for this raw talent.
A prestigious family heritage
Asphalt is no stranger to the art world. With a grandmother like Catherine Deneuve and a mother like Chiara Mastroiannithe pressure of artistic excellence could be overwhelming. However, the singer affirms that it was “the craftsmanship of the thing above all” which pushed him towards music, far from family expectations.
Beginnings between rock and hyperpop
It was in high school that Asphalt began experimenting with music, tinkering with software out of simple curiosity. Influenced by garage rock and hyperpop, he finds his way by mixing genres. “I wanted to be part of something a bit in the present”he explains, evoking his attraction to modern and dynamic rhythms.
English, a first musical language
Initially, Asphalt spoke in English, finding a certain freedom in this language. “It’s an escape,” he confides. But with Groundswellhis first title in French, he reveals himself more, aware of the impact of words in the tradition of French song.
Collaborations et influences
Working with Benjamin Biolay was a key step for Asphalt. Together, they refined the texts, bringing additional depth to his compositions. “He did his magic,” he says, acknowledging Biolay’s influence on his work.
An upcoming EP and projects in French
On March 28, Asphalt will release their new EP Cocktail Exileexclusively in French. “There’s another track coming out, number 31,” he announces, promising pieces that reflect his experiences and emotions. The artist evokes an approach to writing through collages, inspired by figures like Bowie and Bashung.
-Since 2020, Asphalt has performed at various festivals, sharing the stage with renowned artists. Although modeling is a side hustle, it is the music that remains his real “plan A”. “I will never give up on music,” he says with conviction.
Asphalt, with his unique style and passion for music, is undoubtedly a rising star in the pop-rock scene. His time in #LeDriveRTL2 is only the beginning of a promising career, and as Eric Jean-Jean points out, “we haven’t finished talking about it.”
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