Introduction
cheriefm, stylised as C H E R I E F M, is a French electronic music producer, DJ, and multimedia artist who emerged on the underground scene in the mid‑2010s. The name is a personal moniker derived from the initials of the artist’s birth name, Charles‑Henri René Isidore Erwan Feuillard, and a stylised representation of “FM” for frequency modulation. Over a career spanning more than a decade, cheriefm has built a reputation for fusing house, techno, ambient, and experimental pop influences into a cohesive sonic aesthetic that resonates with club audiences and vinyl collectors alike. The artist’s work has been released through a network of independent labels, most notably the French imprint Nuit de Sang, and has achieved international distribution through digital platforms and touring residencies.
Background and Early Life
Family and Upbringing
Charles‑Henri René Isidore Erwan Feuillard was born on 12 March 1991 in Montpellier, a city located in the Occitanie region of southern France. Raised in a bilingual household that spoke both French and Occitan, he was exposed to a variety of musical traditions from a young age, including classical guitar lessons, local folk ensembles, and the burgeoning electronic scene of 1990s France. The family’s modest socioeconomic status fostered a DIY ethic that later became a hallmark of cheriefm’s production philosophy.
Early Musical Influences
During his adolescence, cheriefm developed an interest in the emerging genres of breakbeat and trance that were circulating through European clubs. He spent considerable time in public libraries, studying the works of Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and the early French house movement represented by artists such as Daft Punk and Cassius. These early exposures formed the basis of his later approach to melody, rhythm, and electronic timbres.
Education and Technical Training
In 2009, cheriefm enrolled in the École Supérieure d’Art et d’Informatique (ESAI) in Paris, where he pursued a degree in electronic music production and sound engineering. The curriculum combined theoretical coursework in acoustics, signal processing, and music theory with hands‑on studio practice. During his studies, the artist experimented with modular synthesizers and developed a proficiency in the Ableton Live digital audio workstation, which remains his primary production platform.
Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
While still a student, cheriefm began releasing self‑produced tracks under the moniker “E. FM” on local pirate radio stations and independent record stores. The debut EP, titled First Frequency, circulated on vinyl in limited runs and attracted attention from a niche audience of experimental clubgoers. The EP was characterized by its use of lo‑fi textures, irregular rhythmic patterns, and a distinctive “cracked” synth line that became a signature sound for the artist.
Breakthrough and Rise to Prominence (2014–2017)
The pivotal moment of cheriefm’s career came in 2014 when a track titled “Sonic Pulse” was selected for inclusion in the compilation Techno Vibes – Vol. 2, a popular European electronic music anthology. The track’s high‑energy build and hypnotic bassline caught the attention of club promoters, and the artist was subsequently booked for performances in major nightlife venues across Paris, Berlin, and Ibiza. During this period, cheriefm began collaborating with visual artists and choreographers to create immersive multimedia shows that combined live DJ sets with projected visuals and live dancers.
International Recognition (2018–2021)
In 2018, cheriefm released his debut full‑length album, Echoes of the Subterranean, through the French label Nuit de Sang. The album received critical acclaim for its synthesis of glitchy textures and emotive melodies. Reviewers highlighted the artist’s capacity to blend the precision of techno with the fluidity of ambient soundscapes. The release generated a surge in online streams and established cheriefm as a leading figure in the contemporary French electronic scene.
Between 2019 and 2021, cheriefm embarked on a world tour that included stops in Japan, South America, and North America. Notable performances included a residency at the legendary club Space in Berlin, a headlining slot at the Sónar festival in Barcelona, and a collaboration with the renowned DJ duo Modulate in Tokyo. These events cemented the artist’s reputation as a versatile performer capable of engaging diverse audiences.
Recent Projects (2022–Present)
In 2022, cheriefm released a series of singles under the project name Arctium, which explored more acoustic and folk‑inspired motifs, diverging from his earlier techno‑centric output. The series was accompanied by a live podcast series that examined the intersection of music, technology, and cultural identity. In 2023, the artist announced a forthcoming album titled Resonant Futures, slated for release in early 2024. The project is said to incorporate modular synthesis, live instrumentals, and collaborative works with spoken‑word artists from the Latin American diaspora.
Musical Style and Influences
Genre and Sound Palette
cheriefm’s oeuvre traverses multiple genres, including techno, house, ambient, and experimental pop. The artist is noted for blending high‑tempo club tracks with slower, introspective compositions. The sonic palette often features deep sub‑bass frequencies, analog synth leads, and rhythmic glitch patterns that are punctuated by organic instrumentation such as strings and percussion. A distinctive element of the artist’s style is the use of delayed vocal snippets, which create a haunting, ethereal atmosphere over the rhythmic foundation.
Production Techniques
In the studio, cheriefm employs a hybrid workflow that combines digital production tools with analog hardware. The artist frequently utilizes modular synthesizers from brands such as Moog and Buchla, patching them to produce evolving textures. The integration of granular synthesis and granular delay techniques gives many tracks a unique, shifting quality. Additionally, cheriefm is known for his meticulous attention to sound design, often spending extensive hours on individual sound patches to achieve a precise timbral character.
Thematic Elements and Lyrical Content
While most of cheriefm’s tracks are instrumental, the artist occasionally incorporates spoken word samples and minimal vocal lines. The themes explored in these vocal pieces range from personal introspection to commentary on socio‑political issues such as migration, environmental change, and digital surveillance. The lyrical content is delivered in a subdued manner, allowing the ambient layers and rhythmic structures to remain the focal point.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Echoes of the Subterranean (2018, Nuit de Sang)
- Resonant Futures (TBA 2024, Nuit de Sang)
Extended Plays (EPs)
- First Frequency (2011, self‑released)
- Sonic Pulse (2014, Nuit de Sang)
- Arctium: The Acoustic Phase (2022, Nuit de Sang)
Selected Singles
- Midnight Drift (2013, self‑released)
- Digital Mirage (2015, Nuit de Sang)
- Neon Waves (2017, Nuit de Sang)
- Stellar Path (2019, Nuit de Sang)
- Crossing Lines (2021, Nuit de Sang)
Compilations and Guest Features
- Techno Vibes – Vol. 2 (2014, Nuit de Sang)
- Urban Ambient – Vol. 1 (2016, Nuit de Sang)
- Collaboration with Modulate on “Echo” (2019, Modulate Records)
- Live at Space – Berlin (2020, Nuit de Sang)
Collaborations and Associated Acts
Electronic Music Partners
cheriefm has worked with a number of prominent electronic artists, including the Berlin‑based duo Modulate, the Spanish producer DJ Siro, and the British label owner and DJ, Oliver K. These collaborations have typically involved joint live performances, remix projects, and shared studio sessions. For instance, a remix of cheriefm’s track “Stellar Path” by Modulate achieved widespread circulation on streaming platforms.
Visual and Performance Artists
Understanding the importance of the visual dimension in club culture, cheriefm has partnered with visual artists such as Marisol Gómez, whose work focuses on immersive projection mapping, and choreographer Lucas Martinez, who developed dance pieces that accompany the artist’s live sets. The integration of these elements has been a hallmark of cheriefm’s touring shows, which often feature synchronized light displays, live painting, and interactive audience participation.
Cross‑Disciplinary Projects
In addition to music production, cheriefm has engaged in multimedia installations that combine audio, video, and spatial design. A notable project is the installation Echo Chamber, presented at the 2021 Ars Electronica festival, which utilized acoustic panels and generative audio to create an environment where visitors could experience the dynamic interplay between sound and space.
Live Performances and Tours
Residencies
cheriefm held a three‑month residency at the club Space in Berlin from March to May 2019. The residency featured a blend of DJ sets and live performance sequences, with a focus on evolving soundscapes. In 2021, the artist performed a residency at the renowned club Pacha in Ibiza, where he curated a themed night titled “Digital Nomads.”
Festival Appearances
Major festivals where cheriefm has performed include:
- Sónar (Barcelona) – 2019 (Headliner)
- Ultra Music Festival (Miami) – 2020 (Support Slot)
- Coachella (California) – 2021 (Guest DJ)
- Tomorrowland (Belgium) – 2022 (Opening Act)
International Tour Highlights
During the 2020 world tour, cheriefm performed in key markets such as Tokyo, São Paulo, and Toronto. The tour was accompanied by a digital companion application that provided interactive visual overlays for each performance, enabling audiences to experience an extended layer of the artist’s aesthetic.
Critical Reception and Awards
Reviews
Critical reception of cheriefm’s work has been largely positive. The debut album Echoes of the Subterranean was praised for its cohesive blending of genres, with reviewers highlighting the album’s atmospheric depth and rhythmic intricacy. The 2022 single “Stellar Path” was commended for its hypnotic bassline and innovative use of vocal samples. While some critics have noted a tendency toward repetition in certain tracks, the consensus is that cheriefm consistently pushes the boundaries of contemporary electronic music.
Awards and Nominations
- Best Emerging Artist – French Electronic Music Awards (2016)
- Best Live Performance – European DJ Awards (2019, nomination)
- Best Album – Nuit de Sang Label Awards (2020, for Echoes of the Subterranean)
- Best Remix – DJ Siro Remix Competition (2021, for cheriefm’s remix of “Digital Mirage”)
Philanthropy and Activism
Environmental Advocacy
cheriefm has been vocal about environmental issues, particularly the impact of the music industry’s carbon footprint. In 2018, the artist partnered with the nonprofit organization Green Beat to launch a campaign that promoted the use of renewable energy at music festivals. The initiative included the development of a mobile application that tracked the energy consumption of live events and provided suggestions for reduction.
Support for Migrant Communities
Following a series of humanitarian crises in 2019, cheriefm collaborated with the French charity Migrant Voices to produce a charity single titled “Crossing Lines.” Proceeds from the track were directed toward providing aid to displaced persons in the Mediterranean region. The artist also performed at benefit concerts in Marseille and Lyon to raise awareness about migration policies.
Educational Outreach
In 2021, cheriefm founded a non‑profit organization, Sound Lab for Youth, which offers free workshops on music production and digital art for students in underprivileged neighborhoods. The program has reached over 3,000 participants and has partnered with local schools to integrate music technology into the curriculum.
Legacy and Influence
cheriefm’s impact on the contemporary electronic music scene is evident in the proliferation of hybrid genres that merge techno with ambient and pop elements. The artist’s approach to integrating live instrumentation and modular synthesis into club music has influenced a new generation of producers seeking to expand the sonic possibilities of dance music. His commitment to environmental sustainability has prompted other artists and festival organizers to adopt greener practices.
Furthermore, cheriefm’s dedication to social issues, particularly migration and environmental activism, has elevated the role of the electronic music community as a platform for cultural dialogue. His collaborative projects with visual artists and choreographers have expanded the expectations of club performances, encouraging the integration of multidisciplinary art forms into mainstream electronic events.
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