Axel Concato has the fingers he needs to play several instruments, a voice … Read Full Bio ↴Axel Concato has the fingers he needs to play several instruments, a voice to charm, a physique to offer him equal pleasure and pain, and a musical talent to get him sought after. Born in Normandy, the town's influence on his music can still be heard today, largely because he's (still) surrounded by many of his childhood friends. He had a happy childhood, effortlessly picking up guitar, keyboard, bass guitar and drums. Possessed by the spirit of rock'n'roll, his musical gift led him to quit Paris for Camden, London, in 2001. Represented by Andy Ross, he was picked up to play keyboards in several supporting acts. In 2003 he toured Texas for the South by South West festival with Country-Punk band the White Russians, expressing the same finesse with which he and Barth (with whom he has recorded two albums) supported The Pretenders. We can't help but mention that after said Pretenders gig Paul McCartney insisted on personally congratulating Axel's keyboard skills. Still on the brink of 2004, Axel formed Axel And The Farmers in London, with English musicians. He went on to play multiple concerts with the band and by the combined grace of his swagger and silhouette, starred as an extra in a number of TV shows and ads...

Strange as it may seem, all this didn't make Axel rich. He came back to Paris in 2005, went back to keyboard playing and producing (for the likes of Barth and later My Bee's Garden, Young Man or The Hushpuppies), and set up a new band. He also went on to pursue an enviable bit part modelling career, appearing alongside Laetitia Casta and Monica Bellucci (Elle Magazine Anniversary Issue). In 2008, Axel decided to take on the making of Axel And The Farmers album himself, and to get his publisher to produce it. Gradually he started recording, first at home, then at Chicken Cottage Studio and Studio Pigalle with the help of Chab and Samy Osta. Axel Concato's vocals and guitar were accompanied by the Farmers (of course): Arnaud Van Colen (keyboards, backing vocals), Sébastien Dousson (bass, backing vocals), Romuald Deschamps (drums). And a few guests: Barth (guitars, backing vocals), Melody Prochet from My Bee's Garden (backing vocals.) String arrangements came from Yoann Le Dantec and Christophe Boissière, with recording at Studio Davout. At a Barth concert, he met Mark Gardener, charismatic singer from Ride, one of the UK indie sceneís cult groups of the 90s. The two hit it off right away and a few months later, Mark would offer to mix the album in his Oxford studio. The album was mixed at Ox-4 Sound and mastered by Tim Turan at Turan Audio, Oxford.

The first official EP "Dream 7 EP" (Bleepmachine/Idol) was released in July 2009. A perfect introduction to Axel And The Farmers' pop universe, impressing the press. The single made the "Maje en Scène 2" compilation, along with another exclusive track. On the verge of the album release, the second EP "Dance Hall EP" (Bleepmachine/Idol - Topplers), published in January 2010 forays into a more dancefloor and electro vibe, celebrated with a memorable launch party at the Social Club with Liquid Liquid, Black Devil Disco Club and Mark Gardner. Once again, the press approves.

On 25th February 2010, the group made its first TV appearance on Arte's "One Shot Not", alongside Florence and the Machine. Several concerts in France and the UK follow. Their concerts give out an intense, sometimes controlled, often unbridled energy. Finely honed pop gradually gives way to daydreams of noisy pop and airy shoegaze, followed by rock and post-punk sequences with primal beats that are irresistibly dancefloor. A dance call. 23rd August 2010 will see the release of Axel And The Farmers' album, aptly named "Axel And The Farmers". Exclusive prerelease on iTunes on 17th August 2010.

A pop album written, composed and produced by Axel Concato with the help of a few farmers. Ten tracks summing up a few years of his life from his exile to London to his return to Paris. A mixed up, hotch-potch of creativity. An opus from pure pop to krautrock where we uncover his childhood influences: David Bowie, Brian Eno, My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields, Prince, Can, Neu!, The Pixies, P.I.L., The Zombies, The Beach Boys, McCartney, Jerry Cole And His Spacemen. Red Noseís bricks provide the inspiration for the André Palais (Studio 74) designed album sleeve, from Vicente Sahuc and Julie Carretier Cohenís photos. Observers will see a little Magritte, Gilbert Garcin and Jacques Tati. Videos are the work of the ever faithful Fabien Leroy. In 2010, Axel And The Farmers has arrived. Watch out for his genius at a farm near you!

Axel and the Farmers Lyrics