Martin Solveig then moved to another famous Paris nightclub Les Bains Douches where he worked with famous DJs such as Todd Terry, Roger Sanchez and Bob Sinclar. His popularity further increased with the Pure parties at the Queen Club either as a DJ or as an art director.
He started producing at an early stage of his career. Through his own Mixture label, he released two 12-inch singles, "Heart of Africa" and "Come With Me". These singles combined dance music with musicians playing traditional instruments. Bob Sinclar then asked him to join the Africanism project combining African music and electronic music. He later released the "Edony" single which received airplay worldwide.
In 2002, he released the album Sur La Terre, which contains both "Heart of Africa" and "Edony". The album was released internationally through Universal Music. Another notable track on the album is "Linda" where he plays tribute to Fela Kuti and Serge Gainsbourg. The album was released in 2004 in the US. In 2003, he worked with Salif Keita on "Madan" which made the charts across Europe, notably France, Italy and Greece. "Rocking Music", which features a punk rock guitar riff (and also known for having Justin Timberlake style vocals), has also made the top 40 in Australia in February 2004. "Madan" and "Rocking Music" have both been featured in his second album, Suite. Following singles included "I'm A Good Man", and "Everybody".
Black Voices
Martin Solveig Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So please turn it out loud with your natural grace
I learnt all naturally from the potency of your melody yeah.
'Cause it's been a long time, you and me
You made my sunshine on vinyls and CDs
I don't hear what they say 'cause every night and day
You show me the way yeah.
Black voices, that thing don't call for meaning
Black voices make my dreams and reality
Black voices, you just set me free yeah.
It's my time to feel proud, I made my way
Simply hanging around in Saint-Tropez
I'm far from where you fight but I will make it right
You can count on me yeah.
Hanging here like a star don't mean I forget
Strictness shape of my short dress, ma petite tête
I don't hear what they say 'cause every night and day
I'm leaving, I'm running, I'm dying to hear your sweet...
Black voices, don't need to know what you're saying
Black voices, that thing don't call for meaning
Black voices make my dreams and reality
Black voices, you just set me free yeah.
Black voices, don't need to know what you're saying
Black voices, that thing don't call for meaning
Black voices make my dreams and reality
Black voices, you just set me free yeah.
Here tonight! Here tonight!
The lyrics of Martin Solveig's song "Black Voices" seem to depict a deep appreciation for Black music and culture. The opening lines suggest that the singer can perceive the pride on the face of the Black performer. The lines "So please turn it out loud with your natural grace" could be interpreted as an invitation to the performer to let their music flow uninhibitedly, and showcase their talents as only they know how to.
The singer then goes on to say that they learned how to express themselves musically through the raw beauty and potency of Black melody. In the second verse, the singer seems to be paying homage to the Black culture and how it has influenced them to be who they are today. From "hanging around in Saint-Tropez" to the "strictness shape of my short dress," the singer acknowledges how they have come from a place of privilege and how this does not detract from their deep appreciation for Black music and culture.
The main message of the song is conveyed in the chorus which suggests that Black voices don't necessarily need to have explicit meaning to be appreciated. The beauty lies in how they convey emotions and set the singer free. The line "Black voices, you just set me free yeah" communicates the idea that Black music has the power to transcend language and culture and evoke strong emotions in the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
I can tell you are proud when I see your face
I can sense your pride by looking at your facial expressions
So please turn it out loud with your natural grace
Show your pride openly and confidently with your natural charm
I learnt all naturally from the potency of your melody yeah.
I learned everything naturally from the sheer power of your music
'Cause it's been a long time, you and me
We have a longstanding relationship and history together
You made my sunshine on vinyls and CDs
Your music has brought immense joy and happiness to my life, in both old and new formats
I don't hear what they say 'cause every night and day
I am so absorbed in your music that I am oblivious to negative comments from others
You show me the way yeah.
Your music is my guiding light
Black voices, don't need to know what you're saying
The words you sing don't matter as much as the emotions and feelings they convey
Black voices, that thing don't call for meaning
The essence of your music transcends any specific meaning or interpretation
Black voices make my dreams and reality
Your music has the power to shape and fulfill my hopes and aspirations, as well as ground me in the present moment
Black voices, you just set me free yeah.
Your music liberates me from any constraints or limitations, allowing me to fully express myself
It's my time to feel proud, I made my way
I have worked hard and achieved success on my own terms, and now is the moment to revel in that pride
Simply hanging around in Saint-Tropez
I may be in a luxurious location, but I didn't get here by chance or superficiality
I'm far from where you fight but I will make it right
I may not be directly involved in social justice struggles, but I am committed to creating positive change in my own way
You can count on me yeah.
I am available to support and ally with marginalized communities, including those represented by Black voices
Hanging here like a star don't mean I forget
My fame and success have not made me ignorant or dismissive of my roots and influences
Strictness shape of my short dress, ma petite tête
I may look polished and glamorous, but I am still the same person beneath the surface
I'm leaving, I'm running, I'm dying to hear your sweet...
I am eager and excited to hear more of the beautiful music produced by Black voices
Here tonight! Here tonight!
The energy and power of Black voices is present and celebrated in this moment
Contributed by Evelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.