On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the Les Nuits Carrées festival offered the audience an exceptional evening rich in musical discoveries and striking artistic universes. Set in a unique venue, this annual event once again highlighted the vitality of the contemporary French music scene through an eclectic and engaged lineup.
L’Oiseau Noir: An Intimate and Universal Voice to Open the Evening
The festivities kicked off at 8 PM with Benoît Queroix, better known as L’Oiseau Noir. This singer-songwriter, renowned for his sharp lyrics and captivating voice, has established himself as a distinctive figure in today’s musical landscape. His world combines a delicate sensitivity with exploration of powerful themes such as love, mental health, and daydreaming.
His music, both intimate and universal, takes listeners on a journey through profound emotions, where every word resonates like a sincere confession. True to the artistic direction of his latest album, L’Oiseau Noir captivated the audience with the precision of his lyrics and the depth of his performance.
Pantin2Paille: An Electro-Acoustic Duo Mixing Urban Poetry and Catchy Rhythms
At 9 PM, the stage welcomed Pantin2Paille, an electro-acoustic duo made up of Djeep and Gregg. Their music skillfully blends hip-hop beats, world music influences, and electronic melodies, carried by French lyrics both sung and spoken.
Their project is characterized by strong, simple, and accessible lyrics that resonate with a wide audience. Their self-titled first EP, consisting of five tracks, navigates between dreams and reality, electro and acoustic sounds, delivering a colorful and flavorful pop experience. Balancing lightness and engagement, Pantin2Paille invites listeners to an attentive and warm experience where words unite and give meaning.
Ben Mazué: A Long-Awaited Return to the Nuits Carrées Stage
The evening concluded at 10 PM with Ben Mazué, a French singer-songwriter and musician born in Nice in 1981. After more than twenty years of career, he returned to the Nuits Carrées stage, seventeen years after his first appearance in 2008.
Ben Mazué draws his influences from classic French chanson and hip-hop, which gives his style a unique originality and richness. His album Paradis, certified platinum, earned him the 2022 Victoire de la Musique for Concert of the Year. His upcoming album, Famille, expected in February 2025, promises new emotions and an intimate look at human connections.
On stage, Ben Mazué won over his audience with a sincere and moving performance, blending poetry and urban rhythms with remarkable ease. His set was one of the highlights of this edition of Les Nuits Carrées.
An Evening at the Crossroads of Styles and Emotions
The June 12, 2025 lineup perfectly embodied the spirit of Les Nuits Carrées: a musical celebration where genres intersect and emotions are shared. Between L’Oiseau Noir’s poetic sensitivity, Pantin2Paille’s unique energy, and the depth of a seasoned artist like Ben Mazué, the audience was carried on a rich and varied sonic journey.
This evening once again confirmed the festival’s ability to showcase authentic talents and deliver memorable musical experiences.
To discover more about the festival and upcoming editions, visit:
www.nuitscarrees.com