Vocal Coach Reacts to Alvan & Ahez 'Fulenn' France Eurovision 2022

[@Signe.stewardess]

The song is in Breton, the regional language from Bretagne (Brittany), a celtic language. Its about a young woman who runs away because her father wants to marry her off, and she'd rather be free and dancing with the devil than married to the man her father chose for her.

[@DomnulDarius]

Why the devil?

[@yves2281]

@@DomnulDarius He was the only guy able to dance with her. All other guys trying to dance with her before died of exhaustion!

[@annelysemantrand3331]

Dear Signe Christensen, the real legend of Katell (Catherine ,in Breton)Gollet is that she didn't want to choose any husband her father had proposed to her. She only said : I will marry the man who will be able to danse with me 3 days and 3 nights long. Many young men from the neibourghood tried to do so, but all of them died from exhaustion. One last came, unknowed : it was as the devil, he won the challenge and drove her ....to Hell for éternity. As usual in légends from Brittany, one can draw different meanings, one moral and one non-moral. The first is : not to be so proud when choosing your husband, dont expect too much of him and, moreover, pay attention to your parent's sensible choice and advice bécause if you don't, life will punish you (you will be led to Hell, in a way).The second is : no husband can be agreed, except the man who inspires passion, but passion can inspiré fear and pain or torment , just lire Hell...Fulenn means spark, which can be meliorative or pejorative (exciting Lady or superficial girl...).

[@sammieconsalvey4448]

They're on about Lilith

[@aliaila4475]

France has done now, what I've been waiting for Ireland to do for ages ~ Celtic Power 🔥 I love it so much and it'll defo be getting my vote 🇫🇷

[@HonestVocalCoach]

Yes it’s just interesting that France have done it

[@escnath30]

Thanks 🙏🏼🇫🇷

[@axelle76000f]

Merci 🔥🇨🇵

[@apocalypsevingt-cinq156]

That's what I thought during the selection, It will appeal to all Celts descendent. We sure have a chance to win this year.

[@fartreta]

I love the mystic Celtic vibe in this! It's like taking part of some kind of ancient ritual. I wish the UK or Ireland dared to send a Celtic language song some time but I'm quite sure it's never going to happen (like ex-Pipettes singer Gwenno who makes great kind of dreamy pop in Cornish and Welsh, for example)

[@olympicsongcontest7117]

Love Gwenno!

[@dylanlcreser]

Gwenno in Eurovision would be incredible! Come on BBC!

[@svyatoslavrurikovich8831]

Celtic with a heavy French accent

[@gianedamas]

This song is definitely one of my favorites. The theme, performance, clothes. And the language, of course :) 🇫🇷

[@Phlippan87]

One of my favorites, but it took me about 3 run-throughs to get there. I love the rawness of it. I also appreciate that it's in Breton and not French

[@berka-i]

quite like this one. Currently, in my top 10

[@MadameChristie]

The song is apparantly based on a Breton legend. There was a princess who refused all suitors unless they could out dance her (think the Greek legend of Atalanta). But all the men would collapse in exhaustion before her. This was because she would go out every night and dance around a fire, building up her stamina.

[@krisball1990]

This is my favourite at the moment. Re the meaning behind the song, they're singing in Breton, which is a Celtic language, and the lyrics do seem steeped in Celtric folklore, very similar to Shum by Go_A last year, which was based on Ukranian folklore. I'm not an expert, but I wonder if Ukranian folklore is Celtic in origin.

[@DomnulDarius]

No Ukrainian folklore is not Celtic in origin, it’s Pan-Slavic folklore that originated back to the ancient Slavic mythology of the eastern Slavs.

[@Matthy63]

Yeah it's not, I think part of it is that it does have the same folk-electro vibe even though it isn't the same folk culture, and that sets it apart from the kind of generic pop/ballads that are a dime a dozen at Eurovision (not a dig I like some of them a lot but you can hear them anywhere). I've also heard them compared to North African music and I think it's literally just the percussions and nonstandard musical scale (which you also get in traditional Slavic vocals). Traditional Breton music uses quarter-tones whereas most modern western music is half-tones. It's basically what you'll see a lot of ESC fans on social media calling "ethnic vibes" which in my opinion is somewhat condescending (it's very like "I, a modern normal person, validate your weird minority identity as cool") and catch-all (basically anything that isn't a pop song in English or has traditional instruments of basically any tradition that doesn't fit a kind of Western monoculture gets the label) but I know I'm definitely in the minority on that.

[@nathanroos4143]

I didn't like this song at first, but I'm totally obsessed with it now. This is the second time Breton has been sung for eurovision, and absolute fire!!

[@digitalis-y9h]

I'm so happy for France, what a cool entry! Really love they went for something completely different and that a different side or part of France get's some representation for once. I hope the people of France are as happy!

[@lucascharrassier4076]

Fortunately for my country, the work is going to be on vocals, and they have plenty of time to do it. The staging is really good, the song is the most unique this year, it is ultra catchy. It will do really well this year because like Barbar Pravi, they just have to work on the vocals.

[@whatsupdorian]

Oh mais t’es français ? je te vois souvent en commentaire mais je savais po!

[@head_inthestars]

@@whatsupdorian "Lucas Charrassier" te donnait un bel indice quand même x)

[@59matth]

i have to say they can improve !the vocal ! it was the first time they perform all together !!! they are together only since June and never perform together before the rehearsals and here !!! I am proud of my country ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CodyKK]

It's worth noticing that song is in Breton language, the song probably refers to Celtic culture in some way

[@steampunklemur]

It refers to a Breton legend about a girl who ran away from home after her father wanted her to get married. After running away, the girl danced with the Devil around a fire in the woods all night, eventually dying of exhaustion bc she decided that she'd rather die free than be married off to a man she'd never met

[@Matthy63]

There's also several versions of the legend of Katell Gollet but to clarify it's not that she's like a witch who casually hangs with the literal devil, it's that at least in one version she refuses to marry any man who can't keep up with her dancing as a way to put off marrying at all, so the suitors all die of exhaustion trying, her dad locks her up, she escapes with either her servant or her lover Salaün (I've seen him described as either), and then this other dude shows up to dance with her, *he* can keep up with her so she keeps dancing until *she* drops, and the story is kind of like "aha it was the devil, serves her right for dancing immodestly". That's part of what I like about this song because yes it does celebrate traditional culture but it also subverts the more like, boringly Catholic parts of it to convey a message of empowerment (she knew it would kill her but would rather die free than marry some dude) rather than the cautionary tale it was likely originally meant as (she died dancing with the devil out of some sense of wantonness and unconsciousness therefore her dad was right)

[@lunarsoul1717]

My favourite, the vibes, the sound the stage, the meaning! 🇫🇷 🤩 greetings from 🇬🇧

[@yyaahhzxc]

Your thoughts align with mine! If they get their vocals right their performance will be 🔥🔥🔥

[@ramonaheart]

This song makes me imagine a witch dancing and making her rituals all by herself in the woods, ignoring all judgment. It's definitely my winner this year!!

[@codyscious]

the song is in breton, a regional celtic language from western france. i love it and i'm so proud that my country is sending this and celebrating its regional heritage. i agree that the vocals need work, especially in terms of timing there were a lot of issues, but they have time to fix it. otherwise the rest of the package is pretty great !

[@m4rna]

France is my winner because it's the only song where I flet "something". However, I agree, that vocals could be corrected.

[@ESCedi]

LOVE THISSSS!!!! your reaction is amazing too and I agree that they have alot to work on but on the other hand they have alot already! could rly give them another top 5!

[@user-jn3fv5dk4t]

France is also a celtic nation !!! Come and see the incredible variety of new celtic music (in summer)...

[@DanTony68]

Only 350 000 people in France speak Breton out of 67 millions of inhabitants. Just sayin'...

[@beck86]

So the language is Breton, which is spoken by some of the citizens in Brittany, in France and is a Southwestern Brittonic language of the Celtic language family. It is the only Celtic language still in use on the European mainland. The majority of today's speakers are more than 60 years old, and Breton is now classified as an endangered language. Under the French law known as Toubon, it is illegal for commercial signage to be in Breton alone. Signs must be bilingual or French only. Knowing this, I'm sure it will be voted for but I don't think a lot of people will understand what they're singing about and the meanings behind the song. By using it on the Eurovision stage, at least they will hopefully increase interest in the language to the point where it is no longer classed as endangered.

[@head_inthestars]

I thought the same for Shum last year, people wouldn't really catch with it, but they got in the top 5! So i have hope!

[@SleepyNoah15]

my contry i love it i'm really proud of our choice.

[@ceciliaslepmet4840]

Same! It's an amazing song!

[@aliciaperez3018]

Love your song, good luck from Spain 💖

[@davidgevaert7504]

An old Belgian, ( Galien!) Love this,. Respect for our ancient history and culture. The modern rope they put on it, YES

[@lillia5333]

I love it, exotic, dramatic. Sigh, my list of great songs is getting longer. What to choose? Where will my 12 points go? Choices!!

[@glennplusquellec3335]

The wobbly voice at the beginning is made on purpose, it actually is an effect we use pretty often in breton traditional songs

[@sofiJa1363]

Well done for reading lyrics translations! It's always more fun when you understand what it's about 😊

[@donmah06]

Oo your new 'studio' space looks nice! I hope settling in went okay! ahh I love this song! very Go_A inspired haha; in fact, the Alvan in this song is a french DJ, and Ahez is a breton heritage group who sing about Breton folklore in their own language (which is Celtic, as other people have mentioned. cool!) who came together specifically to make this song! Whiiiichh you can also hear in this live version, their voices don't really blend well with the DJ's yet unfortunately. Hopefully, by the time the Contest comes around they sound more like their recorded version, which sound quite good:)

[@Elfangel85]

I was following the national selection and liked the song right away. Unfortunately my favourite moments are not in your video: when the girl's voice "glitches" in a verse the guy makes a really cool gesture and when the camera shows him slide (I love the way he dances). In all live performances of this song the girls are bad at harmonies, at least one of them is off-key. I really hope they can improve. While people say that Alvan doesn't have an impressive voice, he stays on key (and he does that la-la-la part so well ending it on a high note with echo)! I am surpised you reacted to the real live version, not to the "music video" where studio vocals were placed over this live performance (I mean I am happy you did).

[@nipaipo36100]

france is gonna win this year. this britain song is wonderful

[@ultron374]

I hope it wins..nice bop

[@rowenn1729]

The song is based on the breton celtic legend of Katell Gollet.

[@xjiemomoqueen4266]

my winner 🥳

[@ceciliaslepmet4840]

I love this song so much and I am not saying that because it's my country ^^ Also I recognize it's perfectible

[@emilatik8581]

Literally in my top 5, that uniquely ritualistic, gargoyle-like vibing and occultist Breton entry of /Fr*æ6An*6Cæ*e6, alongside with Poland, Norway(because it's all funky,misplaced and fun), Romania( It's giving me summer/beach vibes and it's just catchy,especially chorus wise), UK. And, the runner-up to the top 5 or for now on 6th place then that would be Azerbaijan,Albania ,Netherlands and Estonia.And,oh love your reaction btw,as always. Greets from Denmark - And,yeah, a big no to putting my country's entry on top 5 this year, I can tell you that much. Not worth it this time. Perhaps in top 10,tbh,though..lol...🥴😂😅😉🤘👍💪🕳➰️🕳♋☦️♋🕳➰️🕳

[@sannev8407]

I love when countries do ethnic in a mix with modern. So they bring ethnic elements but keep it 2022, 'mainstream' and accessible for everyone.Lyrics are about dancing with the devil and stuff but what it comes down to is the message that women can be free to do whatever they want.

[@SylvieTheCuteSylveon]

The song's name "Fulenn" means "Spark" in French. It overall at least for me, the message is about courage and empowerment, being willing to do whatever the heck you wants. The girl in the song is seen to be one to be full of courage, stealing the fire from wild beasts' gazes, and dancing with the devil, seeming to imply she is one who is brave and courageous enough to do what she wants. However a lot of other people interpret this song as well as just about a wild, carefree girl dancing in the woods, so it is up for interpretation.

[@felicepompa1702]

It's not french lol. Fulenn means spark but in breton which is a celtic language spoken in brittany

[@trambus1144]

Not French, but Breton my friend.

[@milobellus12]

They're not speaking french to be precise. They're speaking a dialect from France called "breton" from "Bretagne".

[@swissamaterasu]

In Breton not French.

[@SamiC224]

Not in French, in Breton, a language from Britanny (west of France)

[@celticbro1]

Thanks for reviewing it. I live in France and there's controversy because the song isnt in French. The song is different and with the right staging and good live performance, it could do well.

[@esc1zach685]

Honestly, I'm happy that France is taking a risk and chose a song in a regional language. Another reason while I like fullen so much because it proved that France is not all just about Paris, baguette and the Eiffel tower.

[@head_inthestars]

People dare doing a controversy? They are the one being grumpy about how we send cliché songs and when we want to switch it up, they are still not happy? I mean, what am i talking about? I know my people. They can never be happy anyways lol

[@joaopaulopinto1078]

I love Portugal 🇵🇹❤️👏👏👏👏

[@domenicodeluca5467]

Malta changed the sonq for the competition. You should make a reaction. It is "I am what I am" by Emma Muscat.

[@DNA912]

I heard the studio version first. And love it, what I think really is lacking the most in the live performence is that you lost some of the effects and sterio effects and high vocal production. Because in the studio version they are very layered and produced (in a good way).

[@ceciliaslepmet4840]

It's a very good song, I hope they'd manage to make it great!

[@palm2004]

Really like this one

[@katkagruner9773]

I'm always amazed at how many songs and styles and bands are born in a new year that are copies of those that succeeded in the previous year. 🤦‍♀

[@sammieconsalvey4448]

Definitely France for the win this year they've bought it all they came to win it's Hypnotic

[@alexisgoiset6215]

LOL, we ranked 24/25 🤣

[@tomaszstoinski214]

Love you

[@gg454lune]

It wasn't my favorite entry from our national selection but I didn't want my favorite song to win. I love it but "Fulenn" or even "Seule" had more chances to do good.

[@crith304]

it's actually sung in breton, not in french and that's what I like the most about this song!

[@philippedeoliveira2115]

Vive Folk Ethnic Celtic Brittany!!!

[@sol.c05]

My winner 🇫🇷❤️ original, unique, catchy, folk and vibes!

[@mrbananahamock1302]

Waiting for 🇬🇷 😁😁

[@gabsanzul5724]

That song with a good interpretation, better voices, nice harmonies and vocal techniques should be wonderful...

[@gildasleleannec1624]

There are singing in my native language "Brezhoneg" i'm so proud, really ! Don't forget that french government don't like at all all the natives languages of France so it is really a good thing for me, sorry for my english ^^

[@georgeb1527]

I heard Romania, my country!❤🇷🇴

[@jobond3317]

Hi love your channel. But have listened to sabaton particularly their Christmas truce video. Love to know what you think of it

[@moustachedelait467]

This is not the first time France sang in a regional language for Eurovision. 1996 : "Diwalit Bugale" by Dan ar Braz in Breton 1993 :" Mama Corsica" by Patrick Fiori, the chorus is in Corsican 2011 : "Sognu" by Amaury Vassili in Corsican 1991 : "Monté la rivière" by Kali in Caribbean creole

[@emilypage959]

I'm personally missing a lead vocalist I think.. I normally love stuff like this but something is missing for me... vocals are really lacking for me and I cannot get over it

[@videosmusicbymarc1412]

And about Portugal?

[@rowenn1729]

We hear the hinduist om sound, the arabic iou ious, the flamenco guitar,...

[@chucku00]

Yup, technically they're very far from Denez Prigent or classical Kan ha diskan bands but they tried to compensate with their energy.

[@bessonnet]

Golden embroideries are traditional on Britany costumes

[@Tim_Shu]

Not really feeling it, but it was interesting

[@nipaipo36100]

love you georgina but really don t like your criticizms about their voices!

[@AliceRoche-ii2ke]

The jury will hate this, France will be relying on televote this year.

[@ericbalcon2686]

No England, breton.

[@sylvain173]

you always interrupt the song every 5 seconds ! you do not completely listen to the song ! how can you judge a song l lke this ? they are not from Africa they are breton, they sing breton, a celtic language Fullen means sparkle and pretty woman it's about a woman who dances with the devil in a glade in the middle forest until her death it is from a legend from Brittany, a western region of France please listen to a song completely and you can judge after !

[@NowhereNoOne]

I get that you're a vocal coach and you focus on vocals, but i feel like you don't really understand the point of traditional music. It's really not about standard vocals and harmonies. It's about the story they are telling, and the traditional instruments and the connectivity to nature etc. The voice is often also meant to be slightly out of tune, to create more of a rawness/nature feel to it.

[@vincentstef5708]

Not feeling it all as it is messy live but it is interesting. Can't see it coming top 10

[@han-oq6bo]

I love it... it wont win though

[@lapitufayt2216]

Tanxugueiras hacendado del chino

[@WRLDPost]

This is not the right version, take the eurovision OFFICIAL one

[@Randomperson-cv4oo]

It's unique, but it feels messy and slightly weak vocals 🤷‍♂️

[@marcstoringer]

I honestly don't like it at all! Let me say "African" doesn't suit me at all! it's like Netherlands 2021, and they were last😉 Voila, last year was just terrific! This year, I don't think it will go far! I'm very sorry France and to all who like this song! I definitely don't belong there!

[@head_inthestars]

It's not African, it's Breton (= Celtic) 😭 but i understand your point, it's pretty special and messy and that's why i love it personally

[@loulouchris1085]

T'es chelou toi

[@omaradem9098]

No offense but this is such a downgrade from Voila. We won't be seeing France in top 5 this year

[@SH-kz2kv]

France still sulking Voila didn't win I think...

[@sergiopitarch4364]

It's messy and pretentious... I prefer my portuguese neighbour entry, "Saudade Saudade"; it's the perfect example of "less is more" :)

[@marabonv7211]

The copy of tanxungueiras by France..

[@DanTony68]

Not a copy at all. Brittany has its own folklore, culture, language and civilization. Galicia has partly Celtic influences in its own culture, music and folklore too. That's why there are similarities between the voices of the three French female singers and the Tanxugueiras who candidates to represent Spain. But the French entry itself was written and composed before the Galician one.

[@head_inthestars]

I- you know what? I was about to throw some insults because i'm so fucking tired of seeing those comments. It is not a copy, you know why? Because Galicia and Brittany both have a Celtic heritage. So of course there is going to have similarities. Also, Fulenn was written before Tanxungueiras. So do your research before anything, will you? :)

[@NetherlandsEsc]

I just cannot like this at all 🙄

[@HonestVocalCoach]

why?