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Manu Chevalier launches his debut album, “Planet Groove From Marseille.” This is a disco-funk journey, created from scratch in Manu’s home studio, where he worked with a saxophone in one hand and a dream in the other. “I’m just a guy from Marseille,” Manu says, but his music proves he’s a one-man powerhouse ready to get the whole world moving.
Coming from the sunlit streets of France’s rap capital, Manu Chevalier stands out as an unconventional musical leader. He combines his jazz background with a passion for dance music to create an album that’s all about the groove. Manu wrote, arranged, produced, mixed, and mastered every note of “Planet Groove.” He played saxophones, keyboards, and drums himself, mixing in modern software sounds to create a fresh, energetic vibe. “The groove is the common thread,” Manu explains, and it’s felt in every song-whether it’s a call to dance, a slow and seductive track, or the emotional “The World Is Falling Down.”
Manu’s sound is shaped by guidance from hitmakers like Shelly Poole (Alisha’s Attic, Janet Jackson, Michael Gray), Morris Pleasure (Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson), and Jeff Franzel (Frank Sinatra, N’Sync, Taylor Dayne). These mentors helped Manu develop his style, blending classic funk and jazz with modern dance energy. Manu also draws inspiration from the lively crowds at his favourite discotheques, where he loves to dance and soak up the party atmosphere.
The album’s lead single, “Before the Magic Has Gone” featuring Mason Blu, is a song about living in the moment, perfect for both dance floors and radio. Other fan favourites include “Get on the Dance Floor,” “I Belong to You” (with a special Brazilian remix), and two versions of “If You Could Hear What I Say”-all previously released singles with music videos lighting up Manu’s Vevo channel. The album features top singers, some well-known and some mysterious, who bring each track to life. Manu’s voice can be heard in background harmonies, adding a personal touch to this solo project.
Born Emmanuel Chevalier into a classical music family, Manu started playing drums at age 10. Jazz and bossa nova soon drew him to the saxophone, inspired by legends like Stan Getz. Manu began by writing jazz fusion pieces, but soon original melodies filled his mind, and he started creating full songs. At first, he planned to write for other artists, but with encouragement from mentors like Shelly Poole and Ricky Wilde (Kim Wilde’s brother and hitmaker), Manu decided to step into the spotlight himself.
After releasing four singles-including the hit “If You Could Hear What I Say,” which topped Switzerland’s Redline Radio Top 50-Manu is now ready to share “Planet Groove,” a disco-funk feast that’s already attracting attention. The album also features exciting collaborations, including with rapper Jethro “Alone Star” Sheeran (who has worked with Ed Sheeran and Snoop Dogg), adding even more star power to Manu’s impressive resume.
Listen Here:open.spotify.com/album/7EhYUg
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