This genre takes inspiration from such forefathers of French Chanson as Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens or Barbara, albeit in a more soft-pop music style.
Principal French exponents of Nouvelle Chanson include artists such as Benjamin Biolay, Émilie Simon, Coralie Clément, Keren Ann, Françoiz Breut, Olivia Ruiz, Dominique A, and Camille.
'),[3] Regina Spektor (showing French influence in songs such as 'Après moi' and 'Ne me quitte pas'), CocoRosie (originally American, now Paris-based) and London-based singer-songwriter Ana Silvera.
There is a tendency for theatricality and the adoption of personas, alongside intensely poetic lyrics incorporating surreal and metaphorical elements.
Benjamin Biolay studied at the National Conservatoire, Lyon,[5] Emilie Simon studied musicology at the University of Montpellier,[citation needed] and Ana Silvera has performed with the English National Opera and Royal Opera House[citation needed]) giving an intellectual aspect that sets this style of music apart from other genres such as pop, rock and 'anti-folk'.