At the age of 22, singer Philippine has already collaborated with some of the great names of French and international music including Slimane and Gavin James. Certified platinum in 2018 for her single “C’est beau, c’est toi”, she would like to add a string to her bow by participating in Eurovision 2021. Now, as Eurovision France, c’est vous qui décidez approaches in February, she has her chance. In the interview that follows, she tells us that she wants everyone — no matter their gender — to recognise themselves in the song.

Some artists have the personal desire to participate in Eurovision, while others are led there by management or their agent. But for Philippine it was all about trusting her fan community, who, over the past few years, have encouraged her to try her luck at the song contest.

“For the past few years I’ve been told about Eurovision, and I’ve often been tagged on social networks as a potential candidate to represent France. I am very close to my community and when I saw that people outside of France who don’t speak the same language liked what I was doing, I immediately thought that I would trust them and live this adventure with them.”

Her acclaim outside of her native country comes down to the hard work she’s invested in her musical pursuits since childhood. At four years old, she was able to play the piano — a skill she picked up before knowing how to read. At the age of eight she started her first singing lessons. And then at the age of 12 she wrote her very first composition and hasn’t stopped since. After high school, she decided to study music academically by joining the Music Academy International in eastern France. Building on all that, in 2018 she managed to win a prestigious talent contest for young people organised by the French radio station NRJ and got to sing a duet with Gavin James. That track — “Always” — went on to be certified platinum and has been viewed more than 22 million times on YouTube.

“In 2018, I won the NRJ talent contest and released several singles including ‘C’est beau, c’est toi’,  ‘N’importe quoi’ and a duet with Gavin James, which was certified platinum, and with whom I had the immense honour of being nominated for the NRJ Music Awards. Today for the first time I release a composition ‘Bah non’ and my album is in progress.”

The love that the young artist has for music can also be felt in her musical tastes. Particularly eclectic, her favourites range from Debussy to Little Mix.

“I listen to Debussy, Coldplay, Demi Lovato, Little Mix, Foster The People, Queen, Elton John…”

 Philippine wants “Bah non” to boost your confidence — regardless of your gender

“Bah non” is a curious expression for non-French speakers, who have been busy trying to find meaning in the two-word title. “Bah” is a French onomatopoeia used when thinking about something. Philippines explains:

“‘Bah’ in English could be translated as ‘well’, which expresses a moment of reflection before taking a decision, which in this song is a decisive ‘no.'”

So, roughly, that’s “Well, no…”

But what is she saying no to? While the song seems to be about a woman who is angry after a disappointment with love, Philippine says that it doesn’t talk about her in particular. On the contrary, she would like each one of us to recognise ourselves in the song.

“I don’t want people to talk about me in this song. I want everyone listening to this song to feel invincible, strong, courageous and important. There is a recurrence of ‘no’, a lot of negations certainly, but which lead to a big YES. ‘Yes I am capable of saying no to a situation that bothers me or makes me vulnerable.'”

The author of “Bah No” asks us to move beyond the subject of love and to apply the song to other problems we encounter in daily life.

“When I wrote this song several months ago, I decided to talk about love and a break-up because unfortunately we all go through that at some point in our lives, but I don’t want you to have that in mind. Whether it is at work or elsewhere, we sometimes lose confidence in ourselves and with this song I would like it to be your outlet, a boost of self-confidence with simple and effective lyrics and always with humour.”

And although  Philippine is a female protagonist, she explains that she does not exclusively serve the women’s cause and does not make gender distinctions:

“I want everyone to be able to identify themselves in this song: men or women. Other artists are very good advocates for the women’s cause, but that’s not what this song is about. It has nothing to do with gender.”

Eurovision France: C’est vous qui décidez

In a few weeks time, Philippine will participate in the final of Eurovision France, C’est vous qui décidez. The twelve competing artists are currently working on the final shape of their staging. Philippine agreed to tell us a little more about what the French public should expect regarding her performance. The young artist promises the viewer a magical moment full of joy. Asked to sum it up, she says:

“Dance, smile, a magical moment for everyone. Because we need it!”

 

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Une publication partagée par Philippine (@philippine_off)


Aware that the pop-rock sound of “Bah Non” is somewhat reminiscent of the usual Eurovision song format, the French singer confesses that she loves to take risks. She imagines the audience dancing to her song.

“Yes, it is pop rock and maybe it is a risk, but I love challenges and taking risks. It’s better to have the audience dancing right now, isn’t it?”

If she is lucky enough to represent France at Eurovision, Philippine promises to devote all the necessary energy to the task.

“I will give myself 300% as I usually do, share all these moments with the public and make France proud in the hope of inspiring other countries. This song is a personal story and I sing it with a lot of sincerity. I hope we will sing it all together at Eurovision!”

You can follow Philippine on instagram: @philippine_off

Do you recognise yourself in Philippine’s song? Are you ready to dance? Let us know in the comments box below

13 Comments
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Sandrine
Sandrine
3 years ago

That is my favourite song of the 12 hopefuls.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago

Really like how she didn’t go for a cliche “of empowering women”, and dedicated the song to all who feel the way she does. She is my number 2nd, great charisma, she managed to keep my attention with basically no staging, not many did that.

Sabrina
Sabrina
3 years ago

I like her attitude, both on the stage and in this interview.

Louka
Louka
3 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

All of this year’s participants are so kind to each other. All of them. They seem to be here to enjoy and show their musical world to a larger French/European audience at first. I can see on their networks they mostly feel honored to be part of it and wish to take the best from this ESC experience/exposure, despite the fact this is a competition at the end.

ESCb
ESCb
3 years ago

I absolutely adore Bah Non and now that she has shared the meaning and inspiration of the song, I love it even more!!

Neil
Neil
3 years ago

My favorite of France 2021 NF, but i know Voila is gonna win…. which isnt bad but Philipine is better for me. I do hope France gets the best place possible, so Voila is the ideal choice but France, try something new maybe?? Good Luck to the Both

Mr X
Mr X
3 years ago
Reply to  Neil

Are you sure that Voila win ? I would be very glad about, its my favourite but I also like Bah non

Laura
Laura
3 years ago
Reply to  Neil

I think Andriamad are gonna win since the French jury is 50% part of the jury and they will probably not like Voilà because it’s a ballad. Too bad bc I think Voilà could achieve a great result for France.

Erasmus
Erasmus
3 years ago
Reply to  Laura

I can’t see Alleluia appealing to the juries at all tho. it depends who will be in the jury.. i think voila will win

Neil
Neil
3 years ago
Reply to  Laura

Andriamad is my fourth place after those two and Magique ( hate all u want but IDC). It´? still an amazing song and i could probably see it winning

FanESC
FanESC
3 years ago
Reply to  Neil

It’s ironic to say that France should try something new and send Philippine when lots of fans compare “Bah non” to “L’enfer et moi”++.

Something new would rather be “Alléluia”‘s tropical vibe, or “Amour fou” with its typical french electro vibe. I love both “Alléluia” and “Voilà” and both have good potentials. I’d like “Voilà” to win and “Alléluia” getting successful in France, lol.

Grft
Grft
3 years ago
Reply to  FanESC

Same. I think Voilà has undeniably the most potential at ESC since it has that “wow” moment and there will be nothing similar sent by other countries. But I enjoy the other ones you quoted and hope they will be successful – but not for ESC lol

Jake Dallas
Jake Dallas
3 years ago
Reply to  Grft

I personally think if they send Voilà they would have a huge battle with Switzerland (they’ve even got the same hair). Also the French public would never choose it because it’s too stereotypically French. Plus I think we all know from last year that National Finals are never clear-cut. Alléluia is a very interesting choice, but I find the act a bit too similar to Madame Monsieur which sort of goes against France’s brand of having variety. Also, it’s only December and it feels like the song has already aged. Bah Non is the best choice in my opinion. Philippine… Read more »