The Picard Brothers are a French music production and songwriting duo consisting of brothers Stéphane Picard and Christopher Picard. They are known for their work in the electronic, pop, and dance music genres, contributing to recordings for a range of international artists and releasing their own material.
Background and Formation
Stéphane and Christopher Picard grew up in the town of Saint-Maurice, near Paris, France. They began collaborating musically in the early 2010s, initially focusing on remixing and producing tracks for local French acts before expanding their reach to global collaborations.
Career Highlights
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Collaborations and Production Work: The Picard Brothers have co-written and produced songs for prominent artists such as Diplo, Major Lazer, Beyoncé, and AlunaGeorge. Their contributions often involve blending electronic dance music elements with mainstream pop structures. Notably, they co-produced “Bam Bam” (2022) by Camila Cabello featuring Ed Sheeran, which achieved chart success in multiple countries.
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Solo Releases: Under their own name, the duo released the EP “Picard Brothers” (2018) and subsequent singles including “Ego” (featuring Aluna) and “Evol” (featuring Sia). Their releases have been issued through major labels such as Columbia Records and have received airplay on electronic and mainstream radio stations.
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Remixes: They have produced officially commissioned remixes for tracks by artists such as The xx, Sam Smith, and Ariana Grande, showcasing a style characterized by deep basslines, melodic synths, and rhythmic complexity.
Musical Style and Influence
The Picard Brothers’ production style merges elements of French house, contemporary R&B, and global dance music. Their work is often described as “melodic yet club‑oriented,” emphasizing strong vocal hooks combined with intricate electronic instrumentation. Influences cited in interviews include Daft Punk, The Neptunes, and Swedish House Mafia.
Recognition
Their contributions have earned them nominations for industry awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album as co‑producers on Diplo’s “California” (2023). Additionally, they have been featured in music industry publications such as Billboard and Mixmag for their innovative production techniques.
Discography (selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notable Collaborators |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Picard Brothers (EP) | Primary artists | – |
| 2019 | “Ego” (single) | Primary artists | Aluna |
| 2020 | “Evol” (single) | Primary artists | Sia |
| 2021 | “Bam Bam” – Camila Cabello feat. Ed Sheeran | Co‑producer / co‑writer | Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran |
| 2022 | “Let Me Down” – Diplo feat. Sia | Co‑producer / co‑writer | Diplo, Sia |
Industry Impact
The Picard Brothers are regarded as part of a new wave of French producers who have successfully bridged the gap between European electronic music and the global pop market. Their ability to adapt to diverse artist styles while maintaining a distinctive production signature has contributed to the evolving sound of contemporary mainstream and club music.
References
- “Picard Brothers: French Duo Behind Global Hits,” Billboard, March 2022.
- “Interview: The Picard Brothers on Working with Diplo and Sia,” Mixmag, July 2021.
- Grammy Awards Database, nomination entries for 2023.