The Enduring Legacy of Cassius: Trailblazers of French Electronic Music

Hubert Blanc-Francard, better known as Boombass, made a surprise appearance at the Paralympics closing ceremony, billing himself as Cassius, the duo he formed with the late Philippe Zdar. This unexpected move marked a poignant return to the music that had defined their careers and friendship for over three decades. The story of Cassius is one of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of French electronic music.

Honoring a Lifelong Bond and a Musical Legacy

The Formative Years: From Studio Assistants to Trailblazers

Blanc-Francard and Zdar first crossed paths as teenagers, working as assistants in a Paris studio. Introduced by Blanc-Francard's father, a renowned producer, the two quickly forged a deep friendship that would shape the trajectory of their careers. Their big break came with French rapper MC Solaar's debut album, where Blanc-Francard scored co-writing credits and Zdar handled the mixing, despite their relative inexperience at the time.The duo's collaboration with James Lavelle's fledgling label Mo' Wax led to the creation of La Funk Mob's "Tribulations Extra Sensorielles," an early trip-hop classic that showcased their ability to blend genres and push the boundaries of electronic music. Blanc-Francard's brief stint in New York, where he unsuccessfully pursued a career as a hip-hop producer, only served to heighten his appreciation for the burgeoning dance scene back in Paris.

The Rise of French Touch: Cassius and the Explosion of Electronic Music in France

The early 1990s witnessed a remarkable surge in the French electronic music scene, with a gush of incredible records emerging from the country. Daft Punk, Air, Étienne de Crécy's Super Discount, and Dimitri from Paris were among the artists who helped establish France's reputation as a hotbed of innovation and creativity.Cassius, formed by Blanc-Francard and Zdar in 1996, quickly became a central figure in this movement, known as the "French touch." Their debut single, "Foxxy," was a pivotal moment, as Blanc-Francard's samples from a Willie Hutch soundtrack were transformed into a house-infused masterpiece under Zdar's guidance. The duo's ability to seamlessly blend influences and push the boundaries of electronic music resonated with audiences, and their debut album, "1999," showcased their versatility, drawing from 80s electro as well as the more maximalist sounds that would later define the Ed Banger label.

Navigating Friendship and Artistry: The Cassius Approach

Blanc-Francard and Zdar's creative partnership was defined by their deep friendship, which they prioritized over their musical careers. If tensions arose, they would take a break rather than risk their bond. This delicate balance between art and friendship was a hallmark of Cassius, as Blanc-Francard explains, "I had my kids, my friend and the music, the three most important things in my life."The duo's collaborative approach was also evident in their work habits, with Blanc-Francard preferring to work quietly at home, while Zdar was the "hurry man," pushing them to create new music. This complementary dynamic allowed Cassius to produce a string of acclaimed albums, each with a distinct sound and a roster of high-profile collaborators, including Madonna, Pharrell Williams, and Ryan Tedder.

Overcoming Grief and Honoring a Fallen Friend

The devastating loss of Zdar in 2019, just days before the release of Cassius's fifth album, "Dreems," was a profound blow to Blanc-Francard. He struggled to even hear the music they had created together, as the mere mention of the Cassius name was a painful reminder of his friend's absence.However, a chance encounter with their 2006 hit "Toop Toop" in a Normandy supermarket sparked a series of vivid dreams in which Blanc-Francard reconnected with Zdar. These dreamlike encounters, culminating in a handshake that signaled Zdar's blessing, helped Blanc-Francard find the peace and clarity he needed to move forward.

A Triumphant Return: Cassius at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony

Blanc-Francard's surprise appearance at the Paralympics closing ceremony, billed as Cassius, was a powerful moment of reclaiming the legacy he had built with Zdar. Performing before a massive audience of 80,000 in the Stade de France and millions more watching on television, Blanc-Francard was not only honoring his fallen friend but also signaling the enduring spirit of Cassius.As he explains, "Really, I was saying, 'OK, Philippe, look at this: we are back.' I still feel we are two, you know? I don't come back into this story alone, even though I am alone: there's a brother there." This poignant gesture underscores the deep bond that Blanc-Francard and Zdar shared, and the unwavering commitment to their musical vision that continues to inspire and captivate audiences.The story of Cassius is a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and the enduring legacy of French electronic music. Blanc-Francard's journey, marked by grief and resilience, serves as a reminder that the music they created together will forever be a part of their shared legacy, transcending the physical boundaries of time and space.