Tracks that shaped Moonee’s sound

For the imprint’s latest release, Last Year in Marienbad is pleased to welcome French producer Moonee back into the fold, who brings to the table an EP filled to the brim with his signature blend of euphoric and emotive grooves…

Moonee’s music, one of François Lefevre’s main aliases, touches upon the airer side of dance music, tapping into the feeling of inner reflection and escapism. His ability to create impactful but softly spoken songs leaves impressions on those who come across it, and his records are deep dives into these carefully constructed sonic experiences. Originally focusing on deep house, Lefevre has taken Moonee on recent releases into a number of new spaces, perhaps best demonstrated on the LP ‘Sandquest’ which came out on parent label Oath last year. The manner in which Moonee curated that experience helped expand his musical universe immensely, and when it comes to palettes of sound, there isn't much better than his finely tuned discography. Finding spaces in-between is a joy on his records, with the attention to detail and emphasis on the free flows and intuitive make repeat listens all the more enjoyable.

‘Brotherhood’ is his latest offering, and it is perhaps his most finely packed and delicately poised record to date, so we sat down with Moonee to talk us through some tracks that helped shape his sound…

Bob James - Nautilus 

‍Bob James has made a significant contribution to Hip Hop through the sampling of his works. All of his productions carry this dark yet immersive quality that I strive to keep in mind when I create music. For me, it’s an incredible emotional journey. I feel deeply connected to this track, which I discovered on the radio about ten years ago. Since then, I’ve listened to it countless times. It has this little something magical and narrative that amazes me every time I hear it. It’s like a jazz dive punctuated with soul elements, all while maintaining a very cinematic feel.

Burial - Archangel 

It may not be the most sought-after track on the list, but so be it. This piece has been with me for several years now, and the way Burial imposes his dystopian touch on Archangel, through his drums and emotive sampling, is incredibly inspiring to me. It’s a living, organic track and also a classic to have in your library for rainy afternoons.

The Durutti Column - Grace 

This track embodies everything I love most about '90s ambient and Leftfield sound from the UK.

Technique takes a backseat to make way for minimalism, with emotion taking center stage.

Much like the works of Manuel Göttsching or Steve Reich, I feel these artists established a kind of classicism in electronic and Leftfield music—raw and stunning aesthetics that resulted in timeless tracks.

The Doors - Riders on The Storm 

‍It’s funny how a track can resonate differently within a collective unconscious.

While discussing this piece with friends and the impact it had on their lives, I later realized that everyone has a story or a powerful experience tied to it. I understand why it transcends generations and has established itself as a benchmark of beauty and a reference for modern composition.

For me, it symbolizes something almost spiritual, as it’s deeply connected to so many moments in my life. I discovered it as a child when my father would automatically play it every time he turned on his sound system—probably my deepest experience of connection with music.

Oklou - God’s Chariot 

Honestly, the most beautiful thing I’ve listened to in the past three years. This incredibly feminine track is a sensual, three-minute dive that takes you through a spectrum of emotions, offering a powerful narrative arc and an intense build-up that leaves me breathless every time I hear it. 

Much like Avalon Emerson or Caroline Polachek, I believe Oklou is one of the most brilliant electronic producers in this new Experimental Pop scene, and I’m excited to hear her upcoming album in 2025.

Move D - Silk Dub 

‍I’m a big fan of organic house music when it flirts with electronic and dub influences. This track by Move D feels like the pinnacle of all that. A completely mesmerizing piece that draws heavily from Pépé Bradock in its Leftfield ambiance and sound design to me . 

The atmosphere it creates is quite disorienting for a house track, yet it retains the dreamy, warm quality that characterizes his other productions. I discovered it a few years ago, and I believe the EP came out in 2006. By the way, if anyone’s selling a copy around here, lemme know :)‍

Listen/Buy ‘Brotherhood EP’ here