“Plus de place nulle part,” the recent single from the Parisian duo Tshegue, is a piece of future-forward French garage rock that combines rap-aware vocal pockets and electronic production with that timeless garage stomp. It reminds me of both French drill music and The Gories. So it’s not a shock that in our interview, Tshegue vocalist and lyricist Faty Sy Savanet—one part of the band along with the drummer and producer Nicolas “Dakou” Dacunha—told us that those Detroit garage legends were a major influence on the song. It’s just the newest addition to a catalog known for bobbing and weaving through genres, all with a certain punk-informed, rhythmic thrust. Read our interview below.

I love the new single. What kind of music influenced it? Were you listening to any French garage rock?

Faty Sy Savanet: Thank you very much, glad you like our latest single. What influenced me in the form of writing was the punk bands from the 80s and 90s like les berurier noir. Committed and unfiltered. I listen more to 60s garage rock from Detroit, than French rock. 

Who are some of your favorite Detroit garage rock bands? What do you like about that sound?

My favourite garage rock band in Detroit is The Gories, they have a sound that comes from the earth. It's very percussive. I hear the roots of Africa and at the same time this soul and blues heritage.

How has your music developed since your first release in 2017? Are there songs you write now that you feel like you could’ve never written back then?

I think I'm evolving as a human being every day, and the way I write is different too, depending on my life experiences, the stories are constantly changing and evolving. But I keep my way of expressing my emotions. That hasn't changed.

What is the connection that you see between all the different genres you work within? 

Everything to do with our style of music is trancey and organic, with a percussion base that makes the link.

Is jamming important to your songwriting process?

Yes, jams are very precious moments. They allow the mind to travel freely and let you say what comes into your head without thinking too much. Let the music do the talking.

Can you think of any particularly memorable jamming moments?

Yes, I have had some in Chateau Rouge. And a lot of African restaurants turn into jam sessions.

Do you have any favorite venues to go see shows in Paris? How about restaurants?

For restaurants, Les Arlots if you like mash potatoes with sausage, it's the best. African Lounge for African specialties, or Rue Myrha Chez Ndakaru for Senegalese food.

What is the scene in Paris like right now? Who are some of your favorite contemporary French musical artists?

The French scene is very rich and full of talent. I couldn’t even tell you my favorite.

The video for “Shuffle” is great. How did that come together?

The video from shuffle is one of my fondest memories. I wouldn't even call it a video clip but rather a documentary of the streets of Paris on the day of the Fête de la Musique. Everything is true to my life: the hairdresser's where I enter is where I do my hair, the party, the people, the atmosphere, it was an unforgettable moment, it really is Paris. And the whole film crew was incredible. 

Do you believe in the presence of otherworldly spirits? 

Of course, I believe in aliens and I can't wait for them to arrive! It would be very pretentious to think that human beings are the only ones in this universe.