Mathieu Chedid

:"-M- redirects here. For the British musician, see Robin Scott."

Infobox musical artist
Name = -M-

---

Img_size = 250
Img_capt =
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Mathieu Chedid
Alias =
Born = birth date and age|1971|12|21|df=yes
Boulogne-Billancourt,
flagicon|France France
Died =
Origin =
Instrument = bass guitar
guitar
keyboards
drums
kazoo
vocals
Genre = Chanson
Rock
Funk
Occupation = French singer-songwriter
Years_active = 1978 - present
Label = Delabel
URL = [http://www.qui2nous2.com qui2nous2 ]
Notable_instruments =

Mathieu Chedid (also known as -M-) (born 21 December 1971, in Boulogne-Billancourt) is a French rock singer-songwriter, who is also an accomplished guitar player.

Biography

Mathieu Chedid is of Lebanese descent through his paternal grandmother. He is the son of French singer Louis Chedid, and the grandson of the Egyptian-born French writer and poetess of Lebanese descent Andrée Chedid who has written lyrics for him. He has a daughter named Billie.

Chedid took an interest in music at an early age, notably with Julien Voulzy and Pierre Souchon, the sons of Laurent Voulzy and Alain Souchon. Together they formed a few short-lasting groups such as "Mat Mat" (Checkmate Checkmate), "Les bébés fous" (The crazy babies) or "Les poissons rouges" (The "red fish," a French phrase equivalent to the English "goldfish"). In order to jump-start his career, he didn't hesitate to collaborate with a number of artists, both on stage and on his albums. He has collaborated with "NTM", "Sinclair" and "Billy ze Kick". He also performed a duet with his father entitled "T'as beau pas être beau" in 1978, and has played as the opening act for Texas concerts. Recently, he has collaborated with Sean Lennon on the song "L'éclipse," which is a French remake of Lennon's song "Parachute." Chedid contributed vocals, lyrics and instrumentals.

-M-

Chedid performs and records under the stage name "-M-". As a character, "-M-" is noted for having a mysterious nature, which he emphasizes by wearing flamboyant clothes, and styling his hair into the shape of an M. This character is the dominating motif in his live performances, music videos, and album art. The vivid and often whimsical imagery they use often relates to the themes of love, and the letter M. The name itself comes from Chedid's first initial, but it is also identical in pronunciation to the French word .

Awards

In 2000, -M- won two "Victoires de la musique" awards
* Male artist of the year
* Best concertIn 2005, he won four "Victoires de la musique" awards
* Male artist of the year
* Pop album of the year for "Qui de nous deux"
* Best tour
* Best music DVD for "Les leçons de musique", directed by Émilie ChedidIn 2006, he won one "Victoires de la musique" award (and a César Award)
* Best original soundtrack for "Ne Le Dis À Personne", directed by Guillaume Canet

Discography

* "Le Baptême" (1997)
* "Je dis aime" (1999)
* "Le tour de -M-" (live, 2001)
* "Labo M" (instrumental, 2003)
* "Qui de nous deux ?" (2003)
* "-M- au Spectrum" (live, 2005)
* "En tête à tête" (live, 2005)
* "Ne le dis à personne" (soundtrack, 2006)

Promotional singles

* Le baptême / La grosse bombe (inédit) (1997)
* Au suivant (1998)
* Je dis aime (1999)
* Le complexe du corn flakes (2000)

External links

* [http://www.qui2nous2.com Official website (flash)] (French)
* [http://www.labo-m.net "Labo M" website (flash)] (French)
* [http://www.volubilis.net/festivals/vieilles_charrues_2004/samedi/m_01.php Photos of his concert] in Festival des Vieilles Charrues (2004) (French)
* [http://www.volubilis.net/interviews/i_m.php Interview with -M-] (French)