You Said Strange @ The New Colossus Festival 2025
French neo-psych/shoegaze band You Said Strange has been making noise for over a decade. The four-piece band is Eliot Carriere (vocals/guitar), Matthieu Vaugelade (drums), Hector Riggi (guitar, keyboard) and Matthieu Forest (bass). Over the years, the band has had co-signs from influential people and labels including the release of their debut album Salvation Prayer by the indie Fuzz Club back in 2018. Their live shows are just as dynamic as their records, with the four members caught up in the power of performance.
You Said Strange played several sets during this year’s New Colossus Festival. We spoke with the band and talked about songwriting, influences and other standout performers from this year’s fest.
You Said Strange (@yousaidstrange)
Homebase: Normandy. We’re originally from the village of Giverny (where Claude Monet lived) and now live in different cities across Normandy, including Rouen, Évreux, and Le Havre.
Tell us about a highlight of the event…Every show we played was special, but closing the festival at the legendary Arlene’s Grocery was definitely a highlight. It was a great gig for us, with a packed room, and the perfect way to wrap up an intense week. We ended the night with a small afterparty at the bar, sharing some good moments with a few people who stayed. It was the best way to close this chapter together.
What’s your songwriting process? Eliot (vocals): The melodies and lyrics usually come to me naturally. I record everything on my phone with whatever instrument I have on hand at the time. Then, I take those raw ideas to the studio, usually with a verse and a chorus, and we build the track together from there. Riggi, Matthieu, and Mif bring their expertise on drums, synths, and bass, helping to shape the sound and bring the song to life.
Who are some of your musical influences? For our latest EP Trade Your Soul, we wanted to create a cohesive sonic experience while pushing new boundaries. We were particularly influenced by:
John Maus – for the deep, dark atmospheres.
Sky Ferreira – for the pop sensibilities and synth work.
Fat White Family – for the autotuned vocal treatments.
The Cure – for those striking yet melodic guitar tones.
Ariel Pink – for the loose, experimental vibes.
Soft Moon – for the industrial edge.
Lately, we've been listening to a lot of Fontaines D.C., Cocteau Twins, and The Pogues.
Fav piece of gear? Our Blackstar amps and preamps – they bring so much character to our sound.
Did you catch any other bands at the festival? Any standouts? Yes! Some of the bands that stood out to us were Last Watzon, Bibi Club, Pons, and Glimmer.
