How joining a band can build your community in France

Around 16% of French people play an instrument ‘often’ or ‘from time to time’, according to a 2023 survey by the Centre national de la musique, making music an excellent way to extend social networks.

Sally Storey, 74, who relocated to France with her husband, Mike, in 1998, found this out when she joined a traditional Breton dance and music group 10 years ago after moving to Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine).

“I became part of a groupe d'animation – five or six of us with a couple of other instruments – and played at local events, dances and the Fête de la Musique in June.”

Through playing the melodeon, Sally got to know her new region and found a sense of belonging.

“Music is a fantastic way to meet all sorts of people. It has been a great way to join in local activities and feel part of a community. Within weeks we felt as if we had always lived here.”

Local celebrity

Sally has even become something of a local celebrity, with people recognising her on the street from past performances. 

Anyone keen to play music in France should remember that “nobody is ever there to judge”, she said. 

“If you only play a few notes on an instrument, you have got to remember that 99% of people out there cannot play anything at all, and they think you’re wonderful.”

She said she had heard of people picking up the melodeon for the first time in their 60s and 70s. “It is never too late.” 

Ways to reconnect

Music has also helped Rachèle Demeo, 42, settle back into France after more than 20 years living in the US. 

The keyboardist and singer grew up in southern France with an American-Italian father and British mother. 

She moved to the US aged 19 and returned to France two years ago with her husband and two teenage boys, settling near Montpellier (Hérault). 

“I play in rock bands primarily, covering a mix of classics, alternative/hard rock, and some originals – it’s all about that energetic, fun vibe,” she said. 

She plays at venues ranging from bars to concerts and festivals.

“It’s been one of the best ways to reconnect and feel part of things again,” she said. 

“Being in a band creates such a unique bond: you’re friends, kind of like ‘co-workers’, and sometimes it even feels like you’re married to your bandmates! 

“You end up meeting their families and friends who come to gigs, and it just opens up this whole new social circle.”

She recommends that budding band members use classified websites such as BandMix to find local groups. 

“Create a strong profile to showcase yourself as a musician. Also, search for musicians or groups on Facebook – there are lots of local groups depending on your area and genre.”

Having the confidence to make new connections can pay off. 

“Put yourself out there, attend jam sessions if you can find them, and do not be afraid to reach out,” she said. 

Piano to pop group

Kent Trent, 56, originally from the UK, worked for many years as a professional piano entertainer, performing around the world and on cruise ships. Today he fronts the wedding and events band Rip-it Encore, based in France. 

He met guitarist Jake, who is Scottish, while playing piano in a wine bar in Pézenas (Hérault).

“One evening, Jake came in after one of his own gigs. He liked what he heard, picked up his guitar, and we started jamming together on the spot. That moment was really the starting point of the band.”

Today, the band is a four-piece, including drummer Nico and bass player Benji, who are French. 

“That mix of nationalities reflects our experience of living and working in France and the international nature of the music scene here,” said Kent. 

The band specialises in rock, pop and indie and has played a wide range of venues across France and Europe, “from intimate events to large chateau weddings”.

Playing in the band has helped Kent feel at home in France. 

“It has helped us build a strong sense of community, particularly through the people we meet along the way – from venue owners and event organisers to fellow musicians and suppliers. 

“Music has been the common language that has made those connections possible.”