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Bertrand Burgalat, born on July 19, 1963 in Bastia, is more than just a name in French pop, he is a true living legend. He has that little spark in his eyes when he talks about music, a rare thing. At 61, he is still just as passionate, not the type to rest on his laurels.
Honestly, his modest height, around 1.75 meters, has never stopped him from playing a colossal role in the music industry. Between producer, composer, and conductor of the Tricatel label, Bertrand is an all-in-one. And I’m not even talking about his voice, soft but striking in his solo albums.
You think he’s just a hit-maker? No, he is married, not often in the spotlight for that, that side remains private. He’s someone who likes it when things move in his head, and clearly, he loves creating, directing, innovating.
To follow closely, because with him, you touch a kind of refined pop but never stiff, a world where every note seems thought out with almost obsessive care. The kind of artist we love to follow, who surprises us and makes us smile.
Bertrand Burgalat: music, roots, and an amazing journey
Bertrand Burgalat is first and foremost a child of the piano. From age 6, he plunged into the black and white keys, and that spark never left him. His adolescence in London at a French high school opened his eyes to many cultures, the mix was underway.
Back in France, he had a pretty traditional schooling, but the call of music was stronger. He got involved in the underground music scene before creating Tricatel in 1995, the famous label dedicated to slightly unconventional artists. A true gem!
For those who know, Tricatel is THE refuge for musicians who don’t want to fit into boxes. Burgalat never goes for the easy route, rather the precious, tailor-made. Michel Houellebecq, Philippe Katerine, Valérie Lemercier… to name just a few, have passed through his universe.
He’s worked on a bunch of records, over 300 to his name, composing, arranging, remixing for shining names like Depeche Mode or Supergrass. His journey? A kind of odyssey where every step reinvents French pop.
A fully committed and recognized musician
Bertrand represents what you call a pop craftsman, a guy who knows exactly where he puts his hands in his music. Six studio albums under his name, not something you see every day. But that’s not all, he has also composed music for cinema and TV, for worlds like those of Valérie Lemercier or Pascal Bonitzer.
His commitment doesn’t stop there. Since 2014, he has been vice-president then president of Snep, the National Union of Phonographic Publishing, re-elected unanimously in 2023. In there, it’s a stronghold, a true project driver.
He has his feet on the ground and his head in the stars, especially when he talks about today’s challenges, notably the impact of artificial intelligence on music. Bertrand advocates for a balance between innovation and respect for art, quite a job.
So, when he says his mission is to defend music, it’s not empty talk. He also hosts radio shows and digital projects, proof that you can be modern without selling your soul.
Some anecdotes that bring his universe to life
I love this detail: he remixed a track by Depeche Mode. Imagine, this electro giant entrusts him with their sounds. That’s no small thing. It shows how respected he is in the niche circles.
His label Tricatel is not just a record company, it’s almost a laboratory of sound explorations. Once, he worked with the great Michel Houellebecq, a guy who doesn’t open up easily – successful bet it seems!
He is also the author of a rather fine essay on diabetes, a disease he has been fighting for a long time, through the association he presides over. A discreet but deep commitment, which shows another facet of the man.
To finish, a glance at his influences, you feel a love for 60s pop, with sophisticated arrangements but never pretentious. The kind that appeals as much to purists as to curious novices.
His recent projects and horizons for 2025
2025, he keeps the same energy: re-elected president of Snep, he is fully committed to major topics like ethics and economy in the digital universe. You know, these questions that will shake music in the coming years.
He also continues his quest through Tricatel, where he carries new visions, supports unclassifiable artists, and opens doors to unique talents. No wonder the label remains an essential reference.
At the same time, Bertrand explores the electronic scene, signs unprecedented collaborations, and never neglects his solo projects, which he nurtures with patience and passion. He’s an indefatigable worker, clearly.
To learn more about this very particular universe, his Facebook page is a good starting point right here. And if you want to take a broader look, the Wikipedia page will give you plenty of informative details.
The keys to Bertrand Burgalat’s success
- 🎹 An early passion for the piano that has guided his entire career
- 🎧 A unique label, Tricatel, dedicated to bold artists
- 🎶 Over 300 collaborations across different musical currents
- 🎤 Solo albums revealing his musical personality
- 📺 A multi-media commitment spanning cinema, radio, and television
- 🛡️ Presidency of Snep to defend recorded music
Who is Bertrand Burgalat?
He is a French musician born in 1963, producer, composer, and founder of the Tricatel label, recognized for his major influence in French pop.
What is Bertrand Burgalat’s role at Snep?
He has been president for several terms, where he works to defend the interests of recorded music against digital developments.
Which artists have collaborated with him?
Among them, Michel Houellebecq, Philippe Katerine, and he has also remixed Depeche Mode or arranged Supergrass.
What is the Tricatel label?
A record company founded in 1995 dedicated to atypical artists and out-of-the-ordinary projects, a true incubator of musical innovations.
Where to find more information about Bertrand Burgalat?
On his official site, his Facebook page, and of course encyclopedic articles and specialized magazines like Acid Magazine.
