Two years later, they released an eponymous album based on traditional songs gleaned from a number of African regions (Burundi, Ghana, Tibesti, Cameroon, etc.). Enhanced with modern technology, they were transformed into universal anthems, especially the classic “Sweet Lullaby”, which became a worldwide hit.

The duo then settled down to work on a new project. This time, the album was a celebration of Central European folklore. As enthusiastically received worldwide as their first record, “Bohême” notably won a 1995 World Music Grammy in Los Angeles and the “Best-selling French Artist” prize at the World Music Awards in Monaco. Such recognition rewarded not only the talent of the two musicians, but also their determination to promote ethnic music, an aim they shared with Peter Gabriel, their partner on the original soundtrack of “Strange Days”, a 1995 science fiction film directed by Kathryn Bigelow.

Apart from this initial venture into the world of film, Deep Forest now began a new stage in their career, leaving the studio to appear live with a dozen musicians. After their world tour, Eric Mouquet and Michel Sanchez once again set off to explore new musical horizons. When they returned from their travels, they brought back the material they would use to record “Comparsa”, an album that recaptured the exotic flavour of their first record. “Comparsa” was another commercial success and was followed by an initial summary of their career: “ Made In Japan”, a 1999 live album recorded in Tokyo.

Then French actor Thierry Lhermitte, a fan of their music, co-produced and starred in the film “Le Prince du Pacifique” (Prince of the Pacific) directed by Alain Corneau. He asked them to provide an original soundtrack, a skilful blend of exotica – with Pacific islands vocals – and technology.

The album was released at the end of 2000.

Today, to celebrate their tenth anniversary, Deep Forest have brought out “Music Detected”, a sixth album that heads off in a totally unexpected direction! This time, their trademark samples are nowhere to be heard: the group have worked in live conditions, giving priority to lyrics, David Fall’s solid drum work and raging guitars inspired by Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith! While their powerful electro world-beat is still in evidence, it now provides a driving force for genuine songs. Of course, there is still plenty of experimentation, especially on “Elemental”, where the Southern accent of blueswoman Beverly Jo Scott blends admirably with the lyrical flights of a Turkish singer. Another example of cross-fertilisation is provided by “Will You Be Ready”, where the voice of Angela McCluskey (the Telepopmusik diva) merges with the delicate tones of Chitose Hajime’s Okinawa (an island south of Japan shores). On “Endangered Species” (the first single taken from the album), Eric Mouquet’s vocoderised vocals pay tribute to Kraftwerk in yet another cross-genre experience where his robotised voice joins with singing from Bulgaria’s Stefka Iordanova. Fashioned for the dance floor, the remix of “Endangered Species” is boosted by bass from Galleon, authors of hits such as “Believe” and “So I Begin”. A genuine sonic earthquake!

Until now, Deep Forest’s approach has involved focusing on a region of the world to showcase its musical culture. On “Music Detected”, the group widens its auditory field, travelling between West and East. The result is striking, a complete symbiosis.

In short, this sixth album from Deep Forest is coloured by planetary consciousness with the sounds of instruments from the four corners of the globe and four singers (Beverly, Angela, Anggun and Chitose) whose voices fuse in perfect harmony. The record is a vortex of positive energy orchestrated by the talents of Eric Mouquet and Michel Sanchez, two dreamers whose music captures the tempo of Utopia!

Results around the world:

1st album: Deep Forest released in 1992

France: Double Gold Album

USA: Platinum Album

Great Britain: Gold Album

Norway: Gold Album

New Zealand: Platinum Album

Australia: Double Platinum Album
2nd album: Bohème, released in 1996

France: Gold Album

USA: Gold Album

Australia: Gold Album

Israel: Gold Album

Poland: Gold Album

New Zealand: Platinum Album
3rd album: Comparsa, released in 1998

Japan: Gold Album
Nominations in France and the USA

1993: Grammy Awards Best Album – World Music

1993: MTV Awards Best Video – Sweet Lullaby

1993: Victoires de la Musique Best Album – World Music

1993: Victoires de la Musique Best Group of the Year

1995: World Music Awards Winner – French group with the highest 1995 world sales

1996: Grammy Awards Winner – Best Album – World Music

1996: Victoires de la Musique – Best Group of the Year

1996: Victoires de la Musique – Best Album – World Music
SNEP Export Awards 2002

“Deep Forest” certified diamond with more than 2 million albums sold outside France

“Bohême” certified Diamond with more than 1 million albums sold outside France

“Comparsa” certified Platinum with more than 500,000 albums sold outside France

“Live in Japan” certified Gold with more than 100,000 albums sold outside France the heart of the Amazon forest to the North of France, from Havana to Prague, from Madagascar to New York, it remains our best-shared secret.