Xoko formed in Rennes, France in 2004 with Olivier Courtel on vocals, Nicolas Lafay on guitar, and Luc Robinet on bass. They started playing local bars and clubs, building a following before their breakout single "France" arrived in 2006. That song became their signature track, a melodic rock-pop tune that resonated widely in their home country.
Their debut album "À l'Ouest" came out in 2007, followed by several more including "Je Veux" in 2010 and "Bienvenu Chez Moi" in 2013. The band's sound incorporated various influences over time, from electronic touches to traditional Breton elements. Other songs like "Liga Pra Amiguinha" and "Maciço" show their range beyond the French-focused material.
Nicolas Lafay left the band in 2015 and was replaced by Thomas Tassel. The group has performed at notable Paris venues like the Olympia and Zenith, and collaborated with artists including Michel Polnareff and Dan Ar Braz. They faced a plagiarism lawsuit over "Je Veux" in 2009 but successfully defended the work.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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