From rock to jazz, from Perpignan to Paris
Having gone through rock and funk before dedicating himself to jazz, Damien Françon has forged an atypical path, both academic and artistic, which makes him one of the most sought-after drummers on the Paris scene.
Training
Damien started drums at a music school in Perpignan, then was quickly solicited by rock and funk bands that toured the biggest festivals in France (NILCO: SACEM prize, Mrs Wrong & The Fabulous Fake Twins).
Discovering jazz led him to the Conservatoire de Perpignan (Serge Lazarevitch's class) where he obtained a DEM in drums. At the same time, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Perpignan — a path that reflects his rigor and intellectual curiosity.
Advanced training
In 2011, he chose to dedicate himself entirely to music and moved to Paris. He obtained a jazz DEM at the Conservatoire de Versailles (2012) in Sylvain Beuf's class, where he deepened his writing.
He trained with the greatest drummers during masterclasses: Ari Hoenig, Jorge Rossy, Paco Séry, Franck Agulhon, as well as Vijay Iyer and Steve Coleman. He completed his training with Kenny Washington in New York.
Paris scene and collaborations
Having become one of the most sought-after drummers on the Paris jazz scene, Damien plays alongside many French and international musicians: Gaël Horellou, Daniel Gassin (Australia), Robby Marshall (USA), Carlos Mejias (Cuba), Rachelle Therrien (Canada), Vincent Bourgeyx, Yoni Zelnik, Alexis Valet, Cédric Hanriot, Julie Erikssen, Simon Chivallon, Anurag Naidu (India) and many others.
At the same time, he is co-leader of the band King Of Panda, whose first album was released in 2018.
Teaching commitment
His career as a sideman has not prevented Damien from investing in teaching. He is a drums teacher at the Bill Evans Piano Academy in Paris and at the Conservatoire du Xème arrondissement, where he shares his passion for jazz and his experience on the stage with his students.
Musical universe
Styles
Notable collaborations
From rock and funk to Kenny Washington's masterclasses in New York, via a degree in physics, Damien Françon embodies a career as rigorous as it is eclectic. His sense of groove and versatility make him today a pillar of the Paris jazz scene.