French President Emmanuel Macron is officially pushing to have French house music, known globally as “French Touch,” recognized as an essential part of global cultural heritage. Inspired by Germany’s successful nomination of Berlin techno in 2023, Macron has announced his intent to seek UNESCO recognition for France’s legendary electronic music scene.
Preserving the Legacy of “French Touch”
During an interview on Radio FG, broadcast as part of France’s annual Fête de la Musique festival, Macron emphasized the cultural importance of French house music. The genre, which emerged in the 1990s, was pioneered by artists like Daft Punk, Laurent Garnier, Justice, David Guetta, and Bob Sinclar.
“We are inventors of electro. We have that French Touch,” Macron said, according to The Telegraph.
His remarks reflect a growing appreciation of France’s impact on electronic music history, especially in light of global shifts in how culture is archived and celebrated.
A Response to Germany’s Techno Recognition
Macron’s proposal follows Germany’s landmark decision to add Berlin techno to its national cultural heritage registry in 2023. That move set a precedent for acknowledging contemporary music as a vital part of a nation’s identity.
Now, Macron wants France to do the same by elevating French house music onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, a move that would help safeguard its legacy for generations to come.
Cultural Defense in the Age of AI
Macron’s push to honor French electronic music also comes with a timely warning. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the music industry, Macron highlighted the importance of preserving human creativity.
“AI mustn’t replace human intelligence,” he said. “It mustn’t trivialize creativity.”
His comments signal a broader commitment to defending artistic expression in the digital age—positioning French house music not just as nostalgic art, but as a symbol of enduring innovation.
Why French House Music Deserves Global Recognition
The unique sound of French Touch—marked by filtered disco loops, analog warmth, and vocoder-heavy vocals—transcended borders in the early 2000s. Daft Punk’s global success helped turn the genre into an international movement, influencing everyone from mainstream pop producers to underground club artists.
Recognizing French house music as UNESCO heritage would not only honor its pioneers, but also validate electronic music’s global cultural relevance.
From Dance Floors to Diplomatic Halls
Whether Macron’s initiative results in formal recognition or not, his advocacy reinforces a vital message: music matters. Especially in times of rapid technological disruption, defending cultural heritage becomes a powerful act of human solidarity.
And if one day Daft Punk’s iconic helmets sit proudly in the Louvre—beside a Monet, perhaps—Macron’s campaign will have more than hit its mark.