French DJ and producer Tchami has revolutionized the electronic dance music scene with his signature future house sound that bridges the gap between deep house and bass-driven grooves. Born Martin Joseph Léonard Bresso in Paris, this innovative artist has shaped the modern EDM landscape through his spiritual-themed performances, complete with clerical collar and stained-glass visuals, while delivering tracks that resonate on both festival main stages and intimate club settings. From his groundbreaking early releases to his latest collaborative efforts with Malaa, Tchami continues to push boundaries and inspire a new generation of electronic music producers.
Promesses (feat. Kaleem Taylor)
Released in December 2013 on Fool’s Gold Records, “Promesses” stands as Tchami’s defining breakthrough moment that introduced the world to his future house vision. The track features soulful vocals from Kaleem Taylor layered over deep, rolling basslines and crisp percussion that became the blueprint for countless producers who followed. When Ministry of Sound picked up the single in early 2015, it climbed to number 7 on the Official Singles Chart, cementing Tchami’s position as a pioneer in the genre and proving that underground house music could achieve mainstream success without compromising its authenticity.
After Life (feat. Stacy Barthe)
“After Life” emerged as the title track of Tchami’s debut EP in March 2015, featuring the haunting vocals of Stacy Barthe that explore themes of mortality and transcendence. The production showcases Tchami’s ability to blend emotional depth with dancefloor energy, incorporating atmospheric synths and a driving four-on-the-floor beat that captivated audiences worldwide. This track spawned an impressive remix package featuring contributions from DJ Snake, Mercer, San Holo, Point Point, and Jauz, demonstrating its impact across the electronic music community and solidifying its place as one of Tchami’s most celebrated compositions.
Prophecy (with Malaa)
The September 2016 collaboration with mysterious French producer Malaa marked a darker, more experimental direction for Tchami with “Prophecy” embracing bass house elements. Released on his own Confession Records label, this track introduced listeners to the chemistry between these two masked producers that would eventually culminate in their No Redemption partnership. The menacing bassline and industrial-tinged production elements represented a departure from Tchami’s earlier work while maintaining the spiritual undertones that define his artistic identity, setting the stage for their future collaborative projects.
Shot Caller
Originally released as part of the Promesses EP in December 2013 and later as a standalone single in December 2014, “Shot Caller” delivers one of the most recognizable drops in modern house music. The track combines groovy bass twists with a melodic piano-led breakdown that builds anticipation before unleashing its powerful climax. This instrumental showcases Tchami’s production mastery, with each element precisely crafted to maximize dancefloor impact while maintaining the sophisticated musicality that separates his work from typical festival fare.
Adieu
Released in February 2017 as Tchami’s return after an extended hiatus, “Adieu” represents a more introspective and melodic side of his production style. The track features layered vocal samples and a calmer, more contemplative atmosphere compared to his earlier bass-heavy releases while still maintaining enough energy to move crowds. This single demonstrated Tchami’s artistic evolution and willingness to explore different emotional territories within the house music framework, adding depth to his catalog and proving his versatility as a producer beyond peak-time bangers.
Missing You (feat. AC Slater & Kaleem Taylor)
This 2015 collaboration brought together Tchami with fellow house producer AC Slater and returning vocalist Kaleem Taylor for a track that balances nostalgia with forward-thinking production. The song features emotive vocals expressing longing and loss over a driving house beat that manages to be both melancholic and uplifting simultaneously. As part of the After Life EP, “Missing You” showcased Tchami’s ability to work effectively with other producers while maintaining his distinct sonic signature throughout the collaborative process.
Untrue
Tchami’s official debut single on Spinnin’ Records in April 2014, “Untrue” introduced many listeners to his unique approach to house music production. The track features a hypnotic vocal hook layered over deep, rolling basslines and intricate percussion that builds throughout its runtime. This release established many of the production techniques that would become Tchami trademarks, including his use of chopped vocal samples inspired by UK garage pioneer Todd Edwards and basslines influenced by 1980s R&B producer Kashif.
Move Your Body (Future House)
Originally produced by Marshall Jefferson as a Chicago house classic in 1986, Tchami’s reimagining of “Move Your Body” pays homage to house music’s roots while bringing the track into the modern era. His 2015 version maintains the spiritual, church-influenced vocals that made the original iconic while adding contemporary production elements like tighter drums and deeper basslines. This track demonstrates Tchami’s deep respect for house music history and his ability to bridge generations of electronic music fans through thoughtful reinterpretation of classics.
Praise (feat. Gunna)
From his debut album Year Zero in 2020, “Praise” represents an unexpected but successful fusion of trap and house music through its collaboration with rapper Gunna. The track blends Gunna’s melodic flow with Tchami’s signature production style, creating a bridge between hip-hop and electronic dance music. This collaboration demonstrated Tchami’s willingness to experiment across genre boundaries while maintaining the core elements that define his sound, appealing to both EDM fans and hip-hop audiences simultaneously.
Giving Me Life (feat. Kaleena Zanders)
The opening track from the 2024 Veni, Vidi, Vici album with Malaa, “Giving Me Life” features Kaleena Zanders delivering uplifting vocals over festival-ready production. Set at 130 BPM in E Minor, this track establishes the energetic tone for the collaborative album while showcasing the synergy between Tchami’s melodic sensibilities and Malaa’s darker edge. The song exemplifies contemporary house music’s evolution, balancing mainstream appeal with underground credibility in a way that has become Tchami’s signature approach to production.
When The Beat Bang
Another standout from Veni, Vidi, Vici, “When The Beat Bang” delivers explosive energy from its opening moments with a build-up that commands attention on any dancefloor. The track’s first section packs intense energy that crescendos into a satisfying payoff, demonstrating the production chemistry between Tchami and Malaa at its finest. Clocking in at 128 BPM in B Major, this track has become a staple in both producers’ live sets, eliciting massive crowd reactions at festivals worldwide.
Rainforest
Released as a single in 2019, “Rainforest” showcases Tchami’s ability to create atmospheric, immersive soundscapes within the house music framework. The track features organic elements and nature-inspired sounds woven into its deep, groovy production that transports listeners to another environment entirely. This release demonstrated Tchami’s continued evolution as a producer, incorporating new textures and ideas while maintaining the fundamental elements that make his music instantly recognizable to longtime fans.
Nineteen 84 (feat. Disco Lines)
Featured on both the Year Zero album and the Veni, Vidi, Vici collaboration with Malaa, “Nineteen 84” brings funky bass house vibes with contributions from Disco Lines. The track offers a more uplifting and groovy alternative to some of the darker material in Tchami’s catalog, showcasing versatility within the house music spectrum. Set at 128 BPM in C Minor, this song demonstrates how Tchami can create tracks that work equally well in peak-time festival sets and more intimate club environments.
Ghosts (feat. HANA)
From the Year Zero album, “Ghosts” features haunting vocals from HANA layered over ethereal production that lives up to its spectral title. The track explores more experimental territory within Tchami’s sound, incorporating atmospheric elements and unconventional structures while maintaining dancefloor functionality. This song showcases Tchami’s artistic ambition beyond creating simple club bangers, proving his ability to craft emotionally resonant electronic music that rewards both casual listening and deep musical analysis.
Barbarian
A menacing standout from the Veni, Vidi, Vici album, “Barbarian” evokes the dark, intense atmosphere of Resistance stage performances rather than main stage festival energy. Set at 132 BPM in C Minor, this collaboration with Malaa delivers aggressive basslines and industrial-tinged production that rewards attentive listening with subtle details. The track represents the darker end of Tchami and Malaa’s sonic spectrum, appealing to fans who prefer their house music with an edge of danger and unpredictability.
Year Zero
The title track from Tchami’s debut full-length album released in October 2020, “Year Zero” represents a fresh start and new chapter in his artistic journey. This song encapsulates the themes of the album, which featured collaborations with ZHU, Gunna, and various other artists across its runtime. The track demonstrates Tchami’s growth as an album artist rather than just a singles producer, showing his ability to create cohesive long-form musical statements.
Buenos Aires
Another gem from the Year Zero album, “Buenos Aires” brings Latin-influenced rhythms into Tchami’s house music framework for an infectious, globally-minded sound. The track showcases his interest in incorporating world music elements without resorting to superficial cultural appropriation, instead creating something that feels both authentic and fresh. This release demonstrated Tchami’s awareness of electronic music’s global reach and his desire to create sounds that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Faith
“Faith” from Year Zero samples vocals from soul legend Marlena Shaw, connecting Tchami’s modern production to the rich history of soul and R&B music. The track represents Tchami’s deep musical knowledge and his ability to honor influences while creating something entirely new and contemporary. By sampling Shaw’s powerful vocals, Tchami created a bridge between generations of music lovers, introducing younger audiences to classic soul while giving longtime fans a fresh context for appreciating timeless vocal performances.
Eternity (feat. Lena Leon)
“Eternity” features vocals from Lena Leon and has spawned multiple remix packages, including notable versions from Honey & Badger that showcase the track’s versatility. The original production balances melodic elements with driving beats that create an uplifting atmosphere on the dancefloor. This song from Tchami’s 2021 album demonstrates his continued commitment to working with vocalists who can add emotional depth to his productions while maintaining the energy levels necessary for festival and club performances.
Running Blind
Featured on the MYCELiUM album in 2023, “Running Blind” showcases Tchami’s evolving sound in the modern bass house and tech house landscape. The track demonstrates his ability to stay current with contemporary trends while maintaining the signature elements that make his music distinctive. This release proved that even a decade into his career, Tchami continues to innovate and adapt without losing the core identity that established him as a pioneer of future house music.
You can explore more incredible electronic music through our comprehensive songs collection where we feature tracks from artists pushing boundaries across genres. For audiophiles seeking the perfect listening experience, check out our detailed headphone comparisons to ensure you’re hearing every intricate detail of Tchami’s meticulous production work. Electronic music enthusiasts on the go should also explore our earbud comparison guide to find portable options that deliver the powerful bass and crisp highs essential for appreciating modern house music production properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tchami’s biggest hit song?
Tchami’s biggest commercial hit is “Promesses” featuring Kaleem Taylor, which reached number 7 on the UK Official Singles Chart after being picked up by Ministry of Sound in 2015. The track became synonymous with the future house movement and introduced mainstream audiences to Tchami’s pioneering production style. Its success paved the way for numerous future house producers and established Tchami as a leading figure in electronic dance music’s evolution during the mid-2010s.
What does Tchami mean and why does he dress as a priest?
Tchami explained that his stage name was given to him during his extensive travels across Europe and Africa, describing it as an honor that he kept because it sounded catchy. His priest persona, complete with clerical collar and church-themed visuals including stained-glass windows and altar imagery, represents his spiritual approach to music rather than any religious affiliation. He has stated that his message is about being spiritual and connecting with audiences on a deeper level beyond just entertainment.
Did Tchami work with Lady Gaga?
Yes, Tchami’s first major production credit came from working on “Applause” for Lady Gaga’s 2012 album Artpop, which helped launch his career in the industry. He later reunited with Lady Gaga in 2020 to contribute to her chart-topping album Chromatica, demonstrating their continued professional relationship. These high-profile collaborations helped establish Tchami’s credibility beyond the electronic music scene and showcased his versatility as a producer capable of working across different pop and dance music contexts.
What is the No Redemption project with Malaa?
No Redemption is Tchami’s collaborative project with fellow French producer Malaa, which began with their 2018 joint tour and EP of the same name. The duo has since released multiple collaborative projects including the Veni, Vidi, Vici album in 2024, which features 10 tracks exploring various facets of house and bass music. Their partnership represents one of electronic music’s most successful ongoing collaborations, with both artists maintaining their individual careers while periodically reuniting for special releases and tour dates.
What is Tchami’s record label Confession?
Confession is Tchami’s independent record label that he founded in 2015 to release his own music and support emerging talent in the house music scene. The label has helped launch the careers of numerous artists including BROHUG, Noizu, and Gerry Gonza, becoming a respected imprint within the electronic music community. Confession represents Tchami’s commitment to nurturing the future house sound he pioneered and providing a platform for like-minded producers to release innovative dance music.
What is Tchami’s latest release in 2025?
Tchami has remained active in 2025 with recent singles including “R 2 Me” with OOTORO and BL3SS, and “Waiting” with Niiko x SWAE, continuing his prolific output. He has also been touring extensively with Malaa under their No Redemption banner at major festivals including EDC Las Vegas and Tomorrowland. These recent releases demonstrate his continued evolution within the house music sphere while maintaining the core elements that established his reputation as a future house pioneer.
How did Tchami pioneer the future house genre?
Tchami is widely credited as one of future house’s founding figures alongside Oliver Heldens and Don Diablo, though he has stated the term was somewhat accidental and encourages producers to create without labels. His approach combines deep house’s soulful elements with bass music’s power, incorporating chopped vocal samples inspired by UK garage and basslines influenced by 1980s R&B. Tchami’s influence on the genre stems from his willingness to experiment outside conventional house music rules, creating a template that countless producers have since followed or adapted.
What makes Tchami’s production style unique?
Tchami’s production style is characterized by his use of chopped vocal samples inspired by Todd Edwards, basslines influenced by producers like Kashif, and a spiritual approach to arrangement that creates emotional resonance. He carefully balances underground credibility with mainstream accessibility, creating tracks that work equally well in intimate club settings and massive festival stages. His attention to detail in sound design, combined with his understanding of both house music history and contemporary bass music trends, allows him to create instantly recognizable tracks that still sound fresh and innovative.