“The Blues will never die as long as we will need to exorcise our demons, daily struggles, heartbreak, or despair. Still, music won’t change the world—it just allows us to create parentheses, moments of peace, in a very troubled world. “

Manu Lanvin: Man On A Mission

Singer, guitarist, and high-voltage showman, Manu Lanvin, has become a driving force in French blues-rock. Over the course of seven albums and more than 900 concerts, he’s taken his fiery performances from L’Olympia in Paris to The Apollo in New York and the Montreux Jazz Festival, earning the praise of legends such as Quincy Jones and Johnny Hallyday along the way. Known for his deep, powerful voice and electrifying guitar work, Lanvin delivers a sound that’s equal parts, grit, and soul. With new album “Man On A Mission” (Release Day: October 10th, 2025), Lanvin presents his most wide-reaching work yet - recorded in Paris, Nashville, Montreal, Fort Lauderdale, and Sheffield. The album is rooted in the blues but freely explores rock, soul, and pop influences, each track revealing the craft of a songwriter and producer at the top of his game. It’s a bold, heartfelt journey shaped by the roads he’s traveled and the stories he’s lived. Manu Lanvin, one of France’s leading blues-rock voices, began his career with three rock albums (2000–2006) before finding his true sound with The Devil Blues. A turning point came in 2009 when he co-wrote and produced Texan legend Calvin Russell’s final album Dawg Eat Dawg, steering him closer towards the blues.

(Manu Lanvin / Photo by Eric Martin)

His 2012 release Mauvais Casting sparked rapid success, leading to over 120 shows in 2013 across international stages. Lanvin went on to represent France at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and won the 2015 Cognac Blues Passions Prize. In 2016, he released Blues, Booze, and Rock ‘n’ Roll, earning him a nomination for “Best Male Performer” at the Globes de Cristal. Lanvin embodies the grit of a bluesman with the heart of a rock ‘n’ roll optimist. His album, Grand Casino, is a blues and rock ‘n’ roll celebration featuring duets with Taj Mahal, Beverly Jo Scott, Johnny Gallagher, Popa Chubby, and Paul Personne. Lanvin collaborated on an exciting project with his highly regarded father and famous actor, Gérard Lanvin, for whom he produced one of the most successful French albums of 2021, Ici-Bas.

Interview by Michael Limnios           Special Thanks: Betsie Brown ( Blind Raccoon)

How has Blues and Rock music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

I don’t know if Blues and Rock have really influenced the way I see the world, but they definitely showed me a possible path in this life: picking up a guitar, meeting people every night, and sharing pure positive emotions with as many as possible.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What’s the balance in music between technique and soul/emotions?

My repertoire shifts between several musical styles, but Blues is undeniably the foundation. Still, my sound is much more Rock than Blues. I also love drawing melodic ideas from Soul. For me, music should carry emotion far more than technique—technique actually bores me deeply.

Why do you think Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in France?

Simply because France has the Blues—today even more than yesterday. I see so many people who have lost hope or are stuck in repeated failures. I sometimes see chaos in my city. I see people sleeping in the streets in freezing winters. Above all, I can’t see no love between us French people. That inevitably gives you the Blues—it makes you feel orphaned.

“I hope the best is still to come! But I’ve had wonderful moments and beautiful encounters. Playing at the Apollo Theater in New York with Steve Jordan on drums, Herbie Hancock on piano, and Quincy Jones watching—it can only be an unforgettable memory.“ (Manu Lanvin / Photo by Eric Martin)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future?

Creativity. The 70s were full of geniuses like Hendrix, Zappa, or Page, who never thought in terms of radio formats. They made music far more freely than we do today.

What have been the highlights of your career so far? Any interesting stories about the making of the new album Man on a Mission?

I hope the best is still to come! But I’ve had wonderful moments and beautiful encounters. Playing at the Apollo Theater in New York with Steve Jordan on drums, Herbie Hancock on piano, and Quincy Jones watching—it can only be an unforgettable memory.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your musical journey?

You play the way you are. It’s so true.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I’m wary of trends—they fade as quickly as they appear. I think you need to stay true to yourself, make as few compromises as possible, and be careful not to imitate too much.

Why is it important to preserve and spread the Blues? What is the role or mission of music in today’s society?

The Blues will never die as long as we will need to exorcise our demons, daily struggles, heartbreak, or despair. Still, music won’t change the world—it just allows us to create parentheses, moments of peace, in a very troubled world.

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(Manu Lanvin / Photo by Eric Martin)