Bertrand Burgalat

The Profile

Bertrand Burgalat is a French musician, composer, and producer known for elegant, orchestral pop and film scores. Founder of the Tricatel label, he has worked across albums, soundtracks, and collaborations. Of Corsican origin, he has also set Michel Houellebecq’s poems to music (2000).

French musician/composer/producer; founder of Tricatel; active 1990s–present; of Corsican origin; sings in French and English; known for elegant orchestral pop; set Michel Houellebecq’s poems to music in 2000; has scored films including Palais Royal!, Quadrille, Belleville Tokyo, and My Little Princess.

Lello hears elegance, style, and sophisticated songwriting throughout Portrait-robot, noting sweet melancholy and intricate melodies across its 19 tracks. Vocals are mostly in French, and in English they keep a distinctly “francophone” charm. A Serge Gainsbourg atmosphere hovers over the record, with nods to the ’60s and the Fab Four. Highlights cited include Je Suis Seul dans Ma Chanson, Ma Boîte à Musique, Another World Gone By, Demolition Derby, and Broder King. The review also recalls Burgalat’s Corsican origin, DJ beginnings, and his 2000 musical setting of Michel Houellebecq’s poems.