Christophe Chassol

• Name — Christophe Chassol • Birth Name — Christophe Chassol • Born — 1976 • Birthplace — Issy-les-Moulineaux, France • Origin — Paris, France • Occupation — Composer, pianist, arranger, musical director • Instrument — Piano, keyboards • Years Active — 1994–present • Label — Tricatel

Chassol was born in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. He has described a family background connected to Martinique and early exposure to music. From the age of four, he studied piano at Institut National de Musique, Paris. 16 years later he moved to America, where he studied at Berklee College of Music, Boston, focusing on composition and film scoring. His earlier influences were Steve Reich and Hermeto Pascoal.

Chassol’s ultrascore method involves recording speech and environmental sounds and using them as material for harmony and rhythm, often aligned to edited video footage. He has described the approach as “harmonizing reality.”

• Indiamore (2013) — audiovisual project filmed in India. • Big Sun (2015) — project connected to Martinique and field recordings. • Ludi (2020).

In 2019, Chassol composed and performed a commissioned work for a Cartier holiday event in Paris; the music was later released as The Message of Xmas. He has discussed his relationship with music and collaboration in interviews, including with Bridge.audio.

Chassol performed Chassol Plays Basquiat at the Philharmonie de Paris in 2023; the performance was broadcast by ARTE. He has also presented work in institutional contexts, including Studio Venezia at the Venice Biennale (2017). In 2023, he created Les Marguerites Gaumont par Chassol at La Gaîté Lyrique in Paris.

Chassol has contributed to recordings and projects involving artists including Solange and Frank Ocean, including work on Ocean’s visual album Endless as listed in published album credits.

• Dark Touch (2012) • Lamb (2015) • Vanille (2020) • Tout simplement noir (2020) • Represent (En Place) (Netflix, 2023–2024) • Le Faux Soir (in production)

Chassol was a laureate of FAIR and received the Deezer–Adami award (2014).