All About L’International:Paris’ Most Authentic Underground Rock/Electronic Music Scene
Experiencing the Parisian underground music scene starts with a visit to L’International. Hosting bands that notoriously play live gigs all over Paris DJing some nights, L’International attracts some of the city’s most interesting and artistic people. However, the people behind the infamous venue still have many goals and are working to achieve its full potential.
Known for their ability to get newer bands off the ground (such as La Femme, Christine, and The Queens), the venue quite literally changes lives. One band who has a particular soft spot for L’International, Spanish Horses explained that they love how it has a
“familial atmosphere that brings together locals and internationals, artists and fans, new scene kids and scene royalty. It's a hub with a no-bullshit policy, a place where art and fun are at the core, it's where people come together to connect. They gave us our first opportunities– our very first show happened there. I’m forever grateful for everything that (L’International) has done for us over the years. We would probably be in a very different place without them. It’s the most supportive venue I’ve ever set foot in, and I feel truly blessed to have it in my life.”
Spanish Horses DJ at L’international, 2025 - Image by @_anatheme
Initially, the venue offered everything from French chanson to hip-hop to rock for their audiences to enjoy. But to set them apart from other venues, Tom, owner of Howlin’ Banana Records and a key part of the L’International team explained
“We tried to be as selective as possible in our programming choices, to make sure we were hosting the best of what the current underground rock and electronic scenes had to offer.”
By putting a lot of intention into their relationship with their talent and their customers, this successfully created a strong community. Upon going there, one of the first things you will notice is how connected everyone is. The reason for that is the effort that all of the staff put into making their visitors feel at home. That is also why so many of their headliners love returning to the venue.
l’international photography fundraising exhibit - Images on wall by sixtiene cail
Luckily, after their struggle with 2020’s lockdown, L’International was able to come out on the other side.
“I think the post-covid reopening was quite a pivotal moment for the venue. L’Inter was one of the very first parisian venues to reopen, and we had shows every night from Tuesday to Saturday. It was an amazing time, there was a great vibe, people were happy to go out, see shows, and dance again,”
Tom explained. Their newfound vision for the venue was also what kept them going.
“We were a brand new team with hopes and dreams for the venue, (we had) our minds set on doing things differently, and I think the audience caught up with that and responded in a very positive way.”.
Sex Shop Mushrooms perform at L’international - Image by @Hugolegrand__
Although their unique concept of having well known bands in the Paris live music scene DJ at their venue attracts their audience, as of now, the biggest challenge for L’International is hosting live music shows. The area of the venue in which they would host these bands and artists is in need of renovation. Because they are unable to receive money from the government, L’Inter must rely on their customers and donations in order to bring back their live music sets.
In a time where music venues are closing left and right, supporting places like L’International is so important. It’s the place to go as an artist or art enthusiast of any kind in Paris. Musicians and music lovers can benefit from the discovery of underground and upcoming indie bands and artists. It’s a great place to build connections in Paris and make friends in the art industry. If you live in Paris and even if you’re just passing through, make sure to check it out.
