Hoshi, the Japanese star who made Paleo shine

Paléo Festival 2019 - Amélie Wauthier

Hoshi means star in Japanese. This is the pseudonym chosen by Mathilde Gerner, a twenty-two-year-old singer-songwriter who is easily recognizable by her ’Japanese" features.’eyeliner and her thick bun.

The atmosphere under the Détour big top is gentle and subdued. The musicians are the first to take the stage. Bathed in pink light, they take their time, while the audience grows enthusiastic and gradually warms up. Suddenly, a «Hi! How are you?» echoes through the tent. Without waiting for a reply, Hoshi appears and continues with All you have to do is believe, the title track of his debut album, released in 2018. 

With A Three-Way Affair, I discover that, in addition to having a sublime, smooth, and husky voice, Hoshi is also a great lyricist. In this song, she tells the story—with great lightheartedness and humor—of a man who finds out that his wife has cheated on him. 

«Go ahead, tell us what he has that I don't."
In the end, I think even you don't know it
And I'm working while he's in my bed
»And just tell our kids that Dad's gone."

The singer moves from one song to the next. She then asks for the lights to be turned on so she can take in the audience. The transition to the next song comes naturally, since she finds it «absolutely charming»! The crowd sings along in unison. When Hoshi shouts, «Louder!» everyone complies. 

In her lyrics, the young woman explores her crushes, her heartbreaks, and her fear of death. It’s hard to believe she’s only twenty-two, given the maturity and undeniable talent she displays. Hoshi has channeled her pain into her songs and turned it into something beautiful. She reminds me of a female version of Renaud from the 2000s.

With She's still dreaming, Mathilde sings to us the story of this «girl from the Mitterrand years» who still hopes for a revolution—a topic that remains relevant today, as the artist reminds us. It’s Friday; I’m surrounded by family, and both on stage and in the audience, everyone has their fists raised!

Hoshi steps offstage for a moment before returning for one last song. Break out your «sailor tops» and your iPhones in video mode (and in landscape orientation, please!), because it’s time for the song everyone’s been waiting for. After an hour-long concert, it’s time to say goodbye. With her hands clasped in front of her in the Japanese style, Hoshi bids us farewell. A quick selfie with the audience and his team, and everyone says «goodbye,» with stars in their eyes. 

Write to the author: amelie.wauthier@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © Paléo / Anne Colliard