Pop•&Friends is more than just a Quebec-based music duo; they’re lifelong best friends united by their shared love for creating dynamic, collaborative pop music. Yuan and Simon have been producing music together since 2017, evolving their style to explore the vibrant intersection of dance-pop, house, and electro.
At our core, we’re two best friends making music. We focus on creating dance-pop tracks that merge electronic foundations with organic elements. When we collaborate with singers, we give them full creative freedom with their vocals and lyrics. Once they’re recorded, we work together to bring the best possible result.
they say.
This philosophy of trust and collaboration forms the backbone of their work, as seen in their upcoming bilingual release, Pozdrowienia (de la Pologne), set to launch on 29 November 2024.
The Birth of a Bilingual Idea
The story of Pozdrowienia (de la Pologne) begins in 2022, when Yuan crafted the song’s beat. Its foundation lies in the golden age of ‘90s Boom Bap, a genre defined by heavy drum samples and gritty simplicity.
The beat sat on my computer for over a year. It just wasn’t the right time.
Yuan admits.
The track’s raw energy, built on a vintage drum sample from a teacher’s sound library, is complemented by a warm, analog bassline created on his 1980 Korg MS-10 synthesiser. Together, these elements grounded the song in a solid eight-bar loop that pays homage to hip-hop’s roots.
While Boom Bap shaped the song’s foundation, the duo infused it with modern pop sensibilities. Hits like Justin Bieber’s Peaches and Jessie Reyez’s ONLY ONE inspired the melodic layers, giving the track a contemporary touch. To conclude the song, they added a soulful synth solo reminiscent of Kool & The Gang’s Summer Madness, creating a bridge between eras.
A Cross-Cultural Collaboration
It wasn’t until 2023, during Yuan’s year-long exchange programme in France, that the idea of turning Pozdrowienia (de la Pologne) into a bilingual track began to take shape. Living abroad introduced him to a vibrant community of international artists, including Filipe, a Polish rapper whose energetic flow became central to the track’s identity.
Filipe’s verses, delivered entirely in Polish, bring a unique intensity to the song.
Even if you don’t understand the language, you feel the rhythm and emotion in his delivery.
Simon explains.
To balance the Polish rap, the duo invited a friend from Quebec to record the intro and outro in French, adding an extra layer of charm. This bilingual structure captures Pop•&Friends’ belief that music transcends language, connecting people across cultures.
The Creative Process
The making of Pozdrowienia (de la Pologne) reflects Pop•&Friends’ collaborative approach. The song evolved through a blend of individual creativity and collective input, with Yuan and Simon focusing on perfecting the instrumental while leaving space for vocalists to shape the narrative.
Travel and collaboration play a huge role in how we create. Meeting new people, experiencing new cultures—that’s where our best ideas come from.
Simon says.
Their commitment to artistic growth and trust in their collaborators’ instincts has been key to their success. It’s a process that allows each project to evolve naturally, resulting in music that feels authentic and layered.
Inspiration and Evolution
For Pop•&Friends, Pozdrowienia (de la Pologne) is a culmination of their creative journey so far. Influenced by artists like Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, and Tame Impala, they have transitioned from blues-funk beginnings to a polished dance-pop sound that embraces electronic and organic elements.
Yuan’s time in Europe exposed the duo to house and techno music, sparking a new chapter in their evolution.
We want to keep exploring. This song is just the beginning of what we hope will be a series of bilingual and cross-cultural projects.
Simon says.
A Celebration of Connection with Pop•&Friends
Set for release on 29 November 2024, Pozdrowienia (de la Pologne) is a testament to the power of collaboration and the universality of music. It blends nostalgic beats with modern production, featuring a Polish-French bilingual structure that feels both fresh and timeless.
While we eagerly await this exciting release, fans can enjoy Pop•&Friends’ latest track, Light U Up. This energetic pop anthem showcases their signature blend of electronic and organic elements, offering a perfect preview of the duo’s evolving sound and collaborative spirit.
The duo hopes the track resonates with listeners around the world, showcasing how shared creativity can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.
Music has always been about connection for us. This song represents everything we love about creating—collaboration, storytelling, and celebrating different cultures.
Yuan reflects.
