Yann Tiersen

French composer Yann Tiersen is known for using such nontraditional instruments as typewriters and children’s toys to create his eclectic blend of rock, electronic, folk, and classical music. ∙ The 1998 breakout Le Phare was his first release to land on the French Albums chart, thanks to the hit “Monochrome,” which featured singer-songwriter Dominique A. ∙ His score for 2001’s Amélie—a mix of new material and tracks from his previous albums—earned Tiersen a BAFTA nomination, a César Award, and a World Soundtrack Award. ∙ Despite his reluctance to be viewed as a soundtrack composer after Amélie’s success, he scored the 2003 dramedy Goodbye Lenin!, winning a German Film Award for his work. ∙ Cocteau Twins vocalist Elizabeth Fraser cowrote and sang on “Kala,” from 2005’s Les retrouvailles, which became his highest entry on the French Albums chart after landing at No. 6. ∙ Released in 2016, EUSA—a Top 10 hit on Billboard’s New Age Albums chart—was partly inspired by Tiersen’s experience being stalked by a mountain lion while cycling in California.