What if the loudest voices advocating for free speech are the very ones seeking to silence others? With ‘Voltaire ?’, Belgian indie artist Fallenium releases a sharp, French-language pop single that dissects the tensions in today’s societal debates around identity, gender, migration, power, and moral panic.
The track arrives at a pivotal moment, just ahead of Pride Month in June, as discussions on LGBTQIA+ rights, gender identity, and societal diversity grow increasingly heated.
A sharp commentary on society’s contradictions
While Belgium remains internationally recognised as a progressive country legally, recent signals warn of a hardening social climate. Reports of homophobic and transphobic violence are rising, and online polarisation is becoming more aggressive. The recent aggression towards a 14-year-old boy targeted for his bisexual identity underscores the urgency of these issues.
Not a tribute, but a question mark
With lyrics like “Tu cries le premier : Dieu déteste tous les gays / Mais tu les fixes sans détourner le regard” (“You’re the first to shout: ‘God hates all gays’, but you stare at them without looking away”) and “Trois pronoms nouveaux et ça te donne le vertige” (“Three new pronouns and you’re already dizzy”), ‘Voltaire ?’ holds up a confrontational mirror to a society where nuance is increasingly replaced by slogans, performative outrage, and carefully chosen enemies. The title is deliberately chosen, not as a nostalgic nod to the Enlightenment, but as a question mark.
“What fascinates me,” says Fallenium, “is how some people see themselves as free thinkers or rebels today, while they often reproduce the most predictable forms of fear and intolerance. And I like to hold up a mirror to myself as well.”
First fully French-language album released on artist’s birthday
‘Voltaire ?’ is part of ‘Depuis le jour où l’on est né‘ (‘Since the day we were born‘), Fallenium’s first fully French-language album. The release date, 20 May, is no coincidence: it is also the artist’s birthday. “Releasing my first full French-language album on my birthday felt like the most personal gift I could give myself,” Fallenium explains.
The album navigates themes of love, loss, identity, satire, and humanity, featuring both original tracks and French adaptations of previously English-language work.
Tracklist of ‘Depuis le jour où l’on est né’
- ‘Je fais l’amour à la mer’.
- ‘French My French Friend’.
- ‘Ton papa’.
- ‘Rebelles à raison’.
- ‘Hi Robin My Robin’.
- ‘Souffle coupé’.
- ‘Continuer à rouler’.
- ‘Voltaire ?’.
- ‘Pas la fille’.
- ‘Humain enfin’
A significant moment for an independent Belgian artist
Musically, Fallenium avoids classic protest songs, opting instead for accessible French-language pop with a satirical edge. Spotify recently launched an official ‘This Is Fallenium‘ playlist. A notable recognition for an independent Belgian artist.
With ‘Voltaire ?’, Fallenium consciously chooses a pop song that not only entertains but also does not shy away from societal friction.
The single ‘Voltaire ?’ and the album ‘Depuis le jour où l’on est né’ are available on all streaming platforms from 20 May.
About Fallenium
Fallenium (pronounced Fa-lé-ni-um) is one of the few openly non-binary producers and songwriters from Antwerp, Belgium. Their music, which effortlessly blends pop, electro, rock, and folk, builds bridges between personal stories and societal themes. In 2024, Fallenium made waves with their debut album ‘Immortals Who Die‘. Now, they reveal their most rebellious and authentic side with their second album ‘I’m Not He‘.
In 2024, Fallenium launched their own music label, Purple Moon. For their solo project, Fallenium has written songs for artists such as Turkish Eurovision legend Serhat and comedian Els de Schepper.
Tracks like ‘I’ve Made Love To The Sea‘, ‘Breathtaking Day‘, ‘Not The Girl‘, ‘Human Throughout‘, ‘Teach Me What Teachers Don’t Teach At School‘, ‘Lucky Number 13‘, and their first French-language song ‘French My French Friend‘ have already found their way to national and international radio stations.
Fallenium is known for their lyrical depth and takes their name from their Swedish great-great-grandfather, Will Fallenius, but chose a gender-neutral variant ending in –um. The project revolves around family and philosophy, with a focus on creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Through music, Fallenium aims to promote critical thinking, empathy, self-reflection, and combat loneliness.
