Crème Brulée was a pioneer rock fanzine from France.
Founded by Stéphane Sommet in 1996 after the title of a Sonic Youth song, Crème Brûlée became a reference for post-rock music. Due to its close relationships with bands such as Sonic Youth, Labradford and the independent labels, Crème Brûlée was the place where post-rock scene has been documented. In France the information about main bands of this rock period (including bands like Sonic Youth and experimental music) were revealed in full exclusivity in Crème Brûlée. The fanzine used to publish internet references of the musicians as well as reflections about internet and the music business.
Crème Brulée end up to became Periscope webzine in 2001.
Stéphane Sommet released most of the interviews with musicians from Tortoise, Gastr Del Sol, Labradford, Mogwai, Stereolab, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and many others. Writers Marie-Douce Jaint-Jacques (later founder of aMAZEzine! 7", Oliver Lackinger, Laurent Rauner and Fabien Louis joined the fanzine. Art students Jean-Michel Géridan and Jérôme Lefèvre were woking responsively at graphic design and writing. Jérôme Lefèvre wrote mainly about experimental music of artists such as Tony Conrad, La Monte Young or Michael Snow and some columns about various musicians such as John Zorn, Mika Vainio, Mick Harris and James Plotkin.
You can read Crème Brûlée back issues at La Fanzinothèque in Poitiers as well as in some American university libraries. Crème Brûlée issues has been exhibited in the France Fiction art gallery in Paris.
Stéphane Sommet founded Textile Vinyle music label.
Jean-Michel Géridan is currently graphic designer in Paris.
Jérôme Lefèvre founded Beauty Flow Magazine and is currently art director and writer.
See also