Isa Aura Interview: Inspiration Behind Mon BGM
INTERVIEW
9 Lounges Team
8/6/2026
______________ Advert ______________
____________________________________
Isa Aura is a rising French singer-songwriter whose classical vocal training meets contemporary pop in a refreshingly unique way. Known for blending eclectic rhythms with imaginative storytelling, she has captured international attention with her music. Her latest single, Mon BGM, transforms a playful feline metaphor into a vibrant, danceable pop anthem, combining clever lyricism, humor, and emotional depth. In this interview, Isa Aura shares the inspiration behind the song, her creative journey, and the artistic vision that continues to shape her distinctive sound.
The Story Behind "Mon BGM": "Mon BGM" is such a unique title. What inspired the concept of using a cat as a metaphor for love and relationships?
My BGM means "Mon Bon Gros Matou" in French, which could be translated into English as "My big, lovely Tomcat." Matou is a short, affectionate nickname that can be given to a man. In French, Matou generally refers to an adult male cat, often seen as confident, independent, and somewhat charming. So, I drew on this idea to portray a somewhat fickle man in the guise of a cat.
____________________________________
______________ Advert ______________
French Expressions & Playful Lyrics: Your lyrics are filled with playful French expressions and feline wordplay. How important is humor and cultural nuance in your songwriting?
Humor plays an important role in my songwriting because it allows me to explore very human emotions without making them feel heavy. Behind the wordplay, there is a real story and genuine emotion. I like listeners to smile the first time they hear the song, then discover deeper layers of meaning as they pay closer attention to the lyrics.
Cultural nuances are just as important to me. The French language is incredibly rich in idioms and expressions, and I love using them as a creative playground. They give my songs their own personality and create a sense of connection with the audience. For me, it's a way of celebrating the beauty of the French language while writing songs that remain accessible, engaging, and fun.
Creating the Perfect Dance-Pop Balance: The song balances upbeat dance-pop production with an emotional story. How did you approach blending fun energy with deeper relationship themes?
This dynamic, joyful music suits me perfectly. And the lyrics actually have a slightly cheeky undertone. Behind the "Tomcat" persona lies a man who is admittedly a bit of a charmer, but we mustn't overlook the woman—she is determined not to be a pushover and states quite clearly, "I'm ready for anything with you." She transforms into a lovely female cat, adopting the same playful attitude, and tells him, "When it comes to this little game, I’m not afraid to get wet—oh no!" Ultimately, this electro-pop sound blends beautifully with the lyrics and allows for a playful, humorous touch.
______________ Advert ______________
____________________________________
Fact or Fiction?: The character in "Mon BGM" is both charming and elusive. Is this inspired by a real-life experience, or is it purely fictional?
Why are there so many romance movies or love stories? It is easy to project oneself into the story or dream of being in the shoes of the heroine who is desired. You don’t necessarily have to experience things firsthand to write about them. Yet, we all know a charmer, have faced romantic disappointments, or have experienced loneliness—and if it hasn't happened to you, it has happened to a friend. Ultimately, everyone interprets these experiences in their own way; for me, it is primarily through my songs.
Always Landing on Your Feet: One of the standout lines is about always landing on your feet. What does resilience mean to you, both personally and as an artist?
Knowing how to land on your feet is better than letting people walk all over you. It’s about knowing how to move forward, stay optimistic, and not give up too easily; in love, it also means refusing to accept just anything—it’s about respect. Yes, that is also a crucial aspect of my life as a singer-songwriter. No one is waiting for you in the arts world, and there is a great deal of criticism. Consequently, you have to know how to move forward, trust yourself, and stay the course. A passion for making music allows you to look beyond the need for instant success or success for success's sake. You make music first and foremost because you love it and because it provides a sense of balance in life.
The Spoken Moment: The spoken phrase, "You have to call a spade a spade!" adds a theatrical touch to the song. What inspired you to include spoken dialogue in the track?
Yes, it's a bit like an aside in the theater. It's a way of addressing the audience directly and building a rapport with them. Moreover, it's a very well-known French expression that works particularly well in a song where cat-related expressions are everywhere. So I have fun playing with it.
Why a Cat?: Cats symbolize independence, mystery, and unpredictability throughout the song. Why did you feel this metaphor perfectly represented the story you wanted to tell?
If you've ever lived with cats, you know that each one has a unique personality. Humans are much the same. Can we ever truly know someone completely? Everyone retains a sense of mystery, a touch of unpredictability.
____________________________________
______________ Advert ______________
Defining the Isa Aura Sound: Your music combines storytelling, catchy melodies, and distinctive lyrical ideas. How would you describe your artistic identity to someone discovering your music for the first time?
My musical universe is quite eclectic. I can easily switch from one style to another. I write solo songs ranging from pop to electropop, but I also take part in international collaborations featuring sounds that are sometimes influenced by musical traditions from outside Europe. I also write children's songs, Les chansons de Micro-Titou. I like to compare myself to a chameleon.
Looking Ahead: After the release of "Mon BGM," what's next for Isa Aura? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or musical directions you're excited to share with your fans?
I'm about to release several new songs for which I am the songwriter, composer, and performer. At the same time, I'm continuing to work on a number of collaborations. One of my latest releases is Muraille verte (The Green Wall), a duet with Gina d'Affiniam, a singer from Casamance, that raises awareness about desertification in Africa. It's a particularly meaningful collaboration because it helps build connections across borders around issues such as ecology, education, sport, and the fight against racism.
I'm also putting the finishing touches on a collection of six children's songs for the holiday season. They revolve around a group of recurring characters centered on a main character named Micro-Titou.
The easiest way to follow my work is through my social media channels, especially Instagram and Facebook, or on streaming platforms such as Spotify and Deezer.
Also Read
Seema Farswani's Runways Song Review: Where Love Meets Airports and Destiny
______________ Advert ______________
____________________________________