Modjo was a French house music duo formed in Paris in 1999 by producer Romain Tranchart (born 9 June 1976) and singer Yann Destagnol (born 14 July 1978). They are best known for their biggest hit, “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)”, released in 2000, along with other successful singles such as “Chillin'” and “No More Tears”, both released in 2001.
Born in Paris, Romain Tranchart moved with his family to Algeria and Mexico before settling in Brazil. There, he began learning the guitar, drawing inspiration from jazz classics. In 1998, influenced by DJ Sneak, Ian Pooley, and Daft Punk, Tranchart released his first single under the name Funk Legacy, titled What You’re Gonna Do, Baby, through Vertigo Records. He then attended the American School of Modern Music in Paris.
Also Parisian, Yann Destagnol learned to play the flute and clarinet as a small child. As he grew older, he became deeply influenced by the Beatles, the Beach Boys, David Bowie, and other pop acts. He started playing drums by emulating them and also learned to play the piano and guitar. He later bought a four-track recording machine and began singing and songwriting. Fascinated more by voices than by charismatic bandleaders, he admired bands such as Aerosmith, The Police, and Queen, and later became an avid fan of R&B divas.
After being a drummer and sometime singer in a few bands, he met Romain in 98, and the partnership was born. The two quickly began recording, and from those sessions came ‘Lady (Hear Me Tonight).’
