TidyMess, the art of harmonious disorder
Their voices together, lyrics that always ring true, the emotion they give, their contagious energy and their sheer generosity bring us back to the very essence of French chanson.
It all began in 2005, on stage, near Pau. Nelly and Thomas met during a tribute show to Daniel Balavoine. The artistic connection was immediate. The stage became their shared ground and, for several years, they moved from project to project, revisiting French chanson and Anglo-American rock with infectious energy.
A meeting, a stage, and the beginning of a musical bond that has only grown stronger.
In 2016, the urge to say "us" grew stronger and TidyMess turned to writing their own material. Thomas composes on piano and guitar, melodies by turns gentle and hard-hitting. Nelly sets down lyrics that are tender and full of humour, about everyday life, feelings, anger, joy and the fragilities everyone recognises.
Their world is built in this constant dialogue between words and music. On stage the closeness is obvious, the generosity tangible. Audiences turned up, and kept growing show after show.
Personal stories that ring out as universal ones.
In 2019, TidyMess reached a first milestone with a crowdfunded album. The sold-out launch show at the Espace James Chambaud drew nearly 500 people. The year was marked by intense touring and standout appearances at several festivals, at times opening for national acts.
Held back by the pandemic, that first record found a second wind in 2023 with a reissue expanded by seven new tracks. The same year, a fresh crowdfunding campaign funded the recording of a album of sharper contrasts, between shadow and light, fury and tenderness.
Disorder owned and embraced, guided by feeling and honesty
Premiered on stage in early 2024 to another packed Espace Chambaud, the new album confirmed how firmly the band had taken root.
2025 marked a decisive turning point: a partnership with the label Baboo Music, the release of the album Yin Yang, a documentary feature for France 3 Nouvelle-Aquitaine and a slot at the L'Été à Pau festival.
TidyMess now fully owns its identity and keeps moving forward, carried by honest writing and a stage presence that brings people together.