Chillin’ by Modjo — Original Singer Yann Destal

“Chillin’” by Modjo: The 2001 Single Featuring Yann Destal

“Chillin’” is a 2001 single by Modjo, the French house duo formed by Yann Destal (Yann Destagnol) and Romain Tranchart. Yann, Modjo’s original lead singer, performs vocals on the recording. The song followed the international breakthrough of “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” and shows a different side of the same partnership: playful disco references, a firm house rhythm and a vocal melody that stays close to the groove.

“Chillin’” belongs to Modjo’s original catalogue, not to Yann’s separate solo discography. It was issued as a single in 2001 and also features on the album Modjo, released that year.

Release History and Original Modjo Credits

The recording is associated with both members of Modjo: Yann Destagnol contributed vocals, songwriting and programming, while Romain Tranchart contributed songwriting and programming. Their work connected live-sounding vocal hooks with a layered, sample-based electronic arrangement.

It is important to distinguish the single release in 2001 from the later appearance of the song on Modjo’s self-titled 2001 album. Calling it “only an album track” would overlook its separate single release. For an overview of the band’s recordings, visit Modjo songs and singles.

The “Le Freak” Sample and the Chic Connection

“Chillin’” draws on “Le Freak” by Chic. The recording therefore connects Modjo’s French house production to one of disco’s best-known sources. Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards appear in the song’s writing credits, alongside Yann Destagnol and Romain Tranchart.

The sample-based groove is paired with Yann’s rhythmic vocal delivery. This link to Chic is distinct from Modjo’s earlier hit “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)”, which instead draws from Chic’s “Soup for One”.

“Chillin’” on the UK Singles Chart

“Chillin’” reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart in April 2001. That documented result shows how Modjo continued to achieve commercial recognition after “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” without repeating the same song or arrangement.

The chart performance is particularly useful when distinguishing Modjo’s two prominent early singles: “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” reached No. 1 in 2000; “Chillin’” reached No. 12 in 2001.

Yann Destal’s Vocals and the Sound of “Chillin’”

Where “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” presents a smooth, romantic lead vocal, “Chillin’” is more conversational and rhythmically playful. Yann’s phrasing moves with the beat, while Romain’s dance production keeps the sampled disco elements at the centre of the arrangement. The contrast is a clear example of the range within Modjo’s single releases.

For additional context about their collaboration, read the story of Modjo or Yann Destal’s Modjo biography. Those pages describe the people behind the original recordings rather than presenting the duo as one solo performer.

Chillin’ — Frequently Asked Questions

Who sings “Chillin’” by Modjo?
Yann Destal, credited as Yann Destagnol, performs the vocals on the original Modjo recording. He was Modjo’s original lead singer alongside producer Romain Tranchart.

Was “Chillin’” released as a single?
Yes. Modjo released “Chillin’” as a single in 2001, and the track also appears on the duo’s self-titled album from the same year.

What song does “Chillin’” sample?
“Chillin’” uses material from “Le Freak” by Chic. The associated songwriter credits include Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.

How high did “Chillin’” chart in the UK?
It peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart in April 2001.