A PRESENTER at a Renfrewshire radio station is aiming to help spread the word about new music with a continental flavour.

Emmanuelle Gabarda is launching PR agency L’Ode Rose, which will specialise in promoting French artists in Scotland and vice-versa.

The 37-year-old was inspired to pursue this new venture following the success of her weekly radio show on Johnstone Sound.

The French Connection, which is broadcast from 8pm until 10pm every Wednesday, was first launched in April 2021.

Emmanuelle told The Gazette: “I was looking for experience at a radio station because, at the time, I was studying Marketing and Communications after doing a Music Business HND.

“I thought it would be good market research to host my own show, where I could present French artists here and see if people would like it.

“I appear to have two kinds of audiences – Scottish people who are interested in sharing cultures and the French community in Scotland, who are very happy to have some French music played here on the radio as well.”

The Gazette:

The growing popularity of the show on Johnstone Sound is one of the reasons Emmanuele is now launching her own PR agency.

She said: “The fact that my Scottish friends also like the show gave me a bit more confidence in launching L’Ode Rose, because I realised that people love to discover new cultures and music.

“I feel like most new emerging bands don’t have the connections or money needed to hire big companies that would do the job of promoting them, so I would really like my PR agency to support emerging bands, make them grow and get more opportunities.

“I hope L’Ode Rose becomes known as a business that is committed to building a bridge between the UK and Europe.”

Emmanuelle originally hails from the city of Montpellier, in the south of France, but has called Glasgow her home since 2017.

She said being involved with Johnstone Sound has been a great experience.

“I love doing my show The French Connection, as I just have a passion for sharing the musical discoveries that I make,” she added.

For more information about L’Ode Rose, visit loderosepr.com or send an email to emmanuelle@loderosepr.com.