The sun was still hanging over the Mediterranean when the first notes hit the air at Place de l’Armée de Rhin—but by the time DQATS really got going, the square was packed, the streets were humming, and the Côte d’Azur felt alive in a way only music can make happen. On June 21st, as part of France’s annual Fête de la Musique, DQATS returned with a fire that proved once again why they’re one of the most beloved bands to grace this stretch of coastline. They didn’t just perform. They owned it.
From the moment lead vocalist Dimple took the stage, all wide grins and effortless charisma, there was no mistaking it – this was DQATS in peak form. For those in Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and Monaco who’ve tracked the band’s rise, the performance felt like a victory lap. DQATS has long been a fixture in the local live scene, bringing together a melting pot of pop, rock, and soul influences and fusing them into a sound that’s big on emotion and even bigger on fun. Their return to Morrison’s Lounge in Cannes back in April was the start of a new chapter, but it was this Fête de la Musique gig that stamped it with confidence.
And the fans? They showed up in force. Locals who remember the band’s early shows in Biot and Nice stood shoulder to shoulder, all there to dance, cheer, and be part of something real. It was the kind of crowd that sang along from the second verse and didn’t stop moving until long after the final chord rang out.
The current DQATS lineup has found a groove that feels both polished and completely unfiltered. Dimple, of course, was the magnet—every note, every move, drawn from a place that felt personal. She always made the music feel lived-in. But part of what makes DQATS tick is that it’s never just about one person.
Ross, the bassist with a voice that could have walked out of a ’70s vinyl session, shared vocal duties throughout the night. He gave songs weight and weariness where needed, a perfect foil to Dimple’s clean, bright tone. Their harmonies—honed over years of performing together as FOOKIE DUO—felt less like rehearsed routines and more like conversations.
Backing them up, Boloy laid down guitar lines with the kind of feel that comes from instinct. Paulo’s keys floated in and out like warm breeze, and Marel on drums—tight, understated, relentless—kept the whole show driving forward.
As always with DQATS, the night wasn’t only about them. Fête de la Musique is a celebration of sound in all its forms, and the band made space for fellow artists to shine. Members of The Boheme Band (led by former DQATS drummer Dennis), the always-energetic Anak ni Juan, and a wave of emerging young talents stepped in for improvised jams and quickfire collaborations that brought extra depth to the evening. It was chaos, in the best way.
The whole thing was made even more unforgettable thanks to a special collaboration with ADT Lights, who transformed the square into a kaleidoscope of color. And while the music kept people dancing, sips of wine—courtesy of a generous local sponsor French Wines—kept spirits high.
What makes DQATS special is their consistency, their charm, their refusal to treat any show like just another gig. Whether they’re in a corner bar in Beausoleil or standing in front of hundreds at an open-air square, they bring the same commitment. They play like they mean it.
On a night meant to celebrate the universal power of sound, DQATS elevated it. With soul, style, and enough swagger to light up the Riviera, they reminded the audience that live music still matters. It brings everyone together. And every once in a while, it gives everyone a night to remember.
