Introduction to Thomas Mars
Thomas Mars is a French musician, singer-songwriter and occasional actor best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning indie pop band Phoenix. Along with his high school friends Deck d’Arcy, Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Brancowitz, Mars formed Phoenix in Versailles, France in the early 1990s. Since releasing their debut album in 2000, Phoenix has gone on to achieve international acclaim and mainstream success, especially with their breakthrough fourth album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in 2009. The band is known for hit singles like "1901" and Mars’ distinctive vocals on indie pop tracks that blend rock, synthpop and psychedelic influences.
Beyond his music career, Mars is also notable as the husband of acclaimed American film director Sofia Coppola. The pair met in the late 1990s and married in 2011, going on to have two daughters together. Mars has collaborated with Coppola on films like Lost in Translation and On the Rocks. Though he maintains a lower public profile than his famous wife, Mars is considered a respected figure in both the French and international music scenes thanks to his decades-long career fronting Phoenix.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Thomas Mars was born Thomas Mars Kendrick in 1976 in Versailles, France. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a member of the French rock band Pookie Crew in the 1970s. From a young age, Mars was surrounded by music and creativity.
Mars spent his childhood and teenage years in France, where he met his future Phoenix bandmates. The city of Versailles and its artistic history helped shape Mars’ creative outlook. Though known as an aristocratic location, Versailles had an emerging rock scene that drew Mars in.
Growing up, Mars learned to play multiple instruments like guitar, bass and keyboards. He joined his first band as a teenager, honing his musical skills. Mars was particularly inspired by British rock bands like The Clash and The Cure, who influenced his eclectic style.
Forming Phoenix
Mars formed the band Phoenix in 1992 while still in high school in Versailles, France. He came together with his school friends Deck d’Arcy, Christian Mazzalai, and Laurent Brancowitz to start making music.
The teenage friends were all passionate about music and inspired by bands like The Stone Roses, Blur, and Radiohead. Though they were still in school, they began writing songs and performing local shows around Paris as Phoenix.
Phoenix self-released their debut studio album titled United in 2000. The indie rock album received positive reviews in France and abroad. Their follow-up album Alphabetical was released in 2004 after signing to the French independent label Source. It expanded their sound with more electronic and synthpop influences.
Though these early Phoenix albums generated buzz in indie circles, the band was still mostly unknown to mainstream audiences. Their music style at the time can be characterized as melodic indie rock and pop with clever lyrics. Mars’ distinctive vocals already stood out as a focal point of Phoenix’s sound.
Mainstream Success with Phoenix
Phoenix achieved mainstream success and international recognition with their fourth studio album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in 2009. The indie pop record became a surprise hit, propelling the French band onto the global stage.
The album’s lead single "1901" became Phoenix’s breakthrough hit. Its infectious melody and Mars’ smooth vocals made the song an alternative radio staple. Follow-up singles like "Lisztomania," "Lasso" and "Armistice" also received heavy airplay. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified Gold in the US.
At the 52nd Grammy Awards in 2010, Phoenix won Best Alternative Music Album for Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. This marked a major milestone for the band, beating out veterans like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Depeche Mode and Death Cab for Cutie. Mars and the band also performed "1901" at the ceremony, exposing them to a massive new audience.
The album earned Phoenix several other accolades, including the Meteor Music Award for Best International Album. It also appeared in many Best of the Year lists, being named the best album of 2009 by publications like Rolling Stone, Spin and NME. The sudden popularity allowed Phoenix to embark on a massive world tour and perform at major music festivals.
Role in Phoenix
As the frontman and lead vocalist of Phoenix, Thomas Mars is a captivating live performer with a distinctive vocal style. His smooth, soft crooning provides an emotive counterpoint to Phoenix’s upbeat indie pop sound.
Mars contributes lead and backing vocals across Phoenix’s discography. His voice has been described as gentle, breathy and seductive. He sings in both English and French, bringing a multilingual flair.
In addition to vocals, Mars plays guitar and keyboards for the band. He has co-written many of Phoenix’s hit songs, working closely with guitarist Christian Mazzalai on the songwriting.
Notable Thomas Mars performances include his spirited vocals on breakout hits like "1901," "Lisztomania," and "Trying to Be Cool." His voice has become synonymous with Phoenix’s signature sound.
As a songwriter, Mars taps into catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Songs he has co-written for Phoenix include the smash hits "If I Ever Feel Better," "Too Young," and "J-Boy."
Mars’ charismatic stage presence, smooth vocals and knack for crafting pop hits have made him a driving force behind Phoenix’s success. He is widely considered one of the most talented frontmen in indie music.
Marriage to Sofia Coppola
Thomas Mars and acclaimed film director Sofia Coppola met at a mutual friend’s party in Paris in the late 1990s. The two hit it off immediately and began dating not long after. They kept their relationship very private in the early years.
In 2003, Mars and his band Phoenix collaborated with Coppola on the soundtrack for her film Lost in Translation, starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. This marked one of the first creative partnerships between the couple.
After over a decade of dating, Mars and Coppola got married in 2011. They had an intimate wedding ceremony in Palazzo Margherita, a 19th century palace in Bernalda, Italy.
Mars and Coppola have two daughters together – Romy, born in 2006, and Cosima, born in 2010. The family splits their time between homes in Paris, New York City, and Los Angeles.
The couple has opened up in interviews about the joys and challenges of balancing their creative careers in the arts while raising a family together. Coppola has shared that she often brings her daughters with her on film sets.
In 2020, Mars and Phoenix again teamed up with Coppola to create music for her film On the Rocks, starring Bill Murray and Rashida Jones. The movie explores the relationship between a father and daughter, something both Coppola and Mars could relate to as parents.
Mars and Coppola remain fiercely protective of their private life together. But they occasionally share glimpses into their family and relationship through social media posts and interviews when promoting their latest creative projects. Their marriage has united two highly respected artistic talents who found inspiration in each other both personally and professionally.
Other Pursuits
In addition to his work with Phoenix, Mars has pursued various creative side projects over the years. In 2018, he released a solo album called Porte Aperte that showed off a more stripped-down, acoustic folk sound compared to Phoenix’s synth-driven pop. The album received positive reviews, with critics praising Mars’ songwriting and noting the introspective lyrical themes.
Outside of music, Mars has worked as a trial lawyer at his family’s firm, Mars Law Firm, in Versailles, France. Though his law career has taken a backseat to his music, he still practices and handles cases periodically when his schedule allows.
Mars has also lent his creative vision to the fashion world, serving as a creative director and model for brands like Dior Homme and Gucci. His innate sense of style has made him an influential tastemaker in the realms of music, fashion, and culture.
Over the years, Mars has collaborated musically with various artists across genres. He’s recorded songs with French electronic duo Air, worked on film soundtracks with composer Mirwais, and contributed vocals and guitar to albums by artists like Sebastien Tellier. These collaborations allow Mars to stretch his talents in new directions outside of Phoenix.
Thomas Mars Net Worth
Thomas Mars has an estimated net worth of around $20 million as of 2023. The bulk of his wealth comes from his music career as the lead singer of Phoenix.
Over the band’s 20+ years together, Phoenix has sold over 5 million albums worldwide and grossed over $25 million in concert tours. As the frontman, Mars receives a sizable share of the band’s profits from record sales, streaming royalties, merchandise, and touring revenue. Hit albums like Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix and Bankrupt! were especially lucrative.
Outside of Phoenix, Mars has earned income from his solo album Porte Aperte, his occasional acting roles in films, his work as a creative director for fashion brands like Dior Homme and Gucci, and his career as a trial lawyer at the Mars Law Firm in France.
Compared to other indie rock musicians, Mars’ $20 million net worth is quite substantial. While not as wealthy as mainstream pop stars, he has amassed a small fortune in the world of alternative music. His marriage to successful film director Sofia Coppola has also likely contributed to his wealth. Overall, Thomas Mars sits comfortably as an indie musician who found both critical and commercial success.
Latest News on Thomas Mars
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Phoenix released their 7th studio album Alpha Zulu in November 2022. The album experiments with synthpop and dance sounds, while retaining Phoenix’s signature upbeat indie style. Singles like "Tonight" and "Alpha Zulu" showcase Mars’ dreamy vocals.
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The band is currently touring North America and Europe in support of the new album. They have played major festival dates like Lollapalooza, Primavera Sound, and Coachella, where their energetic live performances electrified crowds. Upcoming shows are scheduled across the US and Europe through summer 2023.
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Mars has been active promoting Phoenix’s return on talk shows like The Tonight Show and The Late Late Show. In interviews, he discussed the band’s evolution and teased details of Alpha Zulu before its release. Mars’ charming personality and witty banter made for engaging appearances.
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The singer has also walked several red carpets recently with his wife Sofia Coppola, including the Venice Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival. His signature avant-garde style turned heads at these high-profile events.
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On Instagram, Mars has been regularly posting behind-the-scenes photos and videos from Phoenix’s tour and TV appearances. He also shares glimpses of his family life with Coppola and their daughters. His account gives fans an inside look at his varied pursuits in music, film, and fashion.
Legacy and Influence
Thomas Mars and his band Phoenix have had a significant influence on the music scene in France and internationally. As pioneers of the 2000s indie pop/rock revival, Phoenix inspired legions of alternative bands that emerged in their wake.
Mars’ distinctive vocals and intimate lyrical style have impacted many contemporary indie singers and songwriters. His flair for catchy melodies and blending of genres created a signature sound that shaped the indie pop landscape.
Even after over two decades, Phoenix’s music has endured and maintained critical respect. Their albums regularly top Best Of lists, underscoring the band’s continuing relevance. Songs like "1901" remain alternative rock staples.
Phoenix’s fashionable style also established Mars as a cultural tastemaker. His effortless Parisian cool made him a muse for designers and fashion magazines. This stylish image became part of Phoenix’s enduring appeal.
Overall, few bands have embodied the rise of indie music quite like Phoenix and Thomas Mars. Their influence continues to be felt across the French music scene and alternative rock globally. Mars helped redefine the sound, style and spirit of independent music in the 21st century.