Matthieu Chedid performs and records under the stage name ‑M-. Chedid created ‑M- as means of overcoming his shyness on stage and also as
a way of distancing his work from that of his father and grandmother. The pseudonym comes from Chedid's first initial but also refers to the
similar sounding French word aime, meaning love. The character ‑M- is a superhero, noted for having a playful nature, and recognized for his
flamboyant costumes and hair styled into the shape of an M.
In 1997, -M- released his first solo album Le Baptême. During this time; he played mainly solo or with the cellist Vincent Ségal. The album
received overall positive critical reception, but public recognition only came a few months later, with the release of the single "Machistador".
