The son of a pharmacist mother and antiquarian father, Mathieu was born in
Fontenay-sous-Bois, where he spent his early childhood before acquainting himself with the piano. At age ten he started playing an organ intended for use by his mother, who never picked it up. After two years of taking courses, he started his first musical group at age 13 with two fellow students and friends from middle school. After many years travelling the world, mostly Africa (especially
Kenya), he started penning some naive, minimalistic ditties. His sketchy, intimate sound sometimes mixes African rhythms with
reggae, and his influences such as the Dutch singer
Dick Annegarn, with whom he toured in 1997. His album
Michel is accompanied by an amateur film made by Boogaerts himself. His music is known for its laid-back style and many of his songs include a very light and delicate drum beat. ==Discography==