There is a version of Stan Rittner that exists on French television, the Star Academy contestant, the musical theatre performer, the model who has walked for luxury brands. And then there is the version sitting in a Sydney café, watching a stranger cry without knowing why, and writing a song about it in half an hour. Both are true. Both, in their own way, explain why “Aimer la Vie” sounds the way it does.
Rittner’s path to music was never a straight line, Grease on stage, Star Academy on screen, campaigns in front of the camera but each detour, he says, sharpened the same instinct, the desire to make people move, and to make them feel something while they do it. Raised in France and now based in Australia, he carries both places in his sound, a French sense of storytelling folded into a distinctly optimistic, funk-inflected pop.
His new single, “Aimer la Vie”, “to love life” began with a moment he wasn’t even part of, a young woman alone at a café table, mascara running, her reason unknown. It became the seed of a song about gratitude, about looking up from our phones long enough to notice the people around us are carrying stories we can’t see.
QWho is Stan Rittner, and how did music become your path?
“I’m a French singer, songwriter, performer and creative based in Australia. Music has always been part of my life. Growing up, I was fascinated by artists who could make people dance while telling a story. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in musicals such as Grease, appear on the French television show Star Academy, work as a model for luxury brands, and release my own music. Every experience has shaped who I am as an artist, and today my focus is creating music that brings positivity, emotion and energy to people.”
QWhere did you grow up, and how did that environment shape you as an artist?
“I grew up in France, where I was surrounded by a rich artistic culture. Music, dance, cinema and fashion have always inspired me. French culture taught me the importance of storytelling and emotion, while my love for funk, disco and pop encouraged me to create music that makes people move. Living in Australia has added another dimension to my creativity, bringing a fresh perspective and optimism into my work.”
“French culture taught me the importance of storytelling and emotion — living in Australia added a fresh perspective and optimism into my work.”
QWho or what were your biggest influences growing up?
“I’ve always been inspired by artists who combine incredible musicianship with performance. Jamiroquai has been a huge influence because of his fusion of funk, soul and dance music. Gene Kelly inspired me through his elegance and ability to tell stories through movement. I also love retro funk, disco and classic pop because they create timeless, feel-good music that brings people together.”
From musical theatre stages to French television screens, Rittner’s performance instincts were forged long before he stepped into the studio to record ‘Aimer la Vie’, a groundedness that shows in how naturally he moves between singing, storytelling and style.
QTell us about “Aimer la Vie.” What inspired the song, and when did it start taking shape?
“The idea actually came while I was sitting at a café in Sydney. I noticed a young woman sitting alone in the distance with mascara running down her face. I didn’t know whether she was crying because she was sad or happy, but that simple moment made me reflect on how everyone is carrying their own story. It reminded me that we often forget how lucky we are to simply be alive. We spend so much time looking at our phones that we sometimes forget to appreciate what’s happening around us. I started imagining what someone might need to hear in that moment to make them smile again, and within about thirty minutes the song was born.”
QCan you walk us through the writing and recording process?
“The writing happened very naturally. Once I had the idea, everything flowed quickly because it came from a genuine emotion. I wanted to create something uplifting that combined classic melodies with a modern sound. During production I focused on creating a track that people could dance to while still carrying a meaningful message. It’s a song that reflects where I am personally today, choosing optimism despite life’s challenges.”
QThe title translates to “Loving Life.” What does that phrase mean to you right now?
“For me, loving life means appreciating every moment, whether it’s the good days or the difficult ones. It’s about loving the day, loving the night, loving the people around you and being grateful for the opportunities life gives you. It’s not only about romantic love, it’s about love in every form.”
“Life already has enough negativity — I want people to leave my songs feeling happier than when they pressed play.”
QHow does this single fit into the broader story you’re telling as an artist?
“Aimer La Vie perfectly represents who I want to be as an artist. I want my music to combine great melodies with positive messages.”
QWhat does a typical writing or studio session look like for you?
“Every song starts differently. Sometimes it begins with a melody, other times with a simple sentence or an image. Recently I’ve also been exploring artificial intelligence as part of my creative process. I use AI tools to experiment with ideas, melodies and production before developing them further in the studio. I see AI as another creative instrument that helps me push my ideas even further.”
QHow would you describe your sound to someone hearing you for the first time?
QWhat’s the hardest part of turning something personal into a finished song?
QWhat can your audience expect from you over the coming months?
“More music, more performances and more creative projects. I’m continuing to develop new singles while also exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance music production, visual storytelling and content creation. There are some exciting collaborations in the works, and I can’t wait to share them.”
QWhere would you like to see your music take you?
“I’d love to perform around the world. Playing festivals in Europe and Australia is definitely a dream, and one day performing at iconic venues like Olympia in Paris or even Coachella would be incredible. More than anything, I want my music to reach people regardless of where they live.”
“If someone finishes listening and feels happier, more hopeful, or simply has a better day — then I’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do.”
Follow & Stream
Stan Rittner is on Instagram and TikTok at @sr_stanislas, with “Aimer la Vie” streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music and all major platforms.
QAway from music, what does everyday life look like for you?
“I’m someone who loves creating. Whether it’s writing music, experimenting with AI, designing fashion concepts or exploring Sydney, I’m always looking for inspiration. I also enjoy staying active, discovering new cafés and spending time with friends.”
QOne place in the world you’d love to perform that you haven’t yet?
“Olympia in Paris would be a dream because of its incredible history, but I’d also love to perform at Coachella one day. Both represent very different worlds, yet they celebrate artists who create memorable live experiences.”
Sydney’s coastline has become part of Rittner’s creative rhythm, the same city that gave “Aimer la Vie” its opening scene now shapes his everyday sense of ease.
“Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, and that’s something I’ll always strive for.”
Photography & Artwork Courtesy of Stan Rittner & UAG Entertainment