Drum Sheet – Telephone – New York Avec Toi

“New York Avec Toi,” released in 1984 on Téléphone’s album Un Autre Monde, is one of the band’s most energetic and instantly recognizable tracks—a raw, urban love letter wrapped in pure rock-and-roll electricity. What makes it unforgettable, especially for drum enthusiasts, is its driving, rebellious groove delivered with punch and personality by Richard Kolinka, one of France’s greatest rock drummers.

The song was born during the writing sessions for Un Autre Monde, a period marked by tension, inspiration, and a growing desire within the band to push their sound forward. Jean-Louis Aubert began sketching the first ideas after a trip to the United States, capturing the chaotic charm, noise, and adrenaline of New York City. He wanted a track that felt like the city itself: fast, gritty, irresistible. Kolinka immediately saw the rhythmic potential and began experimenting with a beat that would evoke movement—people rushing, taxis honking, and neon lights flickering in the night.

The song came together in rehearsals in Paris, where the band jammed on a raw guitar riff while Kolinka hammered out a rhythm built on a tight snare, punchy kick, and relentless hi-hat drive. The groove is deceptively simple yet completely infectious. Kolinka’s playing gives the track a sense of urgency, almost like a sprint through Manhattan streets. His fills, short but explosive, add just the right amount of attitude without disrupting the song’s forward motion. For drummers, this track is a masterclass in rock minimalism: groove first, flash second.

The band recorded the song in the studio with producer Glyn Johns, known for his work with The Rolling Stones and The Who. Johns loved the rawness of Téléphone and insisted on capturing the band as live as possible. Kolinka’s drum tracks were recorded with minimal takes, preserving the natural aggression and spontaneity that define the song.

When “New York Avec Toi” was released, it quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of Téléphone’s concerts. They performed it throughout the Un Autre Monde tour and again during their massive mid-80s arena shows. On stage, Kolinka often added more powerful snare hits, expanded fills, and extra accents, turning the track into a celebration of high-energy French rock drumming. Live versions were louder, faster, and even more vibrant—exactly what fans loved.

For anyone who admires the drums in this song, “New York Avec Toi” stands as a perfect example of how raw rhythmic instinct can elevate a rock anthem, making it pulse with life, attitude, and unstoppable momentum.