French metal guitarist Baptiste Brun celebrates the release of his new single, Ode for the Soul, a powerful preview of his upcoming album Elevatio, which explores transformation through groovy, introspective sounds.
1. Congratulations
on the release of "Ode for the Soul"! Can you tell us about the
inspiration behind this single and how it sets the tone for your upcoming
album, Elevatio?
Well, first
of all, hello and thank you very much for the interest you show in my project!
Ode for
the Soul is an
atypical and evolving track, the most groovy piece of this new album Elevatio.
I think it embodies well the desire for evolution and change in my music.
2. Your
journey as a solo artist began with your debut album Origin, which
was very well-received. What changes or evolutions in your sound can listeners
expect in Elevatio compared to Origin?
I believe
that with Origin, I laid the foundations of my musical universe for
the listener. Elevatio reinforces them and explores a more
conceptual facet of my music, offering more striking sounds and, above all,
sustained intensity until the final track.
3. You've
mentioned that Elevatio explores themes of transformation and
facing challenges. How did these themes come to shape the album, and are they
rooted in any personal experiences?
We all
experience highs and lows in life, which was true for me before starting the
creation process of Elevatio. Thus, this new album served as a
source of renewed motivation to move forward in my life as well as in my
artistic journey. Elevatio therefore carries both melancholy
and energy.
4. As a
self-taught musician, what are some of the most significant challenges you've
faced in honing your craft, and how have these shaped your approach to music?
In the end,
I did not suffer from being self-taught. I think I instinctively developed a
working method to learn instruments like the guitar and keyboards, as well as a
way of composing. Being self-taught undoubtedly defines a more distinctive
identity compared to someone who learns from others.
5. Eight-string
guitars have become a signature part of your sound. What drew you to the
eight-string guitar, and how does it influence your compositions on Elevatio?
Eight-string
guitars were a revelation for me several years ago. They were the instrument I
had always been looking for due to their extensive range. Being able to play
very low notes while retaining the highest ones enhanced my imagination and
creativity. It has now become part of me, and Elevatio was
thus composed quite naturally in this manner.
6. You
spent months in isolation to compose and record this album. How did this
solitude impact your creative process, and do you think it allowed for deeper
exploration in your music?
The goal
was clearly to focus on creating Elevatio by immersing myself
in a bubble where nothing could compromise its homogeneity. I believe this
allowed me to better express my sensitivity in composing and performing.
7. With
your background in the progressive metal band Stolen Memories, how did your
experiences with the band influence your solo work? Are there any aspects of
your band experience that you brought into Elevatio?
I developed
my composition method during the time of Stolen Memories, as the
band’s composer, but creating songs for a group is very different from
composing instrumental pieces. I had to reinvent myself, even though I think I
have had my own musical signature since that era.
8. Gaining
sponsorship from brands like Ibanez and Savarez must have been a big milestone.
How has your relationship with these brands influenced your journey as a
musician and artist?
Sponsors
bring additional visibility and a certain level of credibility, but I believe
that as a musician, one makes their way with or without them—nothing can
replace determination
9. You
recorded most of the instruments yourself for Elevatio. What does
this self-sufficiency add to the album’s overall feel, and are there any other
musicians or collaborators involved in this project?
For my two
solo albums, I needed complete control over my ideas, so I chose to handle the
performances myself, both for practical reasons and financial ones. Except for
this new single, Ode for the Soul, where I collaborated with
trumpet player Mathieu Demail from the rock band Salamandre. This
added a certain color to the piece.
10. Lastly,
with Elevatio set to release in January, what do you hope
listeners will take away from this album? Is there a particular message or
experience you want them to feel?
I hope to
take listeners on a journey through my universe, appealing to both guitar
enthusiasts and those who appreciate beautiful melodies.
I would
like the listener to feel the emotions I convey through my music, especially
through my guitar playing, which is my main means of expression.
Elevatio
crédits:
Mixed And
mastered by Alexandre Borel.
Artwork,illustrations
& Logotype By Stan-W Decker.
Pictures by
Did Parcollet.
Trumpet on
"Ode for the soul" performed by Mathieu Demail.
Thank you
for the great support
Post a Comment