Interview: Son Parapluie

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Since I was a kid, I’ve always had music in my head. It seemed natural to materialise it at some point. Actually, music is just a part of my life among other activities. But even when I don’t play it, it is always there. 

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I think movement is the most important thing to me. Walking, running, driving, travelling… Seeing the world in motion generates rhythms and melodies in my mind.  

How long has your band been around?

Son Parapluie is a very new project and not a proper band. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

The project was born in the US in the head of a label owner, written and recorded in Europe. The idea was to create music that evokes the nice era of French pop in the late 60’s and early 70’.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

The first idea was Parapluie, an elegant word - which means “umbrella” - that is of course a reference to the movie Les parapluies de Cherbourg. Then “Son” was added, which can mean “sound” as well as “his” or “her”.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

So far Son Parapluie is a studio project.

What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Playing a “one shot” show with singer Isobel Campbell would be great. In Paris of course!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

My main advice would be to consider yourself as a perpetual beginner. And I could tell my younger self to consider the live work as a totally different thing than the studio work. When I was younger, I used to think that once a song is done and sounds OK, playing it live will work automatically… So untrue!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

As I explained, Son Parapluie is very new and actually only four songs were recorded.

Personally, I feel proud to hear my voice mixed to the sweet Isobel Campbell’s voice on the track Je ne finis rien.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Son Parapluie is a very special project. The process as well was very unusual. Someone whom I had never met somewhere in the US asking me to write songs that would be sung by a singer I admire… Inspiration came from excitement. And it happened! 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I like the idea that music generates images in the mind of the listener. Not necessarily ideas or messages. So my lyrics are always intentionally a bit abstract. 

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Son Parapluie is not really a band. The perfect project to get along with everybody. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Finding an occasion to play a show would be great, even if it is just for one night. We could propose a set mixing Son Parapluie and Isobel Campbell’s repertoire. 

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