Influence of film music is noticeable in Sébastien’s L.P. On the track ‘Gabrielle‘, the Gwoka rhythms and the intensity of the orchestral arrangements (produced by Oliver DrumDreamers) fits with the solemnity of the topic : Sébastien tells his great grand-mother’s story, who was chased by a malicious spirit and visions. Spiritual uprise, family, and cultural heritage are among his favorite themes. He always tackles them with a lot of softness and poetry, thanks to the swing of creole language. For instance, the track ‘Two Ta‘ (Too Late) is about somebody who is is afraid she has lost her roots after the family’s house burns down. Also the lyrics of ‘Fòs é Lanmou‘ urges us to take a look inside ourselves.
Music
new music: ‘fòs é lanmou’ (“strengh and love”) – guadeloupean alt soulman sébastien drumeaux’s meditative trip
When you refer to Caribbean music, on the one hand you have the guardians of the temple who perpetuate the tradition by remaining faithful to the eldests’ heritage, and on the other hand there are the explorers. They feel a great desire to mix the musical sounds they produce with new trends. Sébastien Drumeaux belongs to the second category of musicians. Indeed, he often uses the expression “cross over”to qualify his music. On his first EP, ‘Fòs é Lanmou’ (“Strengh and Love”), Sébastien has been able to approach a wide range of styles, from Soul music to Mazurka as well as Trap and classical music. The round and delicate tone of his voice is fitting each, always leaving a slight feeling of melancholy . Unlike the common idea of the musical industry which considers today’s music to be perishable, this young thirtysomething has taken the time to mature his songs during several years. Yes, music can be thought of in the long run.
By Osmojam, AFROPUNK Contributor
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He then decided to associate himself to other artists. Beatmakers Monk’, Akuji, SoFly, guitar player Yoan Chirescu and singer Connie Bidouzo helped him to explore electro-trap on the song ‘Higher‘. The result is disturbing and the listener does not really know whether it’s a good trip or a bad one. The bass; the samples, the electric guitar, the evanescent choirs, everything aims at triggering a burst of emotions. Also Sebastien deliberately chose a powerful aesthetic for the video. It portrays the dark skinned dancer Ndoho Ange, with her mohawk hair style, lying down in a bathtub in transe. A tribute to black beauty, full of sensuality..
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In addition to his personal prospects, Sébastien also produces for other artists such as MC Vicelow (from french band Saïan Supa Crew). He also participated in the original soundtrack of the film Fast and Furious 7. “When I create a piece of music for an artist, I need to understand his will and forget mine. It requires a real psychological approach ! I like this exercise, because it’s an opportunity for me to go forward and discover new approaches of music styles I wouldn’t have thought about by myself.”
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Follow Sébastien on Facebook and Twitter
EP available on Bandcamp
* This article was originally posted on French Soul Is Not Dead
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