After establishing himself with a string of riveting releases these last few years, French artist and producer Eole is back once again with his enigmatic new single 'Chanel'.
Exploring more of that broad and diverse electronic aesthetic he is known for, 'Chanel' makes for a wondrous return for him. With its pulsing rhythms and stellar production throughout, he continues to shine as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Having no theoretical musical training, I started out with a first midi keyboard with FATAR keys when I was 14, and that's what gave me a direct taste for the piano. After a few days' practice, I literally fell in love with this instrument, which for me allows me to express an infinite range of emotions. It's also the basic instrument for computer-assisted music: you can do anything with a midi keyboard.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I went through several musical phases during my youth, but I didn't start listening to electronic music until I was 12-13. Before that age, I listened to a lot of American Hip Hop/English Grime because I watched a lot of MTV when I was a kid, which helped me discover this universe that still inspires me today. In addition, I've always had a passion for video game music since I was 4-5 years old, and so I've always listened to the classical music that accompanies certain masterpieces such as "Final Fantasy", the various "Tales Of" games or the "Dark Souls" series of games.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember perfectly the first album I bought for myself as a child. I wanted it absolutely the first day it came out, it was Eminem "The Slim Shady" LP in 1999.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Definitely "Libery Fatali" by Nobuo Uematsu
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don't have any particular ritual, I think my way of creating is random, it changes and improves every day, it's a bit like the choice of my artist name, Eole is a versatile character. However, I listen to an insane amount of music to get as much inspiration as possible from many different musical styles. I pick out what I like in terms of melody and feeling, and tend to express the same sensation in my music. My aim is to tell stories, and there's nothing more magical than letting time mature my ideas. Unlike other artists, I don't seek to create quantitatively, but when a project is ready to be unveiled, so that it can reveal its best musical assets.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I listen to a bit of everything, at the moment I'm listening a lot to the latest Ski Mask The Slump God album. Otherwise I listen daily to Sammy Virji, Fred again.., SKYHIGH or Camoufly and all the artists on the current UKG / Speed Garage scene.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Please, Fred Again.. Let me open one of your show, anywhere, anytime, I'll be there!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Having no limits to create. With a computer today, nothing is impossible. The ability to touch and move people through music is one of the most pleasant aspects, but we must not forget that the true rewarding part about being a musician is to create your own songs, in pushing the boundaries of what is possible to express one's feelings through sounds.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Watching time pass without finding the right inspiration to start, continue, or finish a piece of music. I think the most frustrating part is this inability to demand your brain to be creative at any moment, but that's part of the game, and the final reward is all the more satisfying.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Be yourself, don't try to be others. We are all unique and each has our own way of expressing our art in different ways, even if the journey can sometimes be difficult.
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Eole's new single 'Chanel' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.