After following up their much-loved 2020 LP 'F.A. Cult' with their stunning comeback singles 'Inci' and 'Tied Up' earlier this year, Strasbourg-based outfit Hermetic Delight are back once again with their breezy new outing 'Lust For Life'.
Capturing more of that bright and shimmering indie-pop aesthetic they are known for, 'Lust For Life' makes for a wonderfully rich and enjoyable listen. With its bold and driven textures, sweeping atmosphere, and mesmerising vocals layered throughout, they are continuing to cement themselves as one of the more exciting names doing the rounds today.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Zeynep : Apart from singing for sure, the bass guitar is my first real love and it’s an everlasting relationship.
Delphine : The piano has this thing where I feel close to the emotion of the pianist.
Atef : I've always loved the atmosphere created by organs and brass instruments. In fact, my guitar sometimes sounds like a trumpet.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Zeynep: When I was a kid it was pop music. Then came rock music but mostly I was into old school punk rock, grunge and riot grrl through all my teenage years.
Delphine : New wave & dark music from Clan of Xymox, The Cure, Sisters of Mercy.
Atef : Detroit techno was the first music I listened to that wasn't on the radio or MTV. And I still love it.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Zeynep: I Wanna Have Some Fun by Samantha Fox :) When I was 8 years old.
Delphine : Spice by the Spice Girls.
Atef : A copy of Thriller…
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Zeynep: There are so many but I think since the first time I listened to Suzanne and I from dear Anna Calvi.
Delphine : I love Depeche Mode's simple, hard-hitting songwriting.
Atef : Any song of MGMT but let’s say Indie Rokkers.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Zeynep: Lately, I've been trying to get rid of any obsessive-compulsive habits that make me over-enthusiastic and procrastinate.
Delphine I play a single rhythm over and over again, hoping that something new (and original) will emerge from my guts, and bon appétit.
Atef : I go into the shower. It's one of the most prolific places for germinating an idea in my mind.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Zeynep: At the moment I am reading the autobiography of Meredith Monk so I am obsessively listening to her catalogue.
Delphine : Our previous track Inci was included in a Spotify playlist that introduced me to the acid pop of Barbara Rivage.
Atef : These days I’ve been listening to Decisive Pink. Their album Ticket To Fame is so damn good.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Zeynep: For the moment it would be great to be opening a show for Cate le Bon.
Delphine : Warpaint <3
Atef : Siouxsie !
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Zeynep : Sailing in the sea of possibilities in the creative process, although it can be a challenge at the same time. Of course, sharing our music with crowds is the most rewarding. Our last tour in the UK was an unforgettable moment in that respect.
Atef : Mmh. It's gratifying when people give you something in response to your music. Consideration, love, money. Probably because it's harder to get that than in everyday life.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Zeynep: Trying to exist in a sea of algorithms and not being able to reach more people knowing that there are many like-minded audiences out there who would love our music.
Delphine : If that's what you're looking for, making a living from music is just hardcore. Even in France, despite the status of 'intermittent du spectacle'.
Atef : Well, this is a hard life. But the most frustrating part is that we’re dealing more and more with robots that value numbers instead of humans with taste.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Zeynep : It's a mixture of advice from my singing teachers, consolidated over the years, and my own experience. Staying authentic on stage and being an ardent servant of the music.
Delphine : A female musician in the audience said to me after the show: "I had the feeling you were making love to me". I made this vision of music mine. A carnal exchange that went beyond nudity or sex.
Atef : Thank you this special one who has encouraged me to keep going, whatever the cost.
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Hermetic Delight's new single 'Lust For Life' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.