INTERVIEW: Remy de Laroque –

1.) We’re happy to have with us today renowned singer and songwriter Remy de Laroque; welcome to Vents, Remy! Before we begin kicking the proverbial tin can down the dusty road, how has 2022 been treating you thus far? 

Very happy to be speaking with Vents, nice meeting you!

2.)    Congratulations on the upcoming June 2 release of your cd Star Code! Thank you. What was the genesis of Star Code, Remy?

Star Code is based on the ancient concept that the Stars have always helped humanity to find its way back in the dark, both physically and spiritually, they have always been a most cherished guide. This album wants to provide a bit of that code through the songs.

3.)    Would Star Code exist in the form it does now without the past couple of years of a worldwide pandemic? It would not have existed in this form. 11 out of the 12 songs were written during the 2 years pandemic and a direct expression of those chaotic times.  Did that global chaos in any way inform Star Code? The global chaos did inspire Star Code but the songs adress the missing aspect of how the pandemic affected people: travels, nature, each other, couples harship, etc..and other not so obvious aspects that people had to deal with that captured my imagination.

4.)    As noted, Star Code is lined wall-to-wall tunes that are original  and unique and thank you for forwarding the lovely 4 song advance EP. Is it fair to ask you if you have a favorite among that quartet, or is it a bit too much like Sophie’s Choice to ask you to choose one song over another? 

It’s always hard to choose a song over another however Bee Dreaming would be one that I cannot get out of my head, it keeps playing like a swirling mantra. I love the blend of nature and innocense it suggests. Saigon would be a close 2nd.

5.)    Who was your producer on Star Code and what did that collaboration between the two of you look like in the studio?

I produced, played and recorded the whole album at home on Logic Pro. I used many samples or sounds from Logic and many of the ones I picked were from other countries like: Polka accordion, Chinese Zither, Brazilian drums etc.. Most of the time if I play a sound I try not to quantize to keep that human perfect imperfect feel. The album was then sent to L.A to Marc Daniel Nelson, an amazing mixing engineer. He was extremely talented at mixing while respecting the raw sound of the tracks.

6.)    Who are some of the other very talented musicians that we hear playing their hearts out on the Star Code EP?

Only me.

7.)    Star Code marks your sixth full length collection of sublime and truly unforgettable music. How does Star Code differ from the five previous releases? 

Most of my other releases I had a band to work with, deadlines, studio time to be aware of, other people to worry about. This album I tried to go where the songs wanted to go without time constraints and often challenged myself to use samples that weren’t so obvious at first.  How is it similar? The common point has always been my love for nature and animals and its interaction with our daily lives.

8.)    We’re big fans of One Way to Saigon off of the new EP. How did that track come into being? 

This was an escape from my imagination to travel to Saigon, Beijin, Berlin, I looked at the map of Saigon and the main street was Vo Van Tan Street and it fitted the line perfectly, songs are amazing like that. The idea of lockdown, that people couldn’t travel was such a weird concept, this songs was my escape. 

9.)    What do you hope that fans walk away feeling after listening to Star Code? 

Uplifted and happier after listening to a great album but not thinking about the pandemic.

10.) The Star Code EP is but an opening volley from your creative mind: A full-length album is highly anticipated from you later this Spring. Can you give readers a hint or two as to what they can expect from the full-length album? 

The album is my diary of the last 2 years. the whole album navigates between acoustic, wordly sounds/percussions, samples, guitars, sometimes heavier beats/production but all melting together as one. I think the titles give a glimpse into the album: Wind Whisperer, Razor Light Vision, A Spot of Sky, A scared Verse..

11.) Can fans look forward to seeing you on tour this summer?

I do not have any tour dates set yet but I will be in touch. 

12.)  Musically, who in the current day recording world are you listening to right now? 

I am a big Wilco fan, Beck, Paul Simon, McCartney, Sufjan Stevens..

13.)  As a respected singer/songwriter, which comes first for you: The lyrics or the melody? 

The melody comes first and then the the words. It sometimes happens that both come at the same time. I have also written the words first and the melody later but more rare.

14.)  Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite film about the music scene – This Is Spinal Tap or Almost Famous?