Music Review and Interview with Paris Obscur – The Road
This track is a real piece of art, drama and music entwined, a select few rather minimalist elements all easing their way out into your consciousness together. There are only so many lyrics, and for the most part the chord progression goes around and around, the music goes around, the words go around, the whole thing portrays this idea and this image of driving and driving and driving. The build up towards that massive middle eight is impressive and powerful, this is one of those songs that has been painted or created out of pure emotion – the artist seems to be expressing exactly what he was feeling, and that’s exactly what is portrayed as a result. It doesn’t feel like the kind of song that was mulled over or preconceived or planned or intended. It feels quite abstract, and very real – all of which make it what it is.
The musicality of this track is as simple and concise as it needs to be. It’s beautiful, it works in unison with the concept and the melody and the passion of that lead vocal – and what passion it is, that you can feel exactly what he feels, every moment and every change, that climactic section where the raw and gravelly strained edges of the voice really jump out at you. There’s a lot about this one that makes it more than just a song. You wouldn’t feel right letting it play out as backing music or from some quiet speakers among a hustling crowd. It’s one that really needs to be listened to, and felt. The video that accompanies this is extremely minimalist and simple, fortunately though it really works quite well in the case of this song. That whole feeling of going around and around, driving and driving, until the end of times; every little moment adds to this effect.
By Rebecca Cullen
Exclusive Interview
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Paris Obscur: I grew up in France and then Germany from parents with very mixed roots (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, France, Catholic, Jewish … ). This has probably influenced me to not set limits or borders to my own creativity.
I started writing music when I was 8 years old. The piano was my first instrument, then came the drums, guitar, bass … and much later I started singing.
It took me a lot of time to accept my artistic nature. Now … I just feel that I really am myself. Paris Obscur is me and I am Paris Obscur. After « Little Monsters », my first album in 2013, I recently released my second album : « The king ».
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Paris Obscur: My name : « Paris Obscur » is a homage to a very dear friend who has been highly important in my life. He helped me so much gain confidence. Thanks to him, I could dare being myself and start writing all my songs, play all instruments, record, mix, master, write lyrics and of course … the rich detailed story behind all my songs. I have created characters that live through my music, and express all their feelings.
I have written the song « Je Suis » (I Am) exactly about that : I’m talking to my characters and they are talking to me. Who am I ? Who are you ?
I’m French, so Paris came to my mind pretty obviously. And then darkness. Brightness, I love and have both sides, but … the dark hidden one is the most interesting, right ?
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why ?
Paris Obscur: My first album is still available everywhere online :
https://soundcloud.com/paris-obscur
Also on Deezer, Spotify, iTunes. But for my second album, « The King », I decided to not share it for free. Why ? If you want to support artists you love, don’t listen to them on streaming sites, buy their album or go and see them live! Really, most artists do not make a living with online streaming sites.
You can buy my 2 albums at my online shop : http://www.paris-obscur.com/shop/
There is a special discount if you want to buy both albums together, and if you prefer MP3 files, you can even set the price you pay for them. I think it’s also a way to encourage people to discover my music.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Paris Obscur: I did a lot of performances introducing my new songs to the audience so I could test my music before recording « Little Monsters » or « The King ».
What I can tell musicians who start writing/performing : be yourself, be genuine, be original. Do what makes you unique and do not try to copy others or stick to a given genre/style.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Paris Obscur: All my tunes are linked, forming a rich detailed saga. I love exploring psychology, so I build my characters based on my own life, but also based on other’s life. My characters are all a mix of me, people around me, people I’ve met, stories I’ve heard, characters in other creations … About the process, I used to write music first, but more and more I get lyrics and/or voice line first. Some songs are created in 30 minutes and some require till more than 10 years to be finished. Each time I have an idea, even if it’s not great, I record it. I have around 200 pieces of lyrics/songs that I listen to from time to time and someday, one inspires me and I finish it !
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Paris Obscur : Here are the sites I use :
OFFICIAL WEBSITE : http://www.paris-obscur.com
OFFICIAL SHOP : http://www.paris-obscur.com/shop/
FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/ParisObscurProfile
TWITTER : https://twitter.com/ParisObscur
SOUNDCLOUD : https://soundcloud.com/paris-obscur
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/user/parisobscur
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Paris Obcur: I would probably go and travel all around the world, meet new people, talk, discover their culture, create new characters for my story, write millions of songs, release a 10 CD set and spend the rest of the money to promote it ! What a programme it would be !
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Paris Obscur: I have my own site. That is the best place where I can promote my music : http://www.paris-obscur.com/
I also have a online shop where people can buy my albums : http://www.paris-obscur.com/shop/
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Paris Obscur:
I’m preparing shows that will be a mix between music and theatre. And of course, I’m already thinking of the next 2 albums !
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Paris Obscur:
Well, if music didn’t exist, I would probably try to invent it ! And then, all I would do is music,music and more music. I have musical ideas all the time and I listen to music all day long.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Paris Obscur :
Time management. I’m very well organized. Many people think that music is a sort of hobby and honestly, many artists I’ve met take it a bit lightly. It’s business, it’s work this is why it must be done very professionally. Labels, venue owners, have no time to waste. So I’m trying to be very reliable, and as respectful as possible, arrive in time at meetings, do everything seriously (without taking everything too seriously, it’s not the same !). I want people to say about me « Paris Obscur ? It’s a pleasure to work with him ».
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Paris Obscur:
More shows ! More songs ! Keep on promoting my new album « The King » that is already getting excellent
