The self-titled debut album of the French band HER convinces with an intriguing sound, that keeps preying on my mind since the very first time listening to it. Victor Solf and Simon Carpentier, not only two band mates but friends as well, have created an incredible interesting piece of art merging dreamy newer wavepop with a jazz undercurrent, and capture the viewer´s imagination with seductive visuals. “We choose The way we’ll be remembered” is how the lately released track “We Choose” starts, which is also the final vocal performance of Simon, who sadly passed away in the past year. But his music continues to fill our hearts and soul and Victor tells us: “I do want people to remember him as a fantastic artist and human being, this whole album is what it’s all about.”
Victor, you recently released the song “We Choose” – it is beautiful. It’s so full of emotions, and it really moved me. It’s the first release since your band mate and co-founder of Her, Simon Carpentier, passed away following a long battle with cancer, and it’s also his final vocal performance. I think it’s incredibly strong of you to continue with the album release and the “band.” How hard was this decision for you to continue?
Making the decision was the easy part as I promised him I would continue. Making it without him, recording and touring so soon after he passed away was the hardest thing of my life.
What are the best things you remember about Simon? How do you want him to be remembered by everyone?
I would like to limit the exposure of such personal memories. I do want people to remember him as a fantastic artist and human being, this whole album is what it’s all about.
Tell us more about the upcoming album. What has been the main inspiration behind it? Is there a common theme on it or does each song stand on its own?
The album was written, composed and co-produced by us. It brings together tracks from our two first EPs (Her Tape #1 and Her Tape #2) but also tracks we’ve been playing on tour and exclusive songs I wrote later on. The main inspirations are life, hope and femininity. We’ve been through dark times, but in opposition to some artists who are very open about whatever struggle they’re going through, we are life positive and try to turn the bad into something to hold onto. We both know how precious life is, and we want to make the most out of it.
“We’ve been through dark times, but in opposition to some artists who are very open about whatever struggle they’re going through, we are life positive and try to turn the bad into something to hold onto. We both know how precious life is, and we want to make the most out of it.”
What is your favorite song on the album and why?
This album is the journey of the last 4 years of my life and Simon’s. They all have a story and they all mean something important to me. One of them called “Trying” is not a real song per se, it’s just a jam of us in rehearsal with our musicians. I love it because it’s very organic and innocent in comparison to the perfectionists that we usually are. Simon is improvising and says “at least I’m trying,” and you can hear him laugh at the end.
You also have an upcoming tour in support of the album. What are you most looking forward to about touring?
Of course the Olympia show on April 25th in Paris is a massive achievement. It’s a legendary venue, and it’s more than we could have dreamt of when we were younger. The festivals are always fun too. Just meeting our fans and feeling how supportive they’ve been so far is something to look forward to.
What was your initial inspiration to become a musician?
It’s not something I initially planned. Simon always wanted to be a musician, he bought guitars and gear at a very young age. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself, but it turns out I could sing. After that I discovered blues music and through that, improvisation. That’s when I started to write my own songs. We had a previous band together in high school, and we got to tour in Russia and Canada even before I graduated, so being a musician kind of chose me. I couldn’t do anything else now.
What is the most important thing in life for you?
Love and creativity. One doesn’t go without the other.
Anything else you want our readers to know?
I just hope they will enjoy the album and everything we’ve been through to put it in their hands. Thank you!
The new album is out on Friday 30th March 2018 via Republic Records
For upcoming tourdates check here
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image credit Julot Bandit
