Interview with Hologramme.
Canadian electronic producer Hologramme has unveiled his latest single, “32”, released on June 7th through his own label, Société Holographique de Montréal. Following a remarkable performance alongside Tycho at Timeless Festival in South Africa, he is now preparing to bring his captivating live show to the Montréal-based music festival, Piknic Electronik.
Jean-François Sauvé
Your stage name, Hologramme, is unique and intriguing. Can you share the story behind the name and how it reflects your artistic identity?
Because it’s unique and intriguing? Haha well… I’m from Montreal/Québec and I’ve always spoken french. I was looking for a name that was bilingual and that was evocative of my passion for electronic music and visual arts. Hologramme was perfect and not taken.
You've just released a new single titled "32", can you tell us more about its creation?
I always need to get out of the city to create a new project. Even though I have the best studio in town, it’s just too comfortable to throw in some fresh paint. Last year, I decided to rent a house in front of the Saint-Lawrence river in the middle of winter, in the middle of nowhere. Surrounded by the severity of this territory, I isolated myself, confronting my fears and, in this vulnerable state, I laid down the pieces of my next album. “32” was the first I made, it was spontaneous, it was focused on doing something different, something playful. It all started with a four on the floor, SH101 for bass and my Prophet 6 arpeggiator. I then did some weird drones with my modular synthesizer. That’s it, so simple!
How does "32" differ from your previous work and what motivated you to explore this new style?
I’ve spent more and more time behind the decks in the last 2 years and I was tired of only playing other artists' work. My past work being more cinematic, I couldn’t really mix it at midnight during a party, I needed something grittier, nastier, simple yet still reflecting my taste in textures and emotional contexts.
How does it feel to be invited to perform at Piknic Electronik in Montreal on June 30?
It feels amazing because I’ve always listened to electronic music and somehow wasn’t really categorized that way for a long time. Being a jazz pianist and having worked on so many genres with so many artists it’s nice to feel respected as an electronic artist in my hometown. Piknic is somewhat of a milestone for local artists and to be invited for a DJSet is like a new goal for me. I’ve been performing with live setups my whole life but to deliver a really good DJSet is not to be taken lightly!
As an independent artist running your own label, Société Holographique de Montréal, what challenges and advantages have you encountered in the music industry, and how do you navigate them?
If you’re planning on being an independent artist, you must be prepared to work a lot. It’s not for nothing that labels are taking a huge piece of the pie, there are so many things to do and at the end of the day, when you realize that everything you did was for your career, you feel better. There are less and less shortcuts nowadays and I think, making the best music possible should stay at the top of your list.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are trying to find their unique sound and establish themselves in the industry?
Don’t listen to anyone. Stay weird. Be fearless.
Finally, if you had to describe your music in three words, what would they be?
Book. Me. Now: info@hologramme.mu