Written by Marilù Ciabattoni
Discovered via Musosoup
Looking for electronic music that doesn’t give up the elegance of classical pieces? We have the right artist for you. Introducing: French producer SAMBOX.
A classical kid at heart, it was ultimately the 1990s that converted him to electronic music, leading to an “evolution” in his production style. He was hearing it in the clubs, he was hearing it on the radio, so one day he finally gave in and decided to experiment with a completely new genre, while still finding inspiration in his classical background.
After the release of his first project Pretty Girl, SAMBOX managed to license his music on 70 compilations of electronic music, and counting!
Now, with his new double-single Deep Time, featuring “Better Life” and “Feel the Summer Breeze,” he’s showing everything he’s learned in this roller coaster journey of classical and electronic sounds.
Introduce yourself: who is SAMBOX? How and when was the project born?
After studying classical music, in the early 90s I became interested in electronic music, which I discovered in clubs and on the radio. I was fascinated by all the extremely captivating sounds and knew that this was where I had to turn. I had to work and learn a lot in this field, which was new to me, but after persevering, it was in 2004 that I started the SAMBOX project with my first maxi CD and vinyl Pretty Girl released on the French label Le Mobilier Sonore. After this first maxi, everything went quickly, I have been able to license my tracks on 70 CD compilations to date, with the most prestigious such as Buddhattitude at Georges V Records.
How has your music changed in the past few years?
Mixing synthetic and acoustic sounds has recently led to an evolution in my music, but also in sound quality, which remains one of my main objectives, while maintaining musical sincerity.
Who inspired your music? Who are your biggest influences?
There are many artists who have inspired me, including Moby, Bob Sinclar, Ludovico Einaudi and many others… I don't care about musical styles, as long as I can feel sounds that touch me and that I can use for my next ideas.
Could you introduce your favourite tracks you've released so far?
My track "Hanami" is for me one of the most accomplished. It's an example of the mix between acoustic and electronic that I mention in the evolution of my music. This project came about by chance with the cellist Anita Barbereau, who wanted us to do something together, and after some hesitation, I said okay, with no regrets. There's also “Patchouli,” “We Can Fly,” “Hatchway for You,” “Liar In Love…” Hmmm the list is too long (laughs).
How did you develop this style? Will you experiment with other genres in the future?
I think my musical style is a mixture of what I learned from my classical training and what I discovered in electronic music, it's a kind of mix of all that. For the moment, I feel comfortable in this musical universe.
Let's talk about "Deep Time:" What inspired it and how did it come to life?
When I compose, I sometimes have a lack of inspiration like many artists. This is when I try to analyze old titles of mine and see what more I could add to make them better. This was the case for this new single “Deep Time” with the titles “Better Life” and “Feel The Summer Breeze.”
Do you have some dream producers you'd like to work with?
I am the producer of my tracks but always remain open to other labels who would like to license my tracks for various projects.
Is music your main occupation at the moment? If not, how are you conciliating your day job with your music career?
To my great regret, this is not my main activity, unfortunately. Few independent artists can make a living today solely from composition. It is a second activity but which remains very important for me, music is life. It's not always easy to manage two activities, the days are not extendable, and sometimes you have to find compromises.
Have you ever been on tour? If not, would you like to embark on one? If yes, tell us about it.
I'm not at all a person who likes to put myself forward, the stage is not an exercise for me. I like being in my home studio and developing my creativity.
Who's your dream feature?
Back to the future!
Where do you see yourself in one year as a musician?
Always in my home studio with the aim of always introducing my music to professionals in this sector.
Discovered via https://app.musosoup.com #sustainablecurator