Buried deep in Montreal’s lingering winters, a trio of musicians (Francois Jalbert the guitarist, composer and producer; Mélanie Bélair the violinist, arranger and composer; and Aurélien Tomasi the composer, arranger and performer) sat in a room together. Accustomed to the crazy pace of working in the city’s hyperactive music industry, they might have been unconsciously looking to do something slower, calmer, and free from commercial constraints. Looking at the snow battering the wide windows by the train tracks, they spent the afternoon playing around with what was in the room: a slide whistle, a Juno, and some guitar pedals. The table was set for what would become Caméra.
“Matsutaké” is a species of mushroom that grows in East Asia, but also in Quebec. It is prized in Japanese cuisine for its distinct spicy-aromatic odor.
The new single is inspired by the famous scene from the film My Neighbor Totoro, where Totoro and Satsuke wait for the Catbus in the pouring rain. The piece paves its own unique soundscape blending 1980’s synth with organic instrumentation.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
Matsutaké is the second single from our debut album, due out in the spring. It’s one of our favourite tracks from the album.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the
past?
This piece really helped us find our way of working. Starting with simple, uncluttered ideas, we were able to work together to bring variety and texture to the piece.
What about this single makes you most proud?
The whole piece is based around the same Juno riff and piano. It was counter-instinctive for us to limit ourselves to this idea to create a coherent structure. In the end, it creates a soaring ambience for the piece.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
We sought to harmonize the analog synthesizers with the acoustic instruments, and to blur the barrier between the two.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
We were inspired by the cinema of Agnès Varda, the literature of Murakami, and the winter landscapes of Quebec.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Erika Angell https://www.instagram.com/erikajennymariaangell/
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
Get it fore it’s gone de Pokey Lafarge
Brian Eno
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicfromcamera/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicfromcamera/
SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/iMt1K
Bandcamp: https://musicfromcamera.bandcamp.com
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
Enjoy Matsutaké !
