Sébastien Parentin

Lets get to my guest today who was on Skoped Out 3 years ago and he is still going strong. Sebastien Parentin is from France and his music is simply intimate and beautiful. Sebastien has a new single “Before You Go” and is constantly putting new music on social media. Any up & coming artist can respect & appreciate his patience, ambition, and talent. Join us today as Sebastien speaks openly about where he has been the past 3 years, perseverance in the music biz, terrorism in Paris, and so much more!

Stoli: Where are we talking from today and how is your summer going so far?

Sébastien Parentin: Hi there! We are talking from Strasbourg, a big city in the East of France, close to Germany. The last two weeks there have been perfect for songwriters: rain, rain, and rain again! Absolutely no distraction from outside, that’s perfect! Ok, I exaggerate. Summer days in the east of France are not so sad. I’m currently in holiday, and enjoying some peaceful days with my friends and family. It’s also the time for me to work on a new song, still untitled, but moving quite fast.

Stoli: You were on this same column in September of 2011. Now almost three years later what have you been up to musically and also personally?

SP: No dramatic changes here since the last time ha ha. Anyway, I keep on working and having fun making music in my little “home studio”. Last year, I had the honor and big pleasure to work with Dario Dendi, a famous producer from London. He worked with some great artists such as Placebo, The Killers, Coldplay… I met him thanks to the Broadjam platform. This web site offers good means to put indie or amateur songwriters (without label) like me in contact with influent people from music industry. Dario liked my song “We Are”. We both came to the idea that the song, professionally recorded and engineered, could be a good start point to interest labels and put my first step into the (very competitive) world of music industry. Seeing Dario working in live, sharing creative ideas with him, was for me a rich and unforgettable experience. Moreover, I’m very happy of the result, especially the work on vocals. Since then, I’ve been still going on looking for cool Broadjam opportunities. Through this web site, I also got the interests of several people from film/tv industry, but they did not lead to concrete opportunities so far.

Stoli: Many people pursue music and give up when they do not get rich quick. What keeps you passionate and driven to create music and keep working?

SP: We must be humble. Getting rich quickly with music is an illusion. There are so many hard working and talented songwriters in the music market, and so few of them are chosen for big contracts with industry leaders. It’s not only a matter of talent, but also especially a matter of luck. Meeting the right person at the right moment, etc. However, I think there is still a place to make a decent living with music. I guess everyone wants to live with passion. My dearest wish would be to dedicate my whole time to write songs, quit the software company where I’m employed (hope my boss does not read that). You know… freedom, being paid for what I like to do. It’s not the perspective of being famous that makes me happy, it’s the creation process itself. I like working harmonies with my piano, shaping sounds and layering tracks with my DAW, creating cool atmospheres… Beyond these considerations, of course, hearing my songs on the radio, or hearing them sung by people everywhere would give me a feeling of infinite satisfaction and pleasure. That’s the icing on the cake, but not everybody can eat a piece of it.

Stoli: Besides music, do you also work and have a family that you must attend to as well?

SP: Yes, I work full time in a software company. My job has absolutely nothing to do with music. I’m a software engineer in graphic arts and prepress industry. I’m a math geek. My daily life is to rack my brain on impossible “computational vector geometry” problems. It’s sometimes boring, sometimes demanding, but quite interesting, at least more interesting than classic software development in my opinion. If you have the feeling that I’m currently speaking a foreign language, don’t worry, it’s totally normal! … My family is my lifeline. When you feel bad or alone, it’s the only place that can give you love and support.

Stoli: I am blown away by your new songs and the sound quality. Where do you record the vocals and instrumentals to get such quality?

SP: Many thanks! You’ll be maybe surprised by the answer, but every song (excepted “We Are”) has been recorded at home, in my small apartment bedroom. I do everything on my own. It’s an amazing time for self-made songwriters, by the way. Computer gears: DAW and plug-ins have never been as powerful and affordable as today. Virtual instruments and effects have never been such realistic. Editors like Toontrack, Native Instruments, Spectrasonics, or Universal Audio offer now some outstanding tools to allow beginners, isolated or broke songwriters to bring their ideas to life, without restrictions. With some patience, application, a few tutorials and advices, you’re now able to reach something very close to professional sounding quality.

Stoli: Your songwriting has been recognized around the world. Where do you find inspiration to write lyrics and explain how a song comes together?

SP: Actually, I struggle with lyrics ha ha. Not really my cup of tea. Usually, I relegate lyrics writing at the end of my creative process, when all the production (except the voice of course) is done… just because I don’t feel like doing it. But, well… it’s better to tell a meaningful story in your songs, it’s something you can hardly escape from. Some days I feel inspired, depending on the mood, the emotions the song is likely to convey to me. Then, writing is more instinctive and sometimes even exhilarating. But most of time, notes come definitely easier than words.

Stoli: I love your song “Empty Space.” What does that song mean to you and when did you write & record it?

SP: Thanks! I recorded it a couple of years ago, but this is one of the first song I ever wrote… many years before, at a time when I had nothing but an old and dusty piano to play at home. Almost all of my songs came to life while I was playing the piano. Therefore, piano (or keys) is often the central element in the mix, even when the production sounds more electro. But, for this one, I took the challenge of removing it completely from the mix. The idea was to get a more heavy / power rock production than I used to do, with highly saturated guitars, brilliant synth elements, as well as a punchy rhythm section. When all the instruments were recorded, I was searching for a lyrical subject. Since then, the more I was listening to it, the more I was visualizing something like a character having troubled, disturbed feelings, or … affected with an obsessive pain, haunted by its own fear and nightmares. That’s how the lyrics were born.

Stoli: Do you ever go to Paris to hear/perform live music and any good venues you can recommend?

SP: I actually barely know Paris. I don’t go to Paris very often, and never had the opportunity to perform live there so far. So, my answer will not be very original: “Eiffel Tower” – go to Paris on July 14th (France national day) and you’ll see beautiful fireworks there, “Champs Elysées” (the well known world’s most beautiful avenue), “Arc de Triomphe”, “Montmartre”, “Le Louvre” museum, etc. Paris is a paradise for tourists. If you can go beyond the Parisians’ typical bad sense of welcoming, you’ll be delighted to spend a few days there.

Stoli: When you are listening to music do you use radio, Internet, TV, etc?

SP: I used to listen to the radio very often; it’s less true now. Yes, Internet! A lot. I usually browse on web sites talking about music and upcoming as well as established artists (Skope is a good example), and when I feel interested, I search the artist name on YouTube or iTunes, and finally download the album if I like it. TV, well… yes, when the show is good. I’m not especially fan of reality (“got talent” like) TV shows. I don’t need to listen to new beautiful voices, ok that’s cool, but I rather need to listen to new original tunes regardless of the music style, commercial or not; that’s different… Concerts of course too, the real thing! Going to festivals is a good way to discover new talented artists.

Stoli: Recently it was reported that a terror attack was foiled in Paris. How does that make you feel that lunatics want to hurt your homeland?

SP: Paris has a long story with terrorism. It’s not the first time an attack is foiled. We often hear “If we are afraid, they win” here and there. So, ok let’s be strong… but it does not totally remove the slight feeling of insecurity you have when you walk through public places, take public transportation in Paris, or in any other capital of Europe (think about London a few years ago).

Stoli: What is coming up for Sebastien Parentin and where you @ online?

SP: A new song is coming soon. Then, another one, which I already have in mind. After that, I think I will have enough songs to release my first album, planned for the next year. You can follow me on Facebook, or ReverbNation. If you like my music, feel free to give your support there. Thanks everybody! - Skope

Sébastien Parentin is a musician who is currently living in Strasbourg, France. At Song Revelation we look to give you an insight into the lives of young, upcoming, creative musicians around the world. Although Sébastien is a native French speaker we were delighted when he agreed to complete an in depth feature interview in English. Read on to find out, amongst other things, how Sébastien would describe his music, who he would like to collaborate with given a chance and what it’s like working in Strasbourg.

Q: If you could use a tagline of less than 20 words to describe your music and who you are what would it be?

I am probably not the best placed to answer the question. One day, Sera Roadnight, manager at MT Press, who I had pleasure to work with, wrote: “Sébastien makes use of captivating swells and navigates through many layers of melody and harmony to communicate with his listeners.” That’s beautifully said. I can’t say whether people actually feel that or not, but that’s definitely what I try to convey.

Q: What is your musical background?

I entered a classical music school at the age of 7 at the instigation of my father. I had indeed any kind of ambition or motivation at this time. There, I learnt music theory for ten years and chose the piano as my study instrument. Retrospectively, I think I did well. The piano offers me now so many possibilities in terms of sound shaping, virtual instruments controlling, that I just can’t imagine myself playing another instrument!
Later, I broadened my horizons to jazz, and rock. During my college years (I actually studied for an engineering degree), I and a few other mad school friends created a rock band. This was actually my first songwriting experience, and it sounded like a revelation to me. Although I never believed in my songwriting abilities, I even so realized that writing songs was for me like a second nature, and best of all, that my songs were surprisingly inspiring other musicians. There was a kind of emulation in the band that helped me to believe in myself. This was truly rewarding. Then, enriched by this experience, I felt the need to write my own self-inspired songs, in a totally different way.

Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?

I’ve been working on promoting my first songs throughout France over the last 12 months. I’ve also already been placed in a few international songwriting contests. That’s an encouraging beginning, but I need more now!

Q: Who inspires you musically?

My main influences come from British music. A few years ago, I could not stop listening to Coldplay’s first albums (“Parachutes” and “A Rush of Blood to the Head”) at the time when I wrote my first songs. I felt very close to their so characteristic dreamy and cathartic atmospheres with mostly piano based arrangements. Then, I realized more than ever that my instrument, the piano, was even sometimes more than others, a good mean to serve beautiful and touching alternative pop/rock melodies. Of course, other artists come in mind; I think about Muse, Keane, Radiohead, Sigur Rós… mainly for the same reasons.

Q: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate or gig with?

There are so many people I would like to work with. The list would be too long. I think about a good producer, talented and inspired, who will respect my choices and my vision throughout the process of writing and mixing. I like to work alone and the freedom that comes with, but I’m also aware that I need people (producers, singers, songwriters) to stimulate and inspire me, bring new ideas and new relationships. A good question would perhaps be to ask, “Is there anyone who would like to collaborate with me?”

Q: What songs are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment, the artist I’m probably listening to the most is “Florence and the
Machine. I really like “Ceremonials” album, which I discovered quite lately, about one month ago. Florence is a very talented singer. The arrangements are so well inspired, exotic and exhilarating. The structure of every song is brilliantly written. I also appreciate the big work on vocals (including background), which gives to most songs a feeling of power. I love it.

Q: What is your creative process for creating a track?

I usually do not already have a concept in mind. It is often the notes I play on my piano that help me to build the concept alongside the songwriting process. Then, comes the time to choose the rhythmic part that best matches the mood of the harmony. It is a very decisive step for me, since it conditions the arrangement and the specific character of my song. Sometimes, when playing with some beat pattern designers, I enjoy creating some quite interesting gimmicks that can lead to a true new interesting song, but it is not my usual way to proceed.

Q: What’s more important, melody or lyrics?

Melody definitely. I know that French people usually think the contrary; we attach a lo - Song Revelation

AP: How did you get your band name?

SP: I’m a solo artist: my guitarist, bassist, and drummer are keyboard controlled virtual plug-ins... The good thing is that I didn't’t have to rack my brains to find a band name!

AP: How did this band get started?

SP: The funny thing is that, in the early beginnings (2 years ago), I didn't’t plan to release my songs to the public. As an up-coming songwriter, I used to play my songs just for myself and close friends. Back in my school days I jammed with a few friends from university and we decided to form a rock band. We played famous songs as well as original material without any pretentiousness, just for fun. Gradually, considering the positive feedback from my band-mates and fans, I realized that I had some good songwriting skills. As soon as I finished my studies, the band obviously broke up... then I decided to take things one step further and record my own songs. Finally, the first song that came out was “Before You Go”.

AP: What bands are you influenced by?

SP: British melodic alternative rock bands like Coldplay, Keane, Muse, or Archive have mostly influenced me. Coldplay is definitely my favorite band out there, even if I feel less and less close to their last artistic choices. I think they moved away from their debut melancholic universe where simple soft rock arrangements with leading piano and bright pure echo guitars were very present. However, I don’t really disapprove. I notice this band is just trying out new ideas again and again... but without losing their precious songwriting talent. All these bands make me realize that we could create beautiful airy rock creations with a piano-driven tapestry. I also like electro/progressive groups like Radiohead or Sigur Rós for the wonderful elaborate ambiance that breathes in each one of their songs, even if it’s sometimes less accessible for the listeners.

AP: If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

SP: My answer will maybe surprise you, but I was never as impressed by a band as when I watched Sade's concert, Lovers Live at Anaheim in 2001. I wasn't there unfortunately, but I watched the DVD. I really loved watching it, not only for Sade's, voice, but also for her bands performance, which was truly amazing. Every note was played at the right time; every solo part was deeply thought through, the background vocals surrounding Sade voice were subtle and beautiful; the drums and bass grooved perfectly... it really sounded exhilarating! After she performed “Smooth Operator”, the band went on to a 4 minute improvisation song titled “Redeye”. I encourage everyone to watch the video on youtube, and then you’ll know what I’m talking about! For completely different reasons, I also think about Pink Floyd, because I love the feel of the power of their space trippy rock atmosphere, and I'd have a ringside seat during David Gilmour’s guitar solo on “Comfortably Numb” (For me, the best guitar solo I've ever heard).

AP: Best food to eat on tour?

SP: I haven't toured yet.

AP: Why should people listen to your band?

SP: According to my friends and the reviews I had from several songwriting competitions, I’d say that my music could touch people. Deep, catchy, and peaceful are words that come quite often when describing my music. It’s always a great pleasure for me to hear that. I always try to write songs that resonate with listeners. More technically speaking, people particularly like my voice, harmonies, and the strings (violins, cellos) in my arrangements. I have multiple iconic influences, but I’m always trying to find my own unique sound.

AP: If you could be any athlete, which athlete would you switch places with?

SP: Maybe... a javelin thrower, because I like throwing things...

AP: If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?

SP: Yeah, let’s dream! First and foremost my father, because without him I’d be nothing, musically speaking. When I was a child, lazy and uninterested in anything, he enrolled me into music school. It was there that I decided to become a pianist, and since that day he paid for my piano lessons for ten years straight. He also worked as singer/songwriter with some great international artists on different French pop albums. I’d also thank a few close friends. I especially think about Dominika Titková, a talented Slovak singer who I worked with. She believed in me, and her supportive words definitely gave me the boost of self-confidence I needed to move forward.

AP: If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?

SP: I think the music industry should offer more “tools” for young songwriters to help them meet industry leaders by making their work more accessible.

AP: Memorable tour experience?

SP: Have not toured yet!

AP: What does AP.net mean to you?

SP: Honestly, I didn't’t hear about AP until this interview my publicist sent over. AP looks interesting. I noticed that its a good site to d - ABSOLUTEPUNK

01. Your new single “Before You Go” is out now. It was entered in the Artist Forum International Music Competition (AF-IMC), so how do you feel now the song has been released to the public?

I try to be confident. I really look forward to hearing public feedback. You know, a song is like a dice roll; even if a song really satisfies you, you will never be sure of its impact on listeners, how they will feel your music. It is a moment of truth. That’s why I feel a bit special. Songwriting contest judges point of view is one thing, but public feedback is another one: a way to know if your music can really touch people; if the emotions you want to convey may resonate with their deep feelings. Surprisingly, early feedback I got from my friends and my first fans was very positive, and sincere I think. Words that have been used to describe my music are often very touching. They definitely give me the boost in self-confidence I need to move forward.

02. What is that song about and why did you choose that song to be your first public single?

The song tells the story of a break-up (inexhaustible subject for lyricists), and feelings that come with: pain, guilt, emotional isolation, and regrets… I think everybody knows what I’m talking about… Because he feels unable to recover from his loss, the character is dwelling on his “before life”, and naively dreaming of an imaginary world where his faults would be forgiven, safe from pain. He is obviously wrong, but this man is also lost, and desperately looking for a refuge. There are not many words in this song, and after all, listeners can give them a different sense, but the idea is there. Actually, this song was not the first one I wrote; I mean the first that came in mind when I was playing. For my first release, I was looking for cool string sounds on my laptop. Once done, I thought that “Before You Go” would be surely the most “string friendly” song I had in my repertoire: something mellow and peaceful, with a touch of soft melodic E.Piano. So, I wrote the arrangement, put my voice on it, mixed the different parts, and finally released it! That’s the story.

03. How do you go about writing your songs? Do you have a particular method or process?

The process is for me always the same: I use my keyboard as main “inspiration trigger”. The sound is very important and conditions the style and atmosphere of my likely future song. A bright piano sound is cool for a dynamic pop songs, more mellow and resonating piano for slower intimate songs, percussive synth sound or evolving pads for something more electro… Then, the melody goes by itself. Next, comes the arrangement: I usually add drums, bass, pads, and guitars through the usage of different virtual instruments. And finally, the very last step for me is writing lyrics : when everything is over, I listen to my song several times until having found the first elements of a story that fits the music atmosphere.

04. Where there any artists in particular that influenced you during the writing or recording of the record?

Definitely Coldplay, even if I feel less and less close to their last artistic choices, more, I would say, electro pop. I think they moved away from their debut spare and melancholic universe: simple soft rock arrangements with leading piano, and bright pure echo guitars are less present. However, I do not really disapprove. I notice this band is just trying out new ideas again and again… but without losing their precious songwriting talent. A few years ago, it is definitely when I listened to “A Rush of Blood to the Head” that I thought to myself: “That’s the music I want to do!” It was the trigger. Songs like “Politik”, “The Scientist”, “Amsterdam” or “Clocks” made me realize that we could create some beautiful airy rock creations with a piano-driven tapestry. Since this day, I decided to go one step further in songwriting with the objective of maybe reaching one day this level of sound pureness and beauty (I’m a dreamer). I also think about bands like Keane, Sigur Rós, or Radiohead… They all succeed to create a very attractive sound atmosphere.

05. You seem drawn to British artists like Coldplay and Muse. What attracts you to British bands?

I can’t say really. There is Coldplay, and Muse, but also Keane, Radiohead, Archive, Snow Patrol… all my favourite rock bands come from Great Britain. I feel musically very close to all these bands, but Rock is not the only music I listen to. I am also fond of electronic and trip- hop bands, among them my favourites are: Massive Attack, Tricky, The Chemical Brothers, Death In Vegas, Morcheeba… With your question, I amazingly realize that whatever the style of music I listen to (except maybe R&B or mainstream pop), everything comes from… this small country (wow!) I also could talk about my “older vintage” references: Genesis, Pink Floyd, or Dire Straits… These are also British. I am not a specialist of British culture. I could not say why all this grea - Smokin' Charlie Brown

Emerging artist Sebastien Parentin steps into the limelight with an unmistakable aura of determination and musical prowess. His latest single “Before You Go” traces familiar musical structures with a technical hand to paint exhilarating atmospheric tracks, with a piano-driven tapestry and stylistic echoes to Coldplay’s earlier works and Matthew Bellamy’s (MUSE) progressive compositions.

Parentin’s talents have landed him various achievements and well-deserved notability: he was selected as a finalist in the 2010 Artist Forum competition, semi-finalist in the 100% Music Songwriting contest, and placed in the top ten for the 18thBillboard song contest. Although graced with impeccable musical techniques, the singer-songwriter is not without a unique touch; Sebastian makes use of captivating swells and navigates through many layers of melody and harmony to communicate with his listeners. Sebastian’s vocal work also resonates a calmness: it’s controlled, cathartic, but most importantly, it complements the musical arrangements. For the likes of Parentien, there is no need to compensate. - Smokin' Charlie Brown

Sebastien Parentin is an unsigned artist from Strasbourg, France and he is mainly influenced by British music such as Coldplay, Keane and Muse. Sebastien is currently working on his first album and the first single is the piano driven "Before you go", we´re talking beautiful alternative pop here and the song is a grower. I wasn´t too fond of the song at first but after a few spins, I think it´s quite good. It reminds me of artists like Gavin Mikhail and Daniel Powter. Sebastien was a finalist in the 2010 Artist Forum international music competition so there´s no doubt he´s a talented singer/songwriter, truly an artist to keep an eye on. - Melodic Net

Another week of great music is upon us. This week I am very excited because we leave the comforts of New England and head to Strasbourg which is north of France. The beauty of music today is that it is truly global. Thanks to the Internet we can discover & enjoy new music from all over the world with ease. That is exactly what we are going to do today with my guest Sebastien Parentin. Sebastien does not have an album out yet but he has put out various singles that have gained him recognition in 2010 Artist Forum and Billboard. Join us this week as Sebastien talks about his musical education, his father’s role in his music, and he even talks about “Ebb & Flow” which we offer the MP3 as well.

Stoli: Where are we talking from today and how is your summer in France going?

Sébastien Parentin: My current place is a small peaceful village in the northeast of France close to the European capital Strasbourg, which is also a border city with Germany. I’m in vacation now, desperately trying to get the most out of the unusually rainy and cold weather we have for several weeks! I actually work full-time as a software engineer in a graphic arts company the rest of the year to earn a living. My little free time is mostly devoted to songwriting. I like spending nights alone at home with my piano working on new songs, discovering new melodies, mixing sounds and atmospheres. This sometimes drives my neighbors crazy, but I do find there the best way to free my mind and forget my everyday troubles.

Stoli: You have been doing music since the age of 8. How much did your parents & family play in getting you interested in music?

Sébastien Parentin: Without my father I think I would be nothing (musically speaking). While I was just a baby, he was often rocking my ears with his soft voice and guitar playing around until I fell asleep. But curiously, it’s maybe at the age of 2, the day when I escaped my parents’ attention to “climb” and tap on this big cool black and white toy (actually my father’s fresh new keyboard), that I unconsciously chose my future instrument… Who knows? Throughout my childhood until now, my father also worked as singer/songwriter with some great international class artists on different French pop albums. Unfortunately released with a non-deserved limited success, these records however allowed him to be recognized as probably the most talented songwriter… of his dreary street (!) Anyway, whatever the fame, I enjoyed sharing with him this musically intense time: listening to his new songs, watching him writing them, supporting him through his few concerts. Since this time then, I was dreaming of writing one day my own songs… By the way, if you want to know what daddy’s French pop sounds like, you are welcome here: www.parentin.net.

Stoli: Did you go to school for music & how did you learn music theory & notation?

Sébastien Parentin: Yes, I joined a music school at the age of 8 to learn music theory & notation. One year later, I started to learn piano in the same school. I ended my course, mostly based on the study of classical music, at the age of 18. After that, I took an interest in jazz techniques and the art of improvisation through the interpretation of a few jazz standards during a couple of years… a nice break for me, and a way to broaden my horizons. Then, I decided to put my music course aside in order to focus on my pretty time-consuming software engineering studies. But, my passion for music caught me up again quite quickly, that’s why I created an experimental rock band with three other mad friends. My first real songwriting experience, very fulfilling!

Stoli: You were in a band a few years ago. Why did you decide to go solo and are you pleased with that decision?

Sébastien Parentin: Actually, it wasn’t really my decision. We had a good time together but we knew that it would be a relatively short experience for each of us. We were indeed engineer students and all of us had planned to find a job in this field to earn a living. So, the band obviously broke up and everyone followed is own path far away from each other. Certainly, I could have looked for another band in my new place, but the truth is I always wanted to write my own songs, and create my own musical universe. And, I must say that I enjoy working alone and controlling everything (vocals, instrument scores, beats, sound shaping, mixing…). Obviously, the counterpart is that it often takes me a very long time (several months) to make a song that more or less satisfies me, simply because I’m far from being an expert in all these fields! Moreover, I unfortunately don’t have much free time outside my job… it’s quite frustrating for me to sometimes take several weeks to write an instrument part. But, in some way, that’s the price of freedom.

Stoli: You are an incredible songwriter. Have you ever thought about writing for other musicians as well?

Sébastien Parentin: Thank you very much! I’d love to write for other mu - Skope

Skope: What does it mean to be an A2W artist?

Sébastien Parentin: Firstly, it’s obviously a great honor to be considered as an “amazing musician” by skope magazine! It’s always very cheering and stimulating to know that your hard work is appreciated, especially from people who know what they’re talking about. I also listened to the other June 2011 artists’ music and I must say I’m proud to be one of them. I think it is also a great opportunity to get more exposure, and maybe give a boost to my emerging career.

Skope: What are you currently promoting the most via an album, tour, single etc?

Sébastien Parentin: I have not yet found a good way to promote my songs efficiently… For the time being, I still focus on songwriting. I currently have lots of musical ideas that come in mind and I need to record them.

Skope: Does it bother you when fans download your music without paying?

Sébastien Parentin: No, I think an unsigned emerging songwriter like me may rely on free downloads to get more fans. Streaming and sharing songs on Facebook, MySpace, or YouTube is of course a cool and easy way to be recognized as an artist and gain some fans quickly. But, audience here is limited to people that connect to these platforms. However, there is nothing more immediate and powerful for exposure when people download your song to their mp3 player and freely share it with their friends at school, work, party, anywhere. I think an artist should accept to let his precious work for free until having a foothold in music industry. After that, the signed artist can plan to find a good promotion medium to sell singles, albums, go on tour, etc. Because, the artist goal is finally to be paid for what he does. Working hard for free is obviously frustrating in the long run.

Skope: What drives you everyday to play & record music?

Sébastien Parentin: Unfortunately, my spare time is still too rare to seriously devote myself to my musical project every day. I actually work full time as an engineer in a software company to earn a living, and pay my music hardware! I’m a passionate but amateur songwriter… I’d dream to be spotted by a serious talented producer and make my passion a daily reality, but in the meanwhile I devote most of my lonesome spare time nights to songwriting, playing on my piano, recording on my laptop. I was never really able to “control” my creativity, and to know why some nights I feel inspired, and why the rest of the time nothing happens. However, I must recognize that human relationships (whether they be fulfilling or unhappy) affect me a lot, and often when I feel the need, songwriting is definitively an outlet to free my mind.

Skope: Do you feel shows like American Idol and The Voice are legitimate and would you ever go on the shows?

Sébastien Parentin: I don’t know “The Voice”; this TV show has not been exported in France yet. The French version of “American Idol” (the only one I know) has a certain legitimacy I think, but it’s not my cup of tea. This show is exclusively focused on voice performers, whether they have songwriting skills or not… I dislike the idea of being judged only on my voice for the interpretation of a song that is not mine. Moreover, I also think that “American Idol” entertains, in a quite unhealthy way, celebrity illusions of participants (even winners) who often quickly fall from grace. Music industry in France relies too much on that kind of TV shows to make money easily and quickly, having a very short-term career vision for the singer to produce. So… No, I would not go to one of these shows.

Skope: What is coming up for you & where you at online?

Sébastien Parentin: Finding a producer would be a good project plan for 2011! In the meanwhile, I will keep on recording and arranging the songs I have in mind (as usual) until having enough materials to make an album. But it is still far from being ready! I usually take a lot of time (several months) to write a song, because I am in charge of every part of the process, and also because I am an amateur who cannot devote all his time to his passion. I also try to get some little promotion through sonicbids by subscribing to songwriting contests or other exciting gigs (like yours!).

I’ve recently created a Facebook page. You can find me there:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sebastien-Parentin/167448216644263 - Skope

The G3 Agency: What is your thought process when working on new music?

Sebastien Parentin: The process is for me always the same: I use my keyboard as my main “inspiration trigger”. The sound is very important and conditions the style and atmosphere of my likely future song. A bright piano sound is cool for dynamic pop songs, more mellow and resonating piano for slower and intimist songs, percussive synth sound or evolving pads for something more electro… Then, the melody goes by itself. Next, comes the arrangement: I usually add drums, bass, pads, and guitars through the usage of different virtual instruments. And, the very last step for me is lyrics writing: when everything is over, I listen to my song several times until having found the first elements of a story that fits the music atmosphere.

G3: What inspires your music?

SP: I sometimes think that laying my fingers on the piano is a way to let my unconscious speaking. I was never really able to “control” my creativity, and to know why some nights I feel inspired, and why the rest of the time nothing happens. However, I must recognize that human relationships (whether they be fulfilling or unhappy) affect me a lot, and often when I feel the need, songwriting is definitively an outlet to free my mind.

G3: How would you classify your music?

SP: I am feeling very close to some British alternative rock bands like Coldplay, Keane, or Muse. I particularly like the way they give some place to the piano in their top songs. I wish my music had that kind of typical beautiful atmosphere with bright echo guitars, string pads, e-pianos. Sometimes, I work on something more electro, or on the contrary, more minimalistic piano/voice melancholic pop songs. Dynamic or not, I am always looking for something that sounds mellow and peaceful.

G3: How would you describe yourself as an artist?

SP: Alone and self-made! Actually, I have always worked on my own until now... I take an interest in every part of music creation process: songwriting, rhythmic and harmonic arrangement, mixing. I enjoy discovering new virtual instruments or sound shaping plugins, and trying different settings. I sometimes think that I am a perfectionist… but with modest self-made mixing skills. So, it takes me sometimes several months to get the sound I want. Freedom comes with a price! Anyway, I am convinced that I cannot continue to work on my own like that if I want to speed up my songwriting, and share it with more people. I obviously need the help of talented musicians and producer who believe in me.

G3: What sets your music apart from others in your genre?

SP: So… we must be quite pretentious to answer that question! According to my friends and the reviews I had from several songwriting competitions, I would say that my music could touch people. Deep, catchy, and peaceful are words that I often hear, with a great pleasure. As far as I can, I always try to work on writing songs that resonate well with the listeners. However, I need to improve myself on writing good lyrics (English is not my mother tongue, and finding words that hit the bull's eye is not always simple!).

G3: When you are working on a new song… Do you already have a concept in mind or do you rather write on top of music/beats?

SP: No, I usually do not already have a concept in mind. It is often the notes I play on my piano that help me to build the concept alongside the songwriting process. Then, comes the time to choose the rhythmic part that best matches the mood of the harmony. It is a very decisive step for me, since it conditions the arrangement and the specific character of my song. Sometimes, when playing with some beat pattern designers, I enjoy creating some quite interesting gimmicks that can lead to a true new interesting song, but it is not my usual way to proceed.

G3: What are some of your musical influences?

SP: As I answered in question #3, British melodic alternative rock bands like Coldplay, Keane, or even Muse influenced me in the different aspects of songwriting process (from the way I play to the way I sing). I have always been attracted by songwriting for long, but when I started to listen to this music I realized we could create something beautiful and touching with relatively simple things (technically speaking). Beautiful atmospheres, strong arrangements, with some place for each instrument in the mix, never too much heavy: here is the formula. I also like electro/progressive groups like Radiohead or Sigur Rós for the wonderful elaborate ambiance that breathes in each of their songs, even if it is sometimes less accessible for listeners. They probably did not much influence me, but in other genres my favorites are: The Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, Alicia Keys, Keziah Jones, Sade, Morcheeba.

G3: What obstacles have you faced in the music industry?

SP: In France, it is not easy for an emerging pop/rock artist to get some promotion. Radios and Majors are more - The G3 Agency