Alif Tree
It is undeniable you have a great talent for music. How did your music career evolve?
Thanx for undeniable. This is the kind of compliment I cannot allow to myself. I’d say my "career" has been carrying its way, mixing work, picks and lacks of inspiration, meetings, will and luck. Sometimes god luck, sometimes not. I‘ve been riding this fragile boat all by myself for 15 years now, and learned music and business on my own. Which can be practical sometimes, but also limiting. I m always looking for new meetings and experiences, because I m curious, and because the learning has no end.
As a musician you practice guitar, voice, keyboards, and percussion. Which was the first element that you mastered?
Mastered? You mean like Jimmy Hendrix played guitar? None. But I started practicing 6 strings technique on an rusty broken flamenco guitar, trying to play David Bowie, the Clash or Debussy's standards. Today, I’m a lot into singing.
Your music is unlike anything I have heard, but it insolently sticks in my mind. How you would classify the style of music you produce?
That s a very nice compliment, merci beaucoup. I m very sensitive to
creation in
its first meaning, which is originality based on imagination. Very hard to find in this world of rationalism and copycats marketing. To give a name to my music, I d say, that exactly sounds like Alif Tree's music. Sources of inspirations come from music of course, but also cinema, soundtracks, ambiances and dialogue, sci fi in general , litterature and observing nature. That mixture maybe explains the personality of the music.
I love how you named the album “French Cuisine.” When I was listening to it I could imagine the sounds being mixed together with a whisk. How did you come up with the name for the album?
My personnal yoga is cooking. I really love that since my mother taught me the tricks and basis of.......french cuisine. Then I developped my own style by mixing recipes and ingredients from the whole world, especially the wonders of asia. I find a lot of common points between composing and cooking; mixing good and healthy ingredients together, depending on seasons and envys.....I also really love to share this with my friends and with guests, to rediscover each time the universality of those two languages: food and music.
Your album is titled “French Cuisine,” and I noticed on your website (alif.tree.free.fr/) you even have recipes! Is cooking an interest of yours?
Oops, I guess I already answered to this. You can also type aliftree.com.
Although your music is very distinctive, I am still curious as to who might have been an influence on you and your music?
I guess I answered that one too...
I enjoyed the way the songs were arranged on the album. Do you have a process in which you use to organize the songs on the CD? And how do you choose which ones to use and not to?
Yes, I guess I ve had to choose between 30 trax at the beginning. I realeased a pre album before FC, that was very different. The final operation, tracklist and order is difficult because each track carys a lot of work and moments. I really apreciated the help that people gave me in the very end of production to see a litlle bit clearer and put the final touch to it.
Do you have a favorite song on the album?
Yes, but it changes depending on my mood. I guess that means the music is still living! The most important thing is that I can and will be able to listen to any track in 10 or 20 years without finding it old fashionned or being bored. Well, I ll tell you then...
“French Cuisine” exhibits the use of many textures and moods. How did youcreate these concepts in the music?
Composing music is the expression of some moments. I really feel that each day is unique, even when it looks like routine. The earth under our feet is continuously moving, as well as the stares in the sky, or the seasons.
Especially when you work on something as personnal as an album, with no outside pressure but a will for quality, you can explore sounds and moods as deeply and personnaly as you want. And this goes straight into your music, never twicethe same.
I look forward to listening to what you have in store for us next. Can you give us a taste of what you have planned for the future?
Yes, I m working on it right now: I m going to sing more and more, go on exploring jazz, classical and contemporary music, and add some good old rock vibes.....That a whole new menu!
A bientot.
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