Images by Michael Julian Berz
Elsiane
A chance encounter united singer/songwriter Elsieanne Caplette and drummer Stephane Sotto, and they combined their first names to arrive at Elsiane. Like their moniker their style is a pastiche of inspiration that makes them hard to categorize. Much more than trip-hop or downtempo, their evocative compositions riff through the subtle textures of IDM, early 80's minimal rock and the crooning of a 1920's jazz siren.
When people see us live they can feel that I am opening up about my life.
With an album that is mesmerizing and transcendental, Elsiane has catapulted into the psyche of popular culture with this year's debut album "Hybrid." It is quite easily the release that will fill the void we all hoped Portishead's long anticipated "Third" would be. While both albums are apocalyptic, "Third" is a call to arms while "Hybrid" is eerily assuaging.
Riffin' caught up with singer Elsieanne Caplette to discuss her favorite music, what one item she can't live without and what it is like to tour America.
Riffin': Who are you listening to these days?
Caplette: Right now am listening to Dredg. They are a band from California, and they are great. We are really into them. Also top on our rotation is Ymasumnac from Peru. And I just got on my hands the latest Leigh Nash record. She has an amazing voice. On the road we don't have time to listen to much, but Aphex Twin, Radiohead and Del Canto are all great as well.
Riffin': Your sound is reminiscent of early trip-hop. How would you describe the mood of your songs?
Caplette: It is very personal and deep. It is epic in a way. The mood, how do I say, it isn't sad music because it is very hopeful yet intense and sharing a story and emotions that I went through. The mood transports people into another place through the sounds and the voice. That is what people get, they feel that they went somewhere else. That is what I want people to get out of it.
Of course my goal with this music is to help people connect with their human side and to say that it is ok to cry if you feel emotional; because that is often lost in modern music because it is too commercial and not coming from the heart. And that is what I want to do…create something from the heart that is real that they can connect to.
When people see us live they can feel that I am opening up about my life. Life is a roller coaster and it brings on a lot of emotions and it can be very intense day by day and it translates into the music, and if people feel it that means that I did a good job.
Riffin': Who would you cite as your musical influences?
Caplette: We are always into the old music such as Cocteau twins, Massive Attack and Tool. We also listen to quite a lot of world music and classical music, but there are many influences.
Riffin': How is the music scene in your hometown of Montreal?
Caplette: There is a scene happening, but we don't really follow what has been going on cause we are all over the world and doing our thing. We don't sound anything like what is going on in Montreal which is positive because it makes us stand out. We don't listen to French music or whatever else is popular. I grew up in Peru, and I have my own references for music, so I have those ideas to inspire me.
Riffin': What is it like to be on tour in America? How has the reception been?
Caplette: Honestly it has been amazing. Each night we play we are amazed at how many people are into it, and people are buying our music and requesting that we come back. Every city has been great, and some, like Seattle and Detroit, were very intense. We are hoping to be back and play more shows.
Riffin': What is one item that you can't live without?
Caplette: I would say it is my little personal recorder. I bring that with me everywhere. Sometimes I am walking in the street or the Metro and just take it out and come up with melodies. It is amazing when you are walking and an amazing melody comes to you, and you just have to record it at that moment. You never know where inspiration will strike.
www.elsiane.com
www.myspace.com/elsiane