INTERVIEW:
Tiger Lion
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THE excellent Tiger Lion…
has been talking about the new single, Black Sea, and what its inspiration is. I ask how her music comes together and when music arrived in her life; if there are tour dates coming up and how important it is being on the stage and delivering music to the people.
Tiger Lion reveals a few albums that are especially important and recommends some rising artists – I ask whether there are plans for 2019 and what advice she would offer to artists coming through right now.
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Hi, Tiger Lion. How are you? How has your week been?
Bonjour! I’m good. My week has been quite full-on with two gigs, the release of our new song; work and life in general!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Clémentine. I am a music-maker under the name ‘Tiger Lion’ and the project comes to life with two wonderful humans - Geoffrey (guitar) and Dan (drums). We are mainly French but based in North London.
I would say we’re making a kind of experimental Pop with a big love for Shoegaze, analog synths and World music.
Black Sea is your latest single. Is there a story behind the song?
This song was inspired by a ‘voyage’ in Scotland and some of the Hebrides islands. The darkness of the sea and its texture were fascinating. I suddenly had to go back to London, travelling from the Isle of Skye to Euston in just a day. It was a strange situation. More generally, it is a song about feeling disconnected from your essence - it could be a land, a loved one; your family…
The physical release of Black Sea is actually limited edition prints from this trip.
How did you get into music? Was it something you were always around?
My parents are very musical. I can remember myself singing from a very young age; humming melodies at the back of the car, daydreaming all the time. But, I didn’t play any instruments until quite late.
When I was small, I was more into horse riding because music was ‘my parents’ thing’ but, slowly, around the age of sixteen I picked up a bass. My dad showed me how to play the basic notes and I started playing in bands.
I love how your music sounds and comes together. Do you play with a band and work on tracks together?
These days, I write and record demos on my own, then we work on additional production with Geoffrey and Dan. After that, we adapt the song for the live show (sometimes, I get carried away and add lots of sitar sounds and Iranian flutes and I forget I don’t have a sitar or a flute player with me!).
Can we expect any more material in 2019? Are you looking that far ahead?
I am writing an album! It is inspired by different places, but more specifically Japan. I’m hoping to release it sometime in 2019.
What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?
Hopefully, I will have a full album written and recorded (smiles).
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
That time where we played in Exeter Cathedral was magical. There was actually a mini, five-minute documentary made about this performance.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
‘The White Album’ from The Beatles
Because it means everything.
A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead
It just encapsulates everything that I love - unexpected textures, beautiful melodies. Everything touches the soul so deeply.
Kelly Lee Owens released a first self-titled album last year and it felt extremely timeless. She represents something really current to me - fresh and inspiring, creative and humble. Her album means a lot to me.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
If I could open for PJ Harvey with a full-on raclette party in my dressing room that would be perfect.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Don’t think about the top of the mountain but think about the progression.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
Yesss. I am playing in France and U.K. in the next few weeks:
24.10: Angers/Le Joker's Pub (FR.)
26.10: Brest/UBO (FR.)
27.10: Rennes/Le Bar’Hic (FR.)
27.10: Nantes/Le Bras De Fer (FR.)
11.11: Brighton/Rialto Theatre (U.K.).
How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?
I love touring! It’s such a different approach from the studio and the songs are sounding so different. I think it’s important to have this feeling of sharing your melodies with people. Sometimes, when I sense that the audience likes the music, it makes me feel really emotional.
IN THIS PHOTO: indi
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
I really like indi; a New Zealand artist. Halo Maud is a French artist and really capturing an amazing Neo-Psychedelia sound.
I also recently worked on a film project for an artist called Beverly Glenn Copeland. I feel he is new because people are just starting to discover his music. He is a seventy-four-year-old trans man who is embarking his first ever E.U. tour this November to promote an album made in the ’80s called Keyboard Fantasies.
IN THIS PHOTO: Halo Maud/PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Montano
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I like taking long breaks to travel (if I can); preferably surrounded by nature. I try to nourish myself on new cultures and landscapes. I also go back to my parents’ place in the middle of nowhere in France to recharge.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Can you play this song by amazing French artist Flavien Berger – Brutalisme
Merci.
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