The Electric Phantom’s first album, a compilation of 12 poems by classic French poets such as Victor Hugo and Charles Baudelaire, is a unique blend of electro gothic music and timeless literary works. The album features haunting, atmospheric soundscapes paired with poignant, powerful verse that explores themes of love, death, and the human condition.
French poems are known for their vivid imagery and introspective themes. Poetic art (l’Art poétique) is fantastical. Baudelaire’s poem delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the darker aspects of life and death with a powerful, melancholic voice. Baudelaire acknowledges that poetry can “ennoble manners” and raises “man above the level of vulgar interests.”
I started to work on this album in 2020. The idea was to revive 12 poets and create 12 universes while maintaining consistency.
The beyond, where dark and sweet poetry lands
I tried to create different tracks, something fun, with a simple and retro touch, to match La cigale et la fourmi (the grasshopper and the ant) poem. Slow, and dreamy for the delightful time poem (l’heure exquise).
Spoken poetry is quite common, and I tried to create a lot more, thinking of the phantom, the fairy world and putting my voice on to sound like a call from beyond the gates or a direct conversation with you, crossing time, an interaction between the present and the past.
Each of the 12 tracks on the album is a unique and powerful interpretation of the original poems, showcasing the Electric Phantom’s talent for seamlessly blending the classic and the modern. The album is a must-listen for fans of both electro gothic music and French literature, as it offers a fresh and innovative take on timeless works.
Sometimes called “poésie surrealiste” or lyric, sad poetry. I tried to interpret at best what the spirits whispered. The album Les Poètes (The French Poets) is now available.
Tracklist:
- I. Intro: Oceano Nox (Victor Hugo)
- II. l’Homme et la Mer (Charles Baudelaire)
- III. Talisman (Henri-Frédéric Amiel)
- IV. La Cigale et la Fourmi (Jean de La Fontaine)
- V. L’Heure Exquise (Paul Verlaine)
- VI. Ballade (Théophile Gautier)
- VII. A la Marquise (Pierre Corneille)
- VIII. Les Yeux (René-François Sully Prudhomme)
- IX. Asie (Mijo)
- X. Le Fantôme (Louise-Victorine Ackermann)
- XI. Chanson d’Automne (Paul Verlaine) / (Charles d’Orléans)
- XII. Le Temps (Gérard de Nerval)
Not available on streaming platforms yet
I knew that 2021 would be a year of testing, especially for distribution.
I was disappointed when I compared different distributors like Distrokid, LANDR, imusician and tested one of them, CDBaby, to release the first version of my album in 2021.
One of the most significant inconveniences was when I realized my album was published under another artist on Deezer! I could also not edit or use my art on TikTok or Instagram. No way I could upload a video with my music.
As a marketing professional, I know how crucial anticipation and risk/benefice balance is.
I decided not to publish my music on streaming platforms yet (except SoundCloud and YouTube), waiting for a SERIOUS label to work with and maybe slightly edit the audio (remixing, remastering) before broader distribution. Meanwhile, any help is more than welcome!
Electro gothic sound and classic French poems
Moonlighting, I made it all to accomplish this project: composing, recording, mixing, photography, drawing, designing, video, website, article, social media, etc.
It was one of my dreams to create an entire album, not only the music but a fantasy world.
The Electric Phantom’s electro gothic sound is a perfect match for these classic French poems. The album’s haunting, atmospheric music creates a melancholic and introspective mood that perfectly complements the poems’ themes. The songs’ ethereal, otherworldly soundscapes transport listeners to a dreamlike world where the poems’ messages can be fully appreciated.
I released the first version in 2021, and after some feedback, I worked on upgrades, revamping the whole album until satisfaction. I achieved one of my dreams.
And I will continue…
Il est un feu discret qui se cache en ton âme,
Mais qui tremble et palpite à tous les coups du sort :
C’est l’espoir ! Défends bien cette petite flamme ;
Si la flamme s’éteint, ami, ton cœur est mort.
There is a discreet fire that hides in your soul,
That trembles and pulsates at every stroke of fate:
It’s hope !
Defend this little flame;
If the flame goes out, friend, your heart dies.Talisman, Henri-Frédéric Amiel (Genève 1821 – 1881).
