Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Larochelle
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Growing up, music was always a part of my life. I have vivid memories of listening to The Black Crowes and Tragically Hip in my dad’s old Honda Civic. Our house was filled with various genres, from Celine Dion to Led Zeppelin. My dad would often play while my brother and I were in the bath, sitting on the closed toilet. He mostly played Quebec classics and CCR songs, such as “La Poupée Qui Fait Non” and “Bad Moon Rising.”
How did your passion for creating music begin?
As I got older, I distinctly remember lying in the bathtub with water over my ears, singing made-up blues songs. That was my first experience of truly enjoying the process of “creating” music. We also had a small toy recorder which we used to stage fake radio interviews, record improvised a cappella tunes, and capture our favorite music from the radio. I’ve always enjoyed music, even as a young child—maybe eight years old—but I really started playing guitar and writing my own music around the age of 14.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Throughout my musical journey, I’ve contributed to various projects, often shifting between singing and playing guitar, bass, or keyboard. This desire for change—for creating with different tools—has always been present. This particular endeavor is, by necessity, a solo project. It’s a deliberate opportunity for me to take the time to create entirely on my own, ensuring every idea is followed through. While I enjoy collaborating with other musicians on projects like Mr. Songbird and Twin Moggies, this one is purely for me—a personal, perhaps even “selfish,” gift to myself.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My music is deeply personal and emotional, reflecting my unique perspective on society. Stylistically, it blends elements of indie, folk, blues, rock, and soul.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
It’s crucial to remember that your music doesn’t need to be perfect. Art, like everything else, is meant to have flaws. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and release music that genuinely matters to you.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I have a small studio in my garage with a basic drum kit, a Fender strat, a Tempo guitar, a small Martin acoustic guitar, a basic bass guitar and multiple keyboards, pedals, tambourine, etc. I worked with Cubase for many years, but recently fell back in love with Logic Pro. I love the way it’s made to create easily.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Hiss Golden Messenger, Black Pumas, The Arcs
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
The art of making music is fundamentally about connections. I believe we should consistently create with friends and embrace positive challenges. It’s crucial to share a common vision while allowing each person to contribute a unique element. My experiences have taught me the value of collaborating with individuals who are open to being wrong and who are also willing to hold me accountable by telling me when I am.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
My hope is to introduce a fresh viewpoint on human relationships and to evoke vivid imagery—a distinct scene for every song. Ultimately, isn’t the aim to offer the listener an alternative approach to processing emotions and ideas? I tend to be pessimistic so now, I’m making an effort to focus on writing more positive songs and looking at the good side of every situation.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Prioritize yourself first. While it’s beneficial to heed critics and advice to refine your art, strive for a balance between self-satisfaction and pleasing others. Always respect yourself.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
We’ve played some incredible places, including the roof of the Olympic Stadium in Montréal! I’ve always wanted to perform a rock show on the side of an in-ground pool, using the surrounding area as the stage. However, I often find smaller venues with great acoustics to offer a better overall show experience. Ultimately, the best place is anywhere with excellent sound quality and a decent, engaged audience.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I find Murray Lightburn incredibly inspiring when it comes to songwriting. I’m also confident that our voices would blend well for creating excellent harmonies.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
For all my links, please visit my website at https://larochelle-music.com/. I also share additional content on my other project’s Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/twinmoggies, where you can subscribe for free to receive all announcements.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I am currently working on releasing two more micro-albums, “Deux IV” and “Deux V”. Following that, my plan is to release an old country song I wrote years ago, offering both an English version and a French version with a distinct Quebecois flavor. Finally, I intend to create an EP inspired by my current key influences, such as Hiss Golden Messenger, Black Pumas, and The Arcs. It’s a shame there are only 24 hours in a day!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
My goal is to create beautiful, perhaps even grandiose, music with the utmost humility, driven by my passion for sharing genuine emotions and honesty.
