French singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Felix Antonio has already experienced several different musical lives. From growing up around his musician father in Normandy to generating millions of streams with indie-pop band Silk Skin Lovers, each chapter has helped shape the increasingly personal approach he is now pursuing as a solo artist.
His new seven-track EP 'Felix Antonio & The Sea' represents his most complete expression of that identity so far. Blending intimate indie folk with expansive contemporary production, the record explores transformation, dependency, vulnerability and renewal, with the sea becoming a recurring symbol of escape and the possibility of beginning again.
So with the new EP out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I learnt was the clarinet, but it wasn’t really a love story… A few years later, when I was around 14, I fell in love with the piano. And that love grew bigger over the years, as I started understanding music theory and the relationships between notes and chords. Since then, it’s definitely been the instrument I enjoy playing the most, and I could spend hours (I often do, actually) improvising and creating music with it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I used to listen to a lot of rap and punk rock, but also classical music because I started singing in a choir at a very young age.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember being given the CD of In Utero by Nirvana for my birthday by a friend of mine. It’s probably the first album that was really mine.
What is the one song you wish you could have written yourself?
There are so many, but one I can think of right now is “Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens. I really wish I could have expressed the complexity and beauty of love with such softness and poetry. But it’s something that motivates me to keep exploring and trying my best to create beautiful songs.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I used to have a few rituals when writing new music, like reading poetry or song lyrics by my favourite artists. But I think now it’s a bit more chaotic. The thing is, I try to write down in the Notes app on my phone every feeling or idea I have as soon as it comes to me, and then, if something inspires me, it will keep coming back, and I will eventually have to write about it. I also have a long list of song titles that I love, which can be helpful when looking for ideas for themes or feelings to explore.
As for the music, I can come up with 10 song starter ideas a day, so it gets hard sometimes to know which ones to explore and pursue. I try to stay very connected to my instinct, and generally, the ideas that move me the most end up inspiring me to turn them into songs.
Who are your favourite artists you’ve found yourself listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to Tom Odell a lot recently, especially his album A Wonderful Life, which I find absolutely mind-blowing. There’s an artist I love called Ashe who released a beautiful song called “Stop The Wedding”, and I’m obsessed with the theatrical Mamma Mia! vibe it gives me. There’s also a song I’ve been listening to on repeat for the past few days: “Graceland Too” by Phoebe Bridgers. It really makes me wanna buy a banjo haha.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would probably be The Lumineers. They’re such a big source of inspiration for me, and I remember being 17, alone in my bedroom, listening to their music and learning guitar by myself, dreaming of being an artist, of writing songs and singing them to crowds… It would be a real full-circle moment.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Without a doubt, the most rewarding part about being a musician is getting the feeling that I’m bringing something beautiful and helpful to people. When I get comments after concerts, or even DMs on social media, saying things like “your music really helped me”, it truly is the best reward I can get from my music.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is probably wanting to show everyone all the songs I write, but having to wait for them to be released, sometimes months or even years later. It can also be frustrating not to achieve what I had in mind for a song, especially when it comes to technical aspects like mixing, where I know I still have room for improvement.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received was from Finneas in an interview I watched, where he said that there are no good or bad ways of making anything; there’s simply the way that feels right to you. If it sounds good to you, then it’s good enough, and I often have to remind myself of that.
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Felix Antonio's new EP 'Felix Antonio & The Sea' is out now. Check it out in the player below.