Having spent the last few months releasing a wave of smooth and solid retro-inspired offerings, French duo Velvet Sunset now cement their latest creative run with the release of their new EP 'Goodbye Summertime'.
With a heady mix of grunge, dream-pop and indie-rock influences throughout, 'Goodbye Summertime' makes for a truly eclectic listen. Filled with driven guitar hooks, breezy aesthetic, and some wonderfully sweeping vocals, this new collection is the lo-fi return we were always hoping they would pull off.
So with the new EP available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what have been their biggest inspirations over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Max: I fell in love with the guitar. I was 8 years old. My dad used to play the guitar and I liked playing with it. One day when I was 9 I asked my parents for guitar lessons and from then I couldn't stop.
Eleonore: Also the guitar, even though i do not play it, my dad used to listen to Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles... During the week-end, we were listening to his vinyls and especially to the guitar solos. I had goosebumps and never stopped listening to these bands ever since.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
Eleonore: For me spirituality and connecting with yourself. Being kind and compassionate. Being close to nature. All the books I have read about self improvement and creation inspired me to write lyrics, singing and composing. It feels like going towards something ideal as a person.
Max: It can be from visual arts I see (artworks, movies…) or souvenirs from travelling abroad. Sometimes just having the guitar in my hands and trying stuff while emptying my mind.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Eleonore: Everything my dad listens to (Led Zep, The Beatles, Hendrix, Tears for Fears, Dire Straits…) but also grunge/shoegaze/metal bands like Nirvana, My Bloody Valentine, Hole, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, The Dandy Warhols, The Vines, Korn and so on… Also funk/disco music such as Donna Summer and Diana Ross, and of course the King Michael Jackson.
Max: Red Hot Chili Peppers (huge fan), Nirvana, Korn, Rage against the Machine, Led Zep, pretty similar to Eleonore actually.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
Max: “Under the Bridge” from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Eleonore: “I will always love you” from Whitney Houston which was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Eleonore: Right now i listen to Widowspeak a lot, their new album is a gem. Also I am re-listening to The Strokes, which I love.
Max: Currently listening to Twin Peaks, Ty Segall and Queens of the Stone Age.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Eleonore: There are 5 of them, from broken heart to new friendships.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Eleonore: Asking us to modify a song because it sounded too “grungy” to be played on the manager’s radio…
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
Max: Drawing, painting and running.
Eleonore: Reading, writing, painting and long walks in nature.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Eleonore: Special effects makeup artist. I find it very artistic and fascinating.
Max: Custom motorcycle builder. I love vintage motorcycles.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
Eleanore: It may sound generic but create, create and never stop creating. You do it for yourself first. And creating is the most vulnerable yet beautiful way to express yourself.
Max: You got to believe in what you do and have fun creating!
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Velvet Sunset's new EP 'Goodbye Summertime' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in full via the player below.