Following the release of his latest EP, French Chill House protagonist Alex Keeper delivers an absorbing five-track live rendition of ‘Depart’ shot on location in the historical French coastal town of Normandy. With views of the spring seaside tides and soothing sandbanks, the aesthetic sets the scene for the invitingly contemplative soundtrack of his latest body of work. In an engrossingly delicate exploration of ‘Setting Sail’, ‘Safe and Sound’, ‘Circles’, ‘Free Falling’ and ‘Back To You’, Alex effortlessly weaves an intricate journey steered by resonant harmonies, subtle undulating grooves and touching vocals, bringing ‘Depart’ to life in an undeniably tangible format. Watch it via Alex’s YouTube Channel below:
Alex’s ‘Depart’ EP, released on the ever-popular French electronic label Get The Sound, reflects on the impact of movement on our sense of belonging, questioning the need for a fixed geographical home. The release also symbolises a new phase in his artistic journey as he uses his vocals for the first time, embracing a step of vulnerability and openness within his art that can be felt even more in this live performance.
Welcome to HMWL, Alex. It’s a delight to have you here. Please tell us about your latest release.
Hello, thanks for having me! My new EP ‘Depart’ came out recently and it’s been doing very well!
You’ve recorded some exclusive video content related to the EP, too. Tell us about that.
We wanted too go further than short format videos to promote the EP, so the team from Get The Sound and I went for a type of content we’ve never tried efore: filming a live looping session of the 5 tracks from ‘Depart’.
How has the overall response to your EP been, and how does it make you feel?
The response on my EP has been amazing! I’ve received messages from other producers, and long-time listeners, about how this EP fits my project’s mood. I’ve seen that it’s mostly appreciated by people who need a groovy track to focus on work, or chill when starting a party.
What and who inspires your work?
I made a Spotify playlist about the inspirations behind my new EP. If you go on my Spotify profile you can find the playlist “Depart EP (but better)”, with artists such as M83, Emmit Fenn, or The Blaze. I love the feeling their songs communicate, and how they manage to merge electronic sounds with fragile and unique emotions.
Chill House is a rapidly rising genre. Why do you think it’s on the incline, and where can you see the genre evolving?
The chill house genre is a great one to produce, you can go any direction you like as long as you have a four on the floor beat and make something not too harsh on the ears.
There’s a lot of feeling in your tracks. Talk us through the process of turning those emotions into music.
I always start by creating ambiences using textures, drones, atmosphere, or reverbed elements. It gives me a base and key note to start writing down the bassline. Using the bassline as root notes, I created nostalgic chords, and potentially add guitars. I use my go-to homemade chill/melodic sample pack for the drums. The last part, and most difficult, is writing and recording vocals.
Before a studio session, I listen to A LOT of music with the same vibe as what I want to create, so the inspiration and first few notes come easily.
What artists would you love to collaborate with on future projects?
I love a lot of producers but find it hard to collaborate with them. It makes more sense to work with a singer, and that would be Emmit Fenn.
Do you have any upcoming gigs/releases you’re excited about?
I have been releasing every month for the past 2 years and I’ll release at a slower pace after this EP. Each one of the songs I’ll put out will be more thought and meaningful that way.
Alex Keeper
https://www.instagram.com/alexkeepermusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@alexkeepermusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hxy6gamr697jKBPSmHcpB
https://www.youtube.com/@alexkeepermusic
Get The Sound
https://www.instagram.com/getthesound