French pop sensation L’Impératrice is gearing up for a significant new chapter marked by a fresh sound, a new vocalist, and their highly anticipated inaugural tour across Asia. In an exclusive interview with the six-piece band, we discussed their musical roots, the invigorating change brought by their latest single “Chrysalis,” and their excitement about connecting with new audiences.
Photo by Manu Fauque
A Blend of Backgrounds and Genres
L’Impératrice introduces themselves as a French, six-member band primarily playing pop music, heavily influenced by funk, soul, hip-hop, disco, and jazz. Formed in 2012, the project initially began as an instrumental outfit before evolving.
“We mostly sing in French and write in French,” they explain. The current lineup features a diverse array of musical education, contributing to their unique sound:
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David (Cello): Classical music
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Hany (Keyboard/Violin): Classical music
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Tom (Drums): Rock and roll
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Achilles (Guitar): Baroque music
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Louvre (Vocals) & Flore (Keyboards): Influenced by a mix of classic and pop genres
The band is currently touring with their new singer, Louvre, following the departure of former vocalist, Flore, a year ago.
First Impressions: The L’Impératrice Asia Tour
The band is about to embark on its first Asia tour with stops in Jakarta, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. When asked which city they are most excited about, the consensus was diplomatic.
“Every city,” they stated. “It’s going to be the first time in each city. Every city, every country is super different, super special, and we’re looking forward to discovering the new audience, the culture, and the music.”
They also noted a particular excitement about discovering new musical influences, like music from Indonesia, and expressed hope to visit Manila on a future tour.
Photo by Manu Fauque
The Transformation of ‘Chrysalis’
The release of their latest single, “Chrysalis,” marks a major turning point due to the introduction of the new vocalist, Louvre. This shift has brought a rush of creative energy and a renewed sense of purpose.
“It changes everything,” they reflected on the new addition. “It brings so much freshness and new ideas and good moods, good vibes. Everything feels new and we are super lucky to experience this because we’ve been playing and making music together for so long. This new feeling is not given to everyone, so we are super, super grateful.”
The sentiment carries over to the stage, as the band members unanimously chose “Chrysalis” as their favorite song to play live at the moment.
“Every time we play it, it’s such a relief and… the energy… it’s a song that really gathers us all together,” they shared. “It feels like, I don’t know, we give everything every time. To be honest, I’m super proud of this song. It has something magical.”
The Art of Collaboration
L’Impératrice’s music often features notable collaborations. When bringing in outside artists, their philosophy is simple: let the collaborator lead.
“The idea is just to collaborate in a way, so to mix the universes,” they explain. “We just let them do whatever they want because what’s interesting for us is their creativity, their flow, their groove, and their vibes. We just want them to bring this inside our songs. We don’t drive them.”
Regarding their upcoming Asia shows, they confirm that their current “Pulsar” tour show is “pretty tight and written,” especially since they travel with a full crew. While they may change minor elements, their primary goal is to “promote our sound, our energy, and just our vibe and just give the full experience to new audiences.”
L’Impératrice Asia Tour Dates
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