Interview with artist Ralph Beaubrun: "I hope to put a smile on my face"

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Available on May 7, Nuances is Ralph Beaubrun's first EP. After dancing with Tal for 7 years, the Haitian choreographer, professional dancer and actor adds a line to this resume as long as a scroll. And one thing is certain, this EP is placed under the sign of the positive attitude, a principle dear to his heart. A project that also contains a palette of sounds, hence the name Nuances. On the occasion of this release JustFocus was able to interview the artist.  

At what point did you say to yourself "I want to make music"?

The desire has always been there but I really had the click in 2014, during the A l'infini Tour with Tal. During this tour I was able to do a solo and I loved it! I always wanted to make music but I was scared, I didn't have confidence in myself. And then came the lockdown and I said to myself ' that's it, it's time' ! So I decided to work on my EP.

Why did you start with dance?

Basically, I am a mathematical engineer. When I decided to change jobs, I turned to dance. I wanted to be on stage, with artists, to have fun. But in my head I didn't think I could live from this passion. When I started dancing with Tal, I understood that it was really a job and that I could make a living from it. The song came later. Things happened naturally.

You were a dancer for the group Boukman Eksperyans. How does this experience inspire your songs?

Boukman Eksperyans is my family's band. It's Haitian music, a mix of Afro, Caribbean. In the song I need it we find precisely this groove. And if it's not in the song, in the melody, we find this influence in my way of singing. It's always present in me.

Does dance influence you in the way you perceive music, in your creative process?

Sometimes the producers I work with already have the music in fact, without a voice on it. I can ask them to add a bass in this place, to work on the hit-hat, to put the kick at this time… Because in my body I feel something at that moment. It has to vibrate!

In the song Tout va bien you give off a certain positive attitude. How important is this mindset to you?

I'm always positive! That's also why Tal and I matched directly! During the first lockdown I decided to turn this situation into a positive and take the opportunity to work on my EP. I want to convey positive attitude to people, and that's something you don't find frequently in music these days. It's a state of mind that is good for everyone!

In Calme & zen the production is a little less bright, with sounds that contrast with your lyrics. Why this choice? 

This song has nothing to do with the other songs. Here the bass is highlighted, and it is also my favorite instrument. I was inspired by Rihanna's song Consideration , featured on the ANTI album. I like the groove of this song which reminds me a little of my roots. I really wanted to show that part of me. Even my way of singing is more ragga.

Positive attitude but also love. What is your relationship with love? 

In Waste of Time I tell the story of my brother who was in a toxic relationship. He was told that this relationship was a waste of time (laughs). At first I wasn't sure he wanted to bring this story to light, but I told him it could help people. We decided to turn the message in positive, so that the person listening to this song says 'better to be alone than badly accompanied'. And that's just my vision of things!

In Ça défce you say "they condemned me I ignore them". Who are you talking about?

"They" represent my inner demons, I speak to myself. It took me a while to gain confidence in myself and I'm still working on it. I try not to think about those voices telling me I'm not up to it. I tell myself that what I'm doing is good, that it's getting high (laughs) ! It's a way to motivate yourself, I'm really determined. I think this song will be my next single.

In your songs you try to create a closeness with the person listening. And precisely, when a person presses play, what do you expect?

I hope to put a smile on my face! That's why I released the song I Need it first. When you watch the clip you feel this positive attitude. Every time I release songs I will be in this state of mind. Of course there will be times when I will be sad because I am a human being, that's normal. But I like to make people smile!

Proximity to your audience is super important to you. How do you create a bond during this period of confinement?

That's the only little thing that saddens me. I try to do live, besides I was able to make one for the release of I need it. That was awesome! I'm thinking of doing the same for the release of the EP, doing little acoustic sessions. The goal is to be on stage so I hope to be able to do it soon. Fingers crossed!