It’s all a-buzz here in le petit bateau because today my partner Romain – aka French Boy – has just released his first album. It’s been a year in the making – while I’ve been working intensely on my book, he’s been working on his album, rocking the houseboat down. How did we manage to both work from home on two completely different projects without a hitch? I have no idea. But it’s been wonderful, a year we will never forget, for all the right reasons.
So “fiction”, what’s it all about? Well, Romain is a rock and blues guitarist, and this self-produced album is a collection of instrumental songs which take their inspiration from various decades of pop, blues and rock. This is definitely an album for guitar enthusiasts (it ain’t mainstream music) and for those who love to rock on! Believe it or not, I am one of those people – even though I play mostly classical piano, I love to listen to loud, feet stompin’ rock. “Fiction” is exactly that. I have lots of favourite songs on the album, including ruffian, jungle path and la loue (which was inspired by one of our walks along the river loue in France, where Romain is originally from), but I think my favourite favourite is the album title song fiction – a fab mix of pop, synth rock & blues. I also love lawlessness 1 & 2 – Romain composed these for a dance piece titled “restlessness” choreographed by my dear friend Heidi here in Amsterdam earlier in the year. And the colour purple & stone are pure, beautiful head bangin’ rock.
A big congratulations to my french boy for taking his passion to the next level and producing something wonderful. Please be sure to spread the word about “fiction” to all your guitar-loving friends, and to listen to the songs, you can click here or listen to some of them on his myspace here. The album & individual songs are available for purchase on both itunes and cdbaby. For those interested in purchasing music the good ol’ fashion way – that is, on a CD – Romain will look into it in the new year.
And my contribution to the album? Yes, it’s the cover. I made a few different versions but this was the one we both loved the most. I hope you like it too.
xx
Wow. It sounds amazing. Have just purchased.
Thank you!
K.
December 17th, 2010 | #
How fantastic! Congrats to Romain for this wonderful achievement. Can’t wait to hear the music (off to listen to some samples now.) xo
December 17th, 2010 | #
You must be so excited & pleased for him – and will be able to swank about how talented your bloke is to everyone all Christmas…
December 18th, 2010 | #
Also – do like the moving snow flake thingy.
December 18th, 2010 | #
Congratulations to Romain. I am not a music person, so what I found most interesting was the sound wave patters for the two songs he had on his web site. Beautiful graphic and intriguing. I played around with the sound clips just to see how the music related to the wave signals. Lovely cover, of course!
December 18th, 2010 | #
What a talented pair you are ….. and I love the cover, I’m off to listen too !!!
December 18th, 2010 | #
Wow, congratulations carrots!!!! I’m so chuffed for both of you, it’s been a long road this year, I know, but you are both awesome to have achieved so much in it, and what a fabulous way to celebrate Christmas!
December 19th, 2010 | #
thank you so much for your wonderful support guys! xx
December 19th, 2010 | #
You two are quite the talent powerhouse. Love the cover btw. Congrats and best wishes.
December 19th, 2010 | #
Wow, amazing! You both sure had an amazing year!
I really love the cover – wonderful job!
December 20th, 2010 | #
congrats to romain. the creative energy on the bateau is so wonderful and strong i am surprised even stays still:). I love the cover pia it really sets a beautiful mood for what is too come.
December 21st, 2010 | #
Yes, you two do seem so utterly amazing and are an inspiration to us all! I’ve only been able to listen to Fiction but found it so cool! And I love that Franch Boy has grown up to be a Romain, such a beautiful name. Your cover is so moody while at the same time kinetic and sure sets the scene for the Color Purple!
We have never met but can I allow myself to be proud of you both?
xx
December 23rd, 2010 | #
The cover is fabulous, and what a wonderful, creative year you two have had. That’s the way to live!
January 5th, 2011 | #