© Solal
Parisian-born artist debuts emotionally powerful EP "You and Me," weaving a narrative of unity, loss, acceptance, and unbreakable bonds, capturing the joy and shared happiness across generations.
Submitted by Solal, Paris
As a Parisian native, I was surrounded by the city's rich culture and history, which greatly influenced my artistic vision. After graduating from film school in my hometown, I moved to London to pursue my true passion - music.
I am beyond excited to finally share my debut EP, "You and Me," with the world. This project is the embodiment of four years of hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of my love for music. My background in film sets me apart as an artist, as I have the unique ability to produce my own music videos. To me, music and video are like two sides of the same coin, they are inseparable, and both play a crucial role in my creative process. The visual component of video allows me to effectively convey the message behind my music, making it a more immersive and impactful experience for the listener.
I have always been driven by the desire to connect with people through my art, and I have found that music and video production are the perfect mediums to achieve that goal.
My EP is a cohesive narrative woven together through a collection of unique stories. The song "Together," which sets the tone of the EP, conveys a positive message about the power of unity in relationships, both families and friendships. “All Along" continues the theme of unity and journey, delving deeper into the idea that we have been on this journey together all along. "Following that is "That's All I Can Do," an introspective track that delves into the limitations we all face and the importance of acceptance. "Now You're Gone" is a bittersweet exploration of loss and moving on, while "You and Me" bring the EP full circle by emphasising the importance of connections and unbreakable bonds with loved ones. Overall, my EP takes the listener on a journey through the ups and downs of life, leaving them with a sense of hope and resilience.
"You and Me" is an emotionally powerful collection of songs that delves into the complexities of life, relationships, and connections. To emphasise the message of the EP, I've used the titles of each track to create a memorable and meaningful statement: "Together, all along. That's all I can do. Some people are gone, but not you and me."
This message may appear emotional, but it holds great significance to me. It reflects years of questioning, anger, and, ultimately, resilience. Growing up, I had strong connections with my friends and found my happiness in their company. However, I didn't realise that these relationships were not permanent. When we parted ways, it was difficult, but ultimately, it's not what matters as relationships change. True friends will stay, while others may leave or may reconnect with you in the future. This EP was a way for me to come to terms with this and celebrate the fact that, in the end, being together is all that matters.
As a passionate video maker, I knew that music videos were the perfect medium to bring my message to life. I created four videos that utilised archival footage of my grandparents in the 1970s, where you'll get a glimpse into their lives as they navigate their way through young adulthood. From family gatherings to dancing with friends, you'll witness their joyful moments and see them truly living. As the final video plays, you will be taken back to the present time, and you will witness my own personal adolescent memories come alive. From the years 2015 to 2018, you will see footage of me and my friends having a good time, laughing, dancing, and skating in Paris. It brings to a close a specific time loop. The videos showcase a shared sense of happiness across different generations: spending time with loved ones.
To summarise, I am thrilled to present this project to you, and I hope that some viewers will see themselves in it and that it will inspire others to stay optimistic and keep pushing forward.
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