Additional Information
Mathieu Arsenault, aka SEULEMENT, released his first album Ex Po in November 2021. Composed of eight tracks, this project is a combination of electronic sounds and the appearance of the artist’s bewitching voice.
When he creates, SEULEMENT draws most of his inspiration from contemporary architecture. “My universe is made of multiple rhythmic balances that are often very strange and unstable. That’s what architecture inspires me,” he says.
For the past few years, Mathieu Arsenault has been a member of the English-speaking group Technical Kidman. Ex Po is his first project in French. “To be invited to Coup de cœur francophone after my first solo francophone project is very flattering,” he adds.
As part of Coup de coeur francophone, SEULEMENT will take the stage at Bar l’Escogriffe with Teenage Witch on November 3rd at 10 pm. This festival, which runs from November 3 to 13, aims to promote francophone music in all its forms. A multitude of shows will take place in Montreal over the next two weeks. Pan M 360 spoke with SEULEMENT about his musical universe, his inspirations, and his participation in Coup de cœur francophone this year.
PAN M 360: What is your main inspiration when you create?
SEULEMENT: It’s hard to say what my main inspiration is. I feel like what inspires is not clear. Certainly, contemporary architecture influences me a lot. It is from that that I imagine my musical forms and structures.
PAN M 360: Your universe is atypical and very immersive. Can you describe it?
SEULEMENT: My universe is made of multiple rhythmic balances that are often very strange. The pulsations are multiple, and my music can seem very unstable. As I mentioned earlier, contemporary architecture inspires me a lot and that’s where I’m going to get these instabilities from.
PAN M 360: What do you want to convey through your music?
SEULEMENT: My music is very emotional and full of energy. I created the songs on Ex Po during a very emotional time in my life and that’s what I want to convey. Also, what I create is very personal and open to interpretation. I don’t have a specific message and I want my listeners to appropriate it in their own way. My shows are sensorially very engaging, and it flashes a lot. I think that contributes to the message I’m sending.
PAN M 360: What does the Coup de coeur francophone festival mean to you?
SEULEMENT: This festival is something new for me. I was happy when I received the invitation. Francophone music is also new for me. I come from the electronic music and digital art scene. Also, I was part of an English rock band for almost 10 years. To be invited to such an event shortly after the release of my first solo project in French is extremely flattering and I am very grateful.
PAN M 360: How important is the French language in your creative process? SEULEMENT: I’ve wanted to try creating in French for a long time. I was inspired by a lot of artists from here and elsewhere who make different music in their mother tongue. I told myself that if these people were capable, I could do it. I think that creating in French makes my music more unique.
Photo Credit: Coup de coeur francophone.
SEULEMENT PLAYS L’ESCO, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 AT 10 PM, WITH TEENAGE WITCH, FOR COUP DE COEUR FRANCOPHONE. INFO AND TICKETS HERE!
