Additional Information
The Boutique’s shelves are of course set with feelings, but also with rap, funk, or due hip-hop, trip-hop, psychedelic rock, prog rock and the most spectacular krautrock references, the most muscular melodic choruses, and a thunderous feeling for the social and political norms that govern us, as well as for mutating identities. If you need a hip-hop cousin, OutKast and Madlib are it. If you need a more indie pop-rock cousin, you can avoid Kim Gordon or Damon Albarn in Gorillaz mode. Read this interview with its main protagonist, Karim Lakhdar, better known as frontman of Atsuko Chiba, who performs this Thursday at Casa Del Popolo as part of the Taverne Tour.
PAN M 360: Can you tell us a bit about your musical evolution? How did Boutique Feelings come about?
Karim Lakhdar: Boutique Feelings was born out of a desire to explore another part of myself. In fact, I’ve been writing music on the sly for quite some time now, something I’ve been sharing with friends and family. It was really a kind of therapy that I practiced without pressure or any specific goal.
One of the big turning points for me came when I quit my job, after more than 10 years. I didn’t really have any plans, apart from concentrating on music and artistic expression. The only thing that was clear to me was to complete an EP and share it. It was a way of closing this chapter and starting a new one. I don’t think I could have managed without the support of my wife, who really helped me through this transition.
PAN M 360: We first came to know you as singer, keyboardist and guitarist with the band Atsuko Chiba. How does this experience influence your work today?
Karim Lakhdar: I’ve been playing with Atsuko for 13 years. It’s more than a band, it’s my family. I carry with me all the experiences we’ve had together. Whether it’s songwriting, touring, friendship, our conversations… It lives in me, and I can’t dissociate myself from it. I’m always learning from them. So, in a way, it’s an integral part of what I do with Boutique Feelings. Without the support of everyone in the band, as well as the family around us, I don’t know if I would have taken this step.
PAN M 360: The combination of hip-hop, trip-hop and prog-psych can be felt in your music. What attracts you to these genres?
Karim Lakhdar: Honestly, that’s a difficult question to answer. My musical tastes are very eclectic, so the reasons that draw me to these kinds of music are pretty much the same as those that draw me to post-punk, funk, salsa, rboukh, electroacoustic music and so on. They’re all ways of telling a story.
In my case, at the moment, what comes out of my head takes the form of these musical styles. I can’t say it will be the same in the future. I always keep the door open. Music is a manifestation of the self, and as we’re always changing, so does our thinking.
PAN M 360: There’s a visual identity to the project that already seems to be developed and engaging thanks to analog technology. How does this identity develop through your artistic vision?
Karim Lakhdar: For me, visual identity is always important. The relationship between the music and the visual representation of the project must create an atmosphere of intrigue. It’s also something very personal. Images, like words, mean different things to different people. What I understand when I see an image is not necessarily the same as what you understand. I love this aspect: I’m not here to tell you what to think, it’s always a suggestion.
I worked with Rodrigo Sergio on the design and creation. I hope to continue working with him and experimenting to develop a vision that evolves with the project. Each release deserves a different approach, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
PAN M 360: How do you approach the sampling and audio design of your music?
Karim Lakhdar: For me, each song on this EP is a universe. They are showcases that (I hope at least) invite you to discover the world of Boutique Feelings. In this case, sampling plays a major role in the creation of these worlds. Often, these samples are the starting point for an idea. Three seconds can influence the direction and theme of a song. Sometimes I create my own samples, and other times it’s something I find.
On the more technical side (or maybe not so much), I have fun cutting up bits of audio and experimenting. I modify frequencies, reverse them, add effects and so on. Sometimes I record a guitar phrase, cut it up and play it back using a MIDI controller, which transforms it completely. The aim is really to create without a destination. That’s the general philosophy of the project.
PAN M 360: Your first single, Sundried Autumn, has a psychedelic, atmospheric feel, while Trynna Do focuses on personal development. What was your state of mind when composing these first two tracks?
Karim Lakhdar: These songs were created about two years ago. They were written at the beginning and during the pandemic. Like everyone else, I had a lot of time on my hands and a lot of questions.
A central theme in Trynna Do was trying to look at the world around me with a more objective eye, despite negative thoughts. I know that’s not necessarily possible, but I was trying to be more empathetic towards what I didn’t understand.
Sundried Autumn deals with the theme of self-confidence… since I personally have a lot of trouble with self-confidence. Both songs have an introspective dimension, and I honestly didn’t understand this until I reworked them two years later.
PAN M 360: How do you feel about the Montreal audiovisual scene at the moment? Are there any local artists you follow closely?
Karim Lakhdar: Montreal always has something to say. We have excellent artists in every genre. This is a city with so much diversity and we take artistic expression to heart. In terms of music, I’m really into Zouz, Yoo Doo Right, Narcy and Suuns.
For audiovisuals, I think the work Anthony Piazza has been doing for years is excellent. I also really like the work of Naska Demini, who creates such moving portraits.
PAN M 360: What’s next for Boutique Feelings? Are there any exciting upcoming projects you can share?
Karim Lakhdar: Je travaille actuellement sur un album. C’est tout ce que je peux dire pour le moment. Mais je suis excité de poursuivre cette aventure!
PAN M 360: If the audience had to take away one message or emotion from your music, what would you want it to be?
Karim Lakhdar: I hope that they retain this idea of hope. I think we’re all going through difficult times, and it’s important to come together rather than tear each other down. I really believe in community spirit. Support your loved ones, your family, your local and global community.
