Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: For as long as I remember I have always been moved by music, either hearing music on radio or tv or movie theater. It’s something I can’t explain but music has a magic effect on me, almost like a healing effect. I did Electrical Engineering studies and got a Master’s Degree and meanwhile started playing music in bands when I was about 17 – from scratch. Back then I learned music by transcribing.
And after 8 years I was lucky to get a Fulbright grant that allowed me to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA – this is where i got my formal education and connected with teachers and other students. That experience has had a huge impact on my international career and led me to work with people like Dianne Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington and Herbie Hancock.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Cedric Hanriot in three words?
A: I’d say: textures, surprises, groove – those are the ingredients I love to put in my music
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: Through social networks (FB, IG, TikTok) but also I love to meet people after the shows, just to hear their feedback about how they experienced the concert
I don’t really think of an audience when I write a tune. When I write music I want to deliver a message and that’s the main point. I may shorten a song or simplify harmonies at some point for instance but for the sake of being musical I believe that the artist should be authentic and that’s how he/she will have the most impact towards fans.
Q: You have just released your new album, ‘Time Is Color Vol 2’. Is there a story behind it?
A: The main theme of the album is spirituality and quantum physics – 2 sides of the same coin. I wanted with this album to deliver some important messages like the universal connection between all of us, also the fact that a situation can be seen in many different ways etc.
Also I wanted to make a record whose focus would be the voice: spoken words, rap and vocals melodies. As a pianist/instrumentalist I have made albums with other instrumentalists and with sometimes some vocals but the voice was never the focus of the music.
Q: What is your favorite track from the album and why?
A:
Difficult to give one favourite track as they are all different.
I’d say EGO CHASE (for lyrics and the music production) and LA SOURCE (for lyrics and the vibe of the tune)
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the album, “Time Is Color Vol. 2”?
A: I wanted to have different vocalists/rappers/poets/singers and also I wanted the songs to be shorts, more like pop song format.
So basically I wrote down around 10 messages – and started writing tunes (harmonies, melodies, basslines) with those messages in mind in early 2023.
Then we did a one week residency with my bassist and drummer and we dived more into the tunes and they brought some great ingredients to the tunes (specific drum patterns, specific bass sounds/lines etc).
Then us three went to the studio and recorded for 3 days the instrumental tracks.
Then I reached out the singers/rapers I wanted on the album and submited the tunes to them and gave the message associated with the tracks.
Then they picked up the track that would resonate more with them and from there on I asked them to create lyrics with the message in mind. I was so happy about what they all wrote, and also their interpretations/voice.
Then we did the post-production phase: adding synth layers, percussions, background vocals, vocal edits and so on – until the summer 2024 when w
It took almost 2 years to finish the album!!
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for Cedric Hanriot so far?
A: There are many, but one that comes to my mind is one in Macau, I was playing with my own trio – like 10 years ago.
The show was outdoors and it looked unreal, far behind us were standing Casinos with huge lights etc and on our sides were standing lotus flowers – it was like 2 worlds cohabiting – the world of money/luxury and the world of wisdom/calm/detachment. ANd on top of that we sold a lot of albums and ran out of copies !!
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A: That’s a very difficult question as I’ve never thought of that.
Maybe I can give you 1 recent tune that I particularly feel special – as it makes me feel happy and at peace when I’m listening to it.
Also I love the textures, the harmonies, the melody, the chill vibe, the drum solo – everything came beautifully
Spirit in Motion, Pt.2:
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into Cedric’s unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A: There’s no one answer to that question, as there’s no rule. It can start with a melody or a couple of chords or a sample that i made or a drum pattern. I let myself go with whatever inspires me.
On this album I wrote a tune having the drum pattern first. So I build that tune around a drum pattern. On another tune “LA SOURCE” I wrote the chords first as I wanted something a bit nebulous.
Inspiration can come from anything, and I feel the same when playing a live concert.
Then when I have the first element – either melody or harmony or sample – I decide of the form V.0 and work around that, finding bassline, textures, drum patterns, melodies, chords and let it be for some time before coming back and adding/deleting/editing things until I’m happy about the tune. I love the first time when I play the song with the real band – it’s like giving birth to a song !
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for Cedric, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: In 2025 I am looking forward for:
-The release concerts in Paris and London
-Our Tour in China
-The first recording sessions for Time is color vol3 – to be released in late 2026.
For the next years/future I’d lile to do more collaborations and work more with singers/rapers.
And I’d like to tell my fans that I am very grateful to have people following me and coming to my shows and I will always give everything I have and always be authentic with my music and at my concerts !
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