..I guess most of my inspiration comes from the feeling that you can get when you feel trapped in some sort of microcosm and the need to play that results from that.
PIANIST/SINGER BERANGER GRAS
Pianist/Singer Beranger Gras from Paris has developed a strong musical identity characterized by the energetic mixture of rock piano riffs and a jazzy voice. Currently living in Berlin, his classical background reveals itself through fluid instrumental harmonies and powerful piano beats, reproducing the throbbing vibrations of drums, bass and guitar alike. It is this unique way of transcribing Californian rock influences on the keys and blending them with pop shades that makes Beranger’s songs innately original.
When did you move to Berlin and what brought you here?
BERANGER: I moved to Berlin last year, initially as part of my business studies. I spent most of the year recording my first 9-song EP. Although I’d been playing and composing since age 6, it’s only last year that I really started promoting my music and gigging regularly.
What inspires you for your texts and sounds?
BERANGER: Well I try to reproduce as many sounds as possible on the piano, ranging from Californian rock to classical violin arpeggios and tribal drum rhythms. I guess most of my inspiration comes from the feeling that you can get when you feel trapped in some sort of microcosm and the need to play that results from that. I really am fascinated by that feeling.
What do you think is the main difference in sounds composed by German and French musicians?
BERANGER: I mainly know “modern” German music from Berlin’s electro scene, which is very biased. But from what I’ve seen, it seems as though music in Berlin is written and conceived to create an atmosphere, time constraints and “catchy” melodies are much less of a concern than in French music.
How would a perfect concert be like for you? Which location, which audience would you wish for?
BERANGER: Playing on a concert piano in a main street and getting people to stop and listen just because they like it.
To listen to Beranger’s music and for videos, pictures, gigs: http://www.facebook.com/Berangermusic
Beranger’s new 9 song EP is available for download at: www.beranger.bandcamp.com
Photography Vitali Gelwich http://vitaligelwich.de/
This post was posted in Minga Berlin Artist Talk http://www.mingaberlin.com/blog/2012/12/pianistsinger-beranger-gras/