ESTHESIS: Notion of Identity

By Prog Sphere on December 10, 2020

One of the bands on the Progotronics 29 compilation is a French progressive rock band Esthesis, formed by songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Aurelien Goude. Back in November Esthesis launched its debut album entitled “The Awakening,” and in the interview below Goude speaks about it.

Define the mission of Esthesis.

Well, I’m not sure we can say that Esthesis has a mission, but we want to move people through our songs, and be an important part of the alternative and progressive music scene. This is a very exciting thing for us to make music.

Tell me about the creative process that informed your recent album “The Awakening” and the themes it captures.

Our new record “The Awakening” deals with the notion of identity (awakening, quest and lost of identity). These are universal issues and it was important for me to write about it. We wanted each song to be like a movie, with very different ambiences and emotion.

What is the message you are trying to give with “The Awakening”?

As I said, the notion of identity is essential in the record. We live in a society with increasing identity issues. In a love relationship for instance, we can sometimes wonder if we are really ourselves. This is also the case at work or on social networks. The record invites people to ask questions about themselves and their own vision of society.

How did you document the music while it was being formulated?

I’ve learnt music by myself and I always « feel » the music. Sometimes, when I write music on piano or guitar, I already hear all the instruments in my head. I’ve always worked like this.

Is the dynamic flow of the pieces carefully architected?

“The Awakening” contains six new songs. The beginning and the end of our album are linked, like an infinite loop. Each song has its own place in the album, and we paid particular attention to the transitions between tracks.

Describe the approach to recording the album.

It was important for us to record “The Awakening” in a great studio. “Raising Hands” was made at home for many parts, and the sound on the new record is much better. We finished the writing process during the pandemic period.

How long “The Awakening” was in the making?

The writing process was quite short. “The Awakening” was released only a year and a half after our EP “Raising Hands.”

Which bands or artists influenced your work on the release?

Many bands influenced us, even if we hope to have our own identity. Pink Floyd and Porcupine Tree of course, but also many artists like Kate Bush (Aerial and 50 Words for Snow), minimalist and movie music composers like Philip Glass, Ludovico Einaudi, Ennio Morricone, Jerry Goldsmith, Angelo Badalamenti. Goldfrapp influenced me a lot.

What is your view on technology in music?

Technology can be very useful and we have now great tools to write music. But it is essential not to be too dependent on it.

Do you see your music as serving a purpose beyond music?

As an artist, we always hope to have some influence on subjects that are not just about music. More broadly, we hope our music will continue to bring some light and happiness to people in these difficult times. That’s a good beginning.

What are your plans for the future?

We want to tour a lot with our debut album. We are currently working hard on finding dates, and also on our light show, which will be an important part of the future concerts. If music is essential for me, light show is equally important during a concert and I want the audience to be immerged by it, especially during powerful moments or, at the opposite, ambient and atmospheric moments. I also started to work on albums 2 and 3.

The Awakening is out now and is available on Bandcamp. For more about Esthesis visit esthesismusic.com, and follow the band on Facebook and Instagram.