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Lou Phelps’ studio diary from the making of his sophomore record, Chèlbè
Lou Phelps new sophomore record, Chèlbè, sees the Haitian-Canadian artist find new energy and rhythm in his own story. Produced by Phelps brother, Grammy award-winning musician KAYTRANADA, Chèlbè is inspired by Phelps’ heritage and Montreal’s diverse community, mixing and blending to form an evocative tapestry: Kompa, a 50s Haitian dance music genre, dances alongside vibrant African rhythms, leaps into European ballroom dance influences, pops to funk, vibes with R&B sensibilities. It grooves, it bops – and there’s feeling to the flow. “On the surface, it’s a good time,” Phelps says, “but dig a little, and it’s layered with stories and culture. You just gotta peel it back.” Marking the record’s release, we asked Phelps to take us back to the recording process, sharing images from the studio alongside a playlist of tracks that soundtracked the making of Chèlbè.
“This is at Breakglass again. I don’t really think about taking photos while I’m in the studio recording.”
“This time I was in the lab with TEK.LUN, working on a track for the album.”
“This one was also shot in Montreal. I was recording the demo for a track on the album.”
“This was a session I had done at Breakglass studios in Montreal. Probably just a listening session.”
Lou Phelps supports KAYTRANADA at Alexandra Palace 25th – 27th April.