What is the "Tajiguinie" you talk about in your songs?
Tajiguinie is an imaginary country that defines our musical style. It's a combination of tarantella, gypsy music, and guinguette rhythms. It creates a blend that evokes the traditions of Italy and Eastern Europe. We can also add a bit of Spain and Portugal. It all happened organically, without really thinking about a specific style, based on everyone's influences. That's what Les Troublamours is all about!
How did the Troublamours adventure begin?
My brother, Simon, played the barrel organ in the streets. When I started playing the accordion, he began writing lyrics, and I composed melodies in the spirit of tarantellas. I then contacted Bruno, whom I'd met in the hallways of the Lycée Sixte Vignon where I was a teaching assistant, and that's how it all started. The group then expanded with Eric on tuba and Christophe on saxophone to form its current lineup.
You're releasing your fourth album, produced by an Italian label.
Or, it's an independent label. They saw us playing in the streets of a city in southern Italy. They liked our way of reinterpreting tunes from their traditions, and they've been producing our records ever since! The latest is "Hibou du monde" (World Owl). It was released just a month ago. [Editor's note: the album is available at the Chapitre Lhéris bookstore in Tarbes]
What are Troublamours' plans?
The album that just came out is very instrumental and full of energy. We'd like to make a new one that's more stripped-down, with more intimate songs.
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