A FUSE OF CONTEMPORARY SOUL WITH A MIXTURE OF REGGAE,HIP HOP AND JAZZ, GET TO KNOW MORE BEHIND ALEX PARVENU AND HIS ‘TAKING A CHANCE’ LATEST SINGLE ‘IT WASN’T ME ‘, READ MORE HERE
What is your name?
Alex Parvenu
What is your genre of music?
I make predominately contemporary soul, but it’s fused with some roots reggae, a little hip hop and jazz too.
Give us a little bio about you.
I grew up in North London, singing in Young Disciples Gospel Choir. My dad had music playing in the house all the time, and was an aspiring pianist; this was my first introduction to music. I formed a few groups in my teens, including a hip hop group, rnb group, and years later, an Indie-Ska band which I was the front man of. I’m currently working on solo material.
What made you go in to music?
Music is just one of my many passions, and it’s a form of escapism for me, so I’ve always been into it. It’s definitely innate.
Are you a signed?
No.
Your latest release is out ‘It Wasn’t Me’, tell us more about it.
It’s about being young and in love and not approved by everyone in your lover’s circle; I approached the lyrics from a father/boyfriend dynamic.
What was the writing process like?
I was listening to a lot of Motown Soul at the time and you know, with me, I never really “plan” to write a song, it just happens…so before you knew it, after I had the chords down, I started building and building and building; organ, bass, guitars, bvs, horns.
What is the message you want listeners to take from the single?
My favourite lyric in the song is “We took a chance, us young romancers”. Always take a chance when it comes to love.
Describe the single in two words
Contemporary Soul
Will we see an EP or Album in the new
Yes, my debut EP, Blue Summer.
If so can you give us some teasers of what to expect?
It’s an amalgamation of the genres I make; with a vulnerability and honesty in the lyricism.
Do you have any shows or a tour in planning?
Yes, keep an eye on my website and social media for up to date info. alexparvenu.com and @alexparvenu
What does 2019 hold for you as an artist?
Debut EP, gigs and let’s see what else.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
I do, but you have to wait and see who they are. Did a few collabs stateside.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? And who would they have to contact?
Music is a conversation, so of course. Hit me up on social media.
Do you play any instruments?
A little keys, a little guitar.
Who are your influences?
Paul Simon, James Brown , Fugees, Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Outkast, Amy Winehouse, The Temptations, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, Chaka Khan, Solange, Ceelo Green, Andre 3000, Raphael Saadiq, etc etc.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Life inspires me.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Happy, with little Alex’s running around my feet.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I write. I’m working on a children’s book ‘Guava Jelly’
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Probably either TLC’s Waterfalls or Fugees’ Killing Me Softly
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Don’t rely on other people for your happiness
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Expect nothing, appreciate everything.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
‘The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.’ That’s a quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
I would probably either sleep or go for a long walk; walking is my thing.
2/ Who do you see first?
Not sure who I would see first, I don’t want to offend anyone by answering that.
3/What do you eat first?
And as for food, it would probably be red grapes; I love snacking on them.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Crowd reaction, sound quality, the musicianship, how certain songs make me feel, and I guess the encore if there is one.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yea I’m @alexparvenu on all platforms and check out my website at alexparvenu.com