“I got slapped on my way to New York”

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All Culture: You’re back with a new album titled This is real. How did you work on this album?

Thomas Kahn: It was a lot of research and introspection. I’ve really listened to all the artists who inspire me. I have really analyzed all this music that speaks to me, and I have transcribed as much as possible the codes of soul music that make me love it! It has been two and a half years of intense work. With my team, we have worked hard!

A first title was unveiled before the album was released, it is “More Than Sunshine”. The clip was shot in Manhattan (USA). What is this song about?

It is a rather personal title. It tells how I feel when I take a loved one or a member of my family in my arms and in particular the strength it gives me when I have them by my side. Also, it is my son who appears in the clip. I tried not to show his face too much out of respect for his identity.

More generally, what are the themes you wanted to tackle on the album?

When I start writing, I always talk about a strong moment that I am living. I try to talk a little with everyone. I talk a lot about the fact that, in life, difficulties can become strengths.

The magazines Rolling Stone qualifies you as “the little prince of the modern soul”. How does it feel to be compared to famous artists like Otis Redding, Charles Bradley or Lee Fields?

Sure, this warms my heart. It is nice to be considered “the little prince of the soul” but I also have in front of me masters, legends and myths of this music. It is a first recognition for me but the road is still long.

Was the fact that you shot the album’s music videos in the US also a nod to these artists?

It is true that going to the United States to meet this culture that inspires me seemed essential to the creation and the outcome of this album. I got a real slap on my way to New York, especially the Harlem neighborhood. I really understood this culture that inspired me and I realized that I still had a lot to learn. It was wonderful ! In any case, I and the musicians who accompany me are very inspired by the music of Charles Bradley and the sounds he defends. And it is necessarily felt on the album.

Can you say a few words about Laurent Dupuy who is behind the recording and mixing of the album?

What you need to know is that he worked with Simon Capony (Basalte Studio). They both do a great job respecting the vintage and modern sounds of this album. Laurent Dupuy came to Auvergne. He stayed with us for a week in the studio. It was a very intense week of learning. He is one who still has two Grammy Awards. He really guided us to respect as much as possible the desire to make a vintage and modern sound at the same time. Next, we went to England, to the Real World studios, to record sessions with him. And it was a great time.

Did it make you grow musically?

Oh yes ! I took a real lesson with him. I learned how to process the sound, how to record it, how to record the source. It was magical to work with Laurent Dupuy, we all learned from working with him. We have absolute confidence because the boy is recognized for his work. He has a recognized competence. So, inevitably, we want to let ourselves be guided while having ideas. It was a great learning experience!

Are there already concerts or tours planned for the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023?

Of course ! We had a very nice reception from the audience on the songs on the album. There are already ten dates for next year. Before that, there will be two release parties on October 21 in Clermont-Ferrand and October 26 in Paris. I will also be at La Gare a Maubec on 10 November and La Source de La Fontaine on 25 November. There are already ten dates for next year. In any case, my goal is to get a complete result with this album.

Photo: © Dylan Gire.

Thomas Kahn, This is realWild Music (12 titles).

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