French singer-songwriter William B13, whose real name is Guillaume Barbaud, is making waves with the release of his highly anticipated five-track EP, “It Was Better now,” on December 15th. By day a school teacher, Barbaud is a self-described “lover of words,” a passion evident in his evocative song titles and lyrics.
Barbaud’s musical journey is a interesting evolution.”I started music as a teenager in a punk-rock band,” he recalls. “So I made a big change; today I can no longer shout.” his current sound is a far cry from his punk rock roots, instead showcasing a more intimate style, with his vocals accompanied by guitar.
The EP, “It Was Better Now,” features five tracks: “The Taste of Sans,” “From August to September,” “Les mues de cicadas,” “Seen 100 Times,” and the title track. Barbaud explains his approach to songwriting: “I really like wordplay, breaking expectations and expressions, but that’s not the case with all songs.”
Influences and Inspiration
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His musical influences are a blend of French greats, including Alain Bashung, Miossec, Noir Désir, Jacques Brel, Georges brassens, Daniel Balavoine, and Michel Berger. He draws inspiration from everyday life, stating, “The passing of time is also something that inspires me. For example,in the song ‘It Was Better Now,’ the idea is to say that we must take advantage of the present,not be in the past,in bleak and empty nostalgia.”
Recorded in Aix-en-Provence at Sébastien Daniel’s studio, the EP is a collaborative effort. Barbaud explains, “Sébastien composed the piano part. And I also recorded a duet with Tom Tom. And then, I don’t want to forget Fatima Taamala was my singing teacher at Salon. Having passed away last year, I decided to dedicate this EP to her, because she helped me a lot with interpretation. She taught me how to bring words to life.”
While his voice is the centerpiece, Barbaud also plays guitar. With a smile, he admits, ”I chose this instrument because girls like it and it’s also the easiest to learn.” He also added bass to his repertoire for this new EP. Looking ahead to the release, he says, “It’s a big event for me, because I’ve been preparing it for several years. I’m having a lot of fun releasing this EP and I can’t wait to know how it will be received.”
Live Performances and Future Plans
Barbaud is eager to share his music live. “What I love above all is playing songs on stage, interacting with the audience, making them interact and involve them.” He will perform the EP in its entirety on December 15th in Aix-en-Provence. He also hopes to return to the Portail Coucou in Salon-de-Provence, where he previously opened for Igit in 2017.
In the meantime, fans can find a music video, self-directed by Barbaud and featuring his children, on his YouTube channel, Guillaume B13. The video showcases the picturesque landscapes of Tallagard and the lake of Malespine.
French Photographer’s Work Showcased: A Glimpse into Regional Life
A captivating collection of photographs by Olivier Malcor, a photographer based in Pierrefeu, France, offers a unique outlook on regional life. The images, recently featured in a CD booklet, provide a glimpse into the everyday scenes and cultural nuances of a specific French region. While the exact location isn’t specified, the photographs evoke a sense of place and community, resonating with themes familiar to viewers worldwide.
Capturing the Essence of Place
Malcor’s photography transcends simple documentation; it captures the spirit of a community. The images, rich in detail and emotion, suggest a narrative of daily life, hinting at the stories unfolding within the frame.This approach resonates with American audiences familiar with photographic projects that document local communities and traditions, such as the Farm Security Governance photographs of the Great Depression era.
Connecting with Global Audiences
While the photographs depict a specific French region, their global themes of community, daily life, and human connection transcend geographical boundaries. The images’ ability to evoke emotion and spark curiosity makes them relatable to viewers regardless of their background or location. This universality is a key element in the growing recognition for visual storytelling and its power to connect people across cultures.
The Power of Visual Storytelling
The impact of Malcor’s work lies in its ability to communicate without words. The photographs speak volumes about the human experience, offering a visual narrative that resonates deeply with viewers.This power of visual storytelling is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for dialog and understanding in today’s interconnected world. Similar projects in the United States, focusing on local communities and cultural heritage, have gained significant traction, demonstrating the broad appeal of this type of visual documentation.
The success of Malcor’s work highlights the enduring power of photography to capture and convey the essence of human experience, regardless of location or language. His images serve as a reminder of the shared experiences that unite us all.
blending Punk Roots with Intimate Lyrics: An interview with French Singer-Songwriter William B13
William B13, the stage name of French singer-songwriter Guillaume barbaud, is set to release his highly anticipated five-track EP, ”It Was better Now,” on December 15th. Drawing inspiration from his punk rock roots and diverse musical influences, Barbaud creates a unique blend of genres, showcasing his evocative lyrics and intimate style.
From Punk Rock to introspective Lyrics:
Senior Editor: William, your musical journey is quite interesting. You started with punk rock and now create what some might call a more intimate, reflective style.Can you tell us more about this evolution?
william B13: sure, it’s been quite a transformation! I started playing music as a teenager in a punk-rock band, so I was all about loud music and shouting. Now, my sound is much softer, more acoustic. I guess you could say I’ve matured musically, and my songwriting reflects a different phase in my life.
Senior Editor: Your lyrics are frequently enough described as poetic and thought-provoking. What inspires your songwriting process?
William B13: I’m a lover of words, always have been! I like playing with language, creating unexpected turns of phrase. Life itself is a huge source of inspiration – the passing of time, relationships, simple everyday moments.For example, the song “It Was Better Now” deals with the idea of living in the present, not dwelling in nostalgia.
Senior Editor: Your EP features a range of musical influences. Who are some artists that inspire you?
William B13: I have a wide range of influences, from French greats like Alain Bashung and Miossec to Noir Désir and Jacques Brel. American and British musicians like Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen also play a role.It’s a diverse mix, just like my musical output, I suppose.
collaboration and Dedication:
Senior Editor: Tell us a little about the creation of your EP. Was it a collaborative effort?
William B13: Absolutely! My EP was recorded in Aix-en-Provence at Sébastien Daniel’s studio. Sébastien composed the beautiful piano parts for the songs.
I also have a duet with Tom Tom on track 3, a great experience. and this EP is dedicated to my singing teacher, Fatima Taamala, who sadly passed away last year. She taught me so much about bringing words to life, about interpretation.I owe her a great deal.
Senior Editor: The piano adds a lovely touch to your sound. Do you play any instruments yourself?
William B13: I mainly play guitar.I chose this instrument because, well, let’s be honest – girls like guitarists! And it’s relatively easy to learn. For this EP, I also added bass to my repertoire, a new challenge!
looking Ahead:
Senior editor: You’re about to release your EP. What are your hopes for its reception?
William B13: To be honest, this EP is a big deal for me. I’ve been working on it for years, pouring my heart and soul into it. I’m having a lot of fun with the release and can’t wait to see how people react to it.
Senior Editor: What are your plans for performing live?
William B13:Nothing I love more than performing live, connecting with the audience. It’s all about sharing the music,making them feel something. I’ll be performing the entire EP on December 15th in Aix-en-Provence, and I hope to return to the Portail Coucou in Salon-de-Provence, where I opened for Igit in 2017.
Senior Editor: Thank you, William, for sharing your journey and music with us. We wish you the best of luck with the EP release and future performances.
William B13:* Thank you!
