ELSIANE Is Set To Unveil Their Self-Titled Fifth Album On October 3, 2023
ELSIANE is set to release their self-titled fifth album, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer David Bottrill, on October 3rd. They previously unveiled the singles “Sinai” in June 2020 and “Tu Mirada” in October 2022.
ELSIANE was formed in 2000 when singer-songwriter Elsieanne Caplette and drummer Stéphane Sotto met in Montreal. The two artists sport totally different musical and cultural backgrounds: Stéphane is a talented and instinctive self-taught drummer, while Elsieanne – with her extraordinarily masterful voice – is a jack-of-all-trades with classical training from the Lima Conservatory in Peru. With shared influences in jazz, rock, electronic, and world music and an intriguing nod to the trip-hop of Massive Attack, Portishead, Björk, Kate Bush, and Peter Gabriel, the duo creates a unique, mysterious, and inspiring musical experience.
Their 2007 debut album Hybrid made them Canada’s hottest band. It was followed by enthusiastically received live performances, including tours with Delerium and Beast, as well as appearances at major festivals and high-profile projects, like their work on the soundtrack for Quebec City’s 400th anniversary in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil and German electronic music master Booka Shade. A devoted following had begun to form, drawn to the shadow-filled dreamscapes of songs like “Vaporous” as well as the striking visuals and hypnotic intensity of Caplette’s voice and stage presence.
Their discography evolved with a second album, Mechanics of Emotion (2012), which was entirely self-produced and integrated acoustic and traditional music more widely. Their third album, Death of the Artist (2017) presents a band basking in maturity.
After the death of Stéphane’s father in 2018, the duo started writing a new album in his memory. The production process began in July 2019 with Grammy Award-winning producer David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Tool, Muse, Smashing Pumpkins). The intense yet hopeful song “Sinai” features Caplette’s ethereal and distinctive voice floating over dramatic orchestral elements and powerful percussion from her partner Sotto. The latest single “Tu Mirada” expresses the duality between accepting one’s true self and overcoming the darkness. The lyrics are in Spanish, which is a cornerstone for the project as it goes deep into Elsieanne’s Peruvian roots and culture.
This new album is an opportunity for the band to explore new sounds and thus evolve their music, but also to surround themselves with new musicians such as Pedro Eustache (Yanni, Hans Zimmer), Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Tony Grey (Hiromi, Karsh Kale) and Caroline Planté.
Watch the video for “Tu Mirada” below and learn more about ELSIANE via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Elsieanne Caplette the singer and composer of the band Elsiane. I was Born in Montmagny Qc.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
Our music comes from a very deep place connected to the soul and ancestors. It’s emotional, Something like out of a mythology. It takes you on a journey like a film. It’s music that has healing qualities and helps you reconnect with yourself. The style is ethereal worldly trip-hop.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
Our next performance will be on Oct 3rd for the album release. We are planning to have some shows for next year and we are hoping to book some tour dates. The live performance is always the opportunity to connect with our fans and it’s often so special. We always try to give variety to our fans and do minimal songs. each show is different in its own way. The fans always enjoy so much the acapella because they get to hear that the voice is real. For someone who never heard us live be prepared to live through all kinds of emotions and experience something unique.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
From the new album “Traces of the Heart,” From the previous album “Vaporous.”
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
In terms of musical acts Devin Townsend, Rush, Daniel Lanois, Howard Shore, Measha Brueggergosman, and Rolston String Quartet. Other artists and directors Robert Lepage, Denis Villeneuve, Jean-Marc Vallée, Marie Chouinard, David Bottrill, Jerome Prieur, Marie Josee Roy, Maya Kulenovic, Amer Rust, Vanessa Alarie, Krista Bursey, and Jason Wasserman.