Using Language as Instrument
Fránçois and the Atlas Mountains Perform Free Show at Jazz Fest
Fráncois Marry describes himself as a DIY kind of guy. Under the band name, Fránçois and the Atlas Mountains Marry has written songs, recorded and produced several albums, and directed a handful of music videos. But while his general ethos is that of a strong independent artist, Marry was quite pleased when UK-based Domino Records came knocking.
“When I was younger I was really keen to be on a record label and to become successful in music,” said Marry. “As the years passed I kind of did everything myself, and I grew quite comfortable [with it].”
When Domino showed an interest, however, Marry felt that it was the best of both possible worlds.
“I’m really pleased to be with them because it gives a broader audience to my music, but at the same time, it leaves me to do whatever I want musically.”
E Volo Love is the band’s fourth album and the first ever French signing for Domino Records. Marry, along with a group of French and Scottish musicians, the so-called Atlas Mountains, recorded the album earlier this year in his hometown in south-west France. E Volo Love weaves indie, electronic, afrobeat and francophone pop elements into a lush musical tapestry that borrows as much from Gainsbourg as it does from Ali Farka Touré.
The collection of colourful pop songs is split between English and French, something Marry hopes audience members will appreciate when they perform a free show at the Montreal Jazz Festival on Monday night.
“I tend to use language as an instrument,” said Marry in a recent interview. “For example when I want to say something quite subtle, I guess I’ll refer more to French. When I want to say something more colourful, I might use English.”
Marry appreciates the indie music scene in Canada and is hoping to tap into the local Montreal scene that has become known globally as a musical hot spot.
“I think in France, people took us as a bit of novelty in the way we play and the way we sound,” he said. “I think a lot of bands in Canada are much more aware of modern ways of playing indie music.”
Fránçois and the Atlas Mountains / July 2 / Scène Bell as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal / 10:00 p.m. / Free
