Our exclusive interview with french artist Lucie Dehli

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

As a musician, my journey has been a diverse one. I was born in the Auvergne region of France and have had the privilege of living in several European cities, including Paris, London, and Liège. My upbringing in Auvergne, steeped in Celtic heritage and the presence of druidism, has profoundly shaped my deep connection with nature, a recurring theme in my music. I’ve had the opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of Paris, which has significantly influenced my creative path. London, on the other hand, feels like a second home to me, as it’s where I signed my first album with Somebizzare. In Liège, I’ve cherished a serene and nurturing artistic environment, even drawing inspiration from the sacred landscapes, like Montagne Saint Pierre in Belgium. Each of these places has left its unique mark on my musical journey. My musical journey also includes a deep connection to the violin. I spent 15 years studying the violin in a conservatoire, but I’ve also invested considerable time unlearning the academic techniques to develop my own distinct way of playing. This approach brings the sound of my violin to life, conjuring vivid images and landscapes with every note. The vibrations of the strings, the crackling of the bow, and the sound, both pristine and raw, mirror the essence of nature and life itself.

How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process is akin to embarking on a journey through imaginative landscapes. It commences within the realm of an awakened dream, where a melody and onomatopoeias resonate in a kind of English. I strive to preserve this initial inspiration within my subconscious mind and solidify it in this cerebral domain. I prefer not to prematurely engage my rational faculties; I let the music flow organically. As long as my own music continues to guide me on this journey, I persist in its construction. I make space and let the instruments and sounds come naturally. Sometimes, I’ll casually pick up a guitar or bass, allowing my hands to wander freely, eagerly awaiting moments of magic. I thoroughly relish this creative journey. My compositions draw inspiration from the elemental forces of nature, which encompass volcanoes, water, and sacred gardens, as well as the influence of rituals and the Feminine Sacred. And then, after being in that creative space, the foundations are reliable for writing, playing, and recording.

Can you present your latest release and tell us the story behind its creation?

It’s the story of water, wind, fire, earth. It’s the story of every cell inside of us, it’s the story of stardust and atoms dancing and celebrating all together. All these elements, flewing inside of me gave birth to Homam. I wanted to celebrate them, so I took interest in the different rituals in the world that could be invited in my creation. Homam, the indian ritual of purification by the fire, Misogi, the Shinto ritual of purification with water, Nyu, the druidic fith element, the Sylph and the Lion and their archetypes linked to the wind and the fire, the regenerating power of water in As Real as water, Morrigan and the ritual of sacred feminate, Things to love, inspired by the pagan poem of Jane A Fletcher written in 1935…
The process of creating ‘Homam’ was about connecting with these elemental energies and bringing them to life in sound. ‘Homam’ is about harnessing the energy that these elements represent and taking listeners on a transformative experience. This journey involved collaboration with other talented artists like Jo Quail, whose evocative cello work added a profound dimension to the album, Lee Lebens who brought his skills on the mixing of the album and will be by me on stage, and Jake Harding, who lent his incridible voice to the final track ‘Nyu,’.

What inspire you in general to write and create music?

To be honest, I don’t have much control over it. It’s like a flow of energy that surges through me, almost like a date with inspiration. During these moments, I feel more like a conduit than my concrete self, Lucie. They’re incredibly precious and seem to exist in a state of both brevity and eternity. I later learned that it’s a state of transcendence. It’s a fascinating experience to connect with these energies, rise to a different plane, and then return to the material world – sometimes to do something as ordinary as baking a chocolate cake. I didn’t choose this, and believe me, I’ve tried to resist it at times because, when you don’t understand what’s happening, it can be disconcerting. However, over time, I’ve come to embrace these moments, making them a part of my life as a human being, whether they come from my imagination or somewhere much farther.

What can we expect from you in the future?

In the future, I guess my music will continue to bridge cultures and elements. My vision is to help people discover their inner power and beauty by connecting with the elements within themselves. I’ll be working on more creative projects, pushing the boundaries of my art, in music and paintings and contributing to the beauty of the world. My music and performances will persist as spaces of connection, allowing my listeners to transcend the everyday and embrace new possibilities. Additionally, I aim to further expand my live performances, turning concert halls and festival spaces into realms of deep connection, where each event becomes a unique and transformative experience for my audience.

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