We find Suduaya (aka Louis-David Roquefere) a musician since he was just five, taking a rest in France after an extensive summer tour, looking forward to the forthcoming show with Irina. The man is preparing a number of new tracks across both his chill out and psytrance projects and is looking forward to getting to Australia for the first time. That story is similar for Irina who too is completing a busy summer tour in Europe. Interestingly, we catch her in the car driving from Montreal to California to be able to board her plane to Australia.
“I received classical music training and started composing as well as performing from an early age,” explains Irina. “I moved from Kazakhstan to Saint Petersburg to continue my music training then shortly afterwards, joined a successful Russian folk/rock band and made radio and TV appearances. When I moved away to California I performed with a more traditional band and later connected to the international electronic scene.”
On the topic of her musical upbringing, Irina explains growing up in a professional music family. “Dedication to studying music was something important to me,” she says. “I remember the long hours of practicing piano which I now get to appreciate because it allows me to compose, produce and teach music. I’m also really looking forward to meeting Louis Suduaya because even though we haven’t met, we have a great musical chemistry.”
She admits too, that life on the road is difficult, because the recording process never stops. “The best thing for me is to find some time away from touring to focus on my album, which I hope to work on during our winter. And while I relate to different kinds of styles I feel that I have to be a bit more selective these days. Vocals are something musicians use often and some projects I feel more of a fit for some than others. I like working with Kaya Project, Vlastur and of course Suduaya.”
Likewise the Frenchman relishes his diet of funk, hip hop and heavy metal, but he’s definitely stuck on psychedelic music because of its diversity. “This is where I can express what I want to express the best,” he says. “Musically, France had a great scene in the ’90s when Goa took over, then it started to fade out, but it came back and now it seems like now it’s getting stronger and stronger,” he explains.
“Even though ambient is not the easiest to include at a festival, most events still need to push the quality of their stage to understand its real meaning. Only a few events recognize it and consider it on the same level as a trance stage. That’s why I enjoy playing at chill out gatherings. It rarely happens but when it does, it’s amazing.”
Irina too enjoys a board palate of music, citing a love of genres from everywhere, as long as it’s focused and not too predictable. “For me, I will continue composing chants and singing traditional styles for all my creative life. Some days I am attracted to world or dub or electronica, other days I prefer more soothing styles of ambient sounds, other days something from a dance direction or an up beat genre. I don’t mind expressing my wild side,” she says in jest.
“That’s why collaborating with Suduaya is inspiring. He is very open and creative which allows for amazing things to happen when co-creating music. I am excited to see what else we can come up with for the Melbourne show. Some of it is a surprise even for Louis and I.” So finally, both are due in Australia soon for their inaugural performances and both are really hyped. While Suduaya claims punters should be prepared for his live show, Irina is more circumspect. “I find the people very beautiful, happy and friendly and I’d love to learn what the culture is all about.”
Oh – and she will bring the music too.
BY RK
