That uniqueness can be a double-edged sword–it makes you stand out, but adds additional challenges in terms of the music industry. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this? SL: It’s something I can’t think too much about, to be honest. I make what comes out ofme and that’s all I can do. If I were to change the art that I make so as to be more palpable to the industry, I wouldn’t be having fun anymore. If I’mnot having fun, then there’s no point in trying to be an artist. There are far better paid not-fun jobs out there that I could do instead. I do want to make my living as an artist. If it turns out that enough people like my stuff, then I don’t think it should be a problem that I’m making something different.The mould has to be broken sometimes. You're clearly drawn to elements of surrealism and comedy,where do you think that comes from, and what is it that attracts you? SL: The surrealism comes from me not putting boundaries on what I take from my mind and put onto the paper. Sometimes images come to me that don’t feel related to anything in particular, but they are vivid, and I have fun trying to find words to describe the scenarios and paintings that I see in my head. In my writing process, I often find humour as the best way to get my point across, even when the feeling I am sharing is no laughingmatter.Not as a rule, but often, using irony and humour can help me express my darkness better than a lament or a solemn poem could. What would you like to achieve, personally and professionally, with your music? SL: Personally I want to keep using music (and other forms of writing and performing) to heal, to make sense of the world, and to connect with others. There are songs and albums that have helped me out of dark moments in my life, or were a wonderful soundtrack to accompany a beautiful time. If my music can touch people in this way, and help them through pain or be a soundtrack for their pleasure, that would be very moving to me. Professionally, I want to live off of my art. I can’t imagine living without creating, so if all I need to focus on is my craft, I will lead a very fulfilling life. What are your plans for 2022? SL: I want to play with a band, and I want to record more music. This album I am releasing has 10 songs on it and I have 40 songs written in total, and counting! I want to lay more of them down and experiment with other musicians, on stage and in the recording studio. - 19 - © Stéphane Hervé Chris WHEATLEY www.peek-a-boo-magazine.be
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