La Musique de Monarbre
editMonarbre (full project name: La Musique de Monarbre) is an international conceptual musical project with its main participants reportedly based in Israel. Despite the project's semi-anonymous nature, it is known that the author of the music and lyrics is Oleg Ataeff. Monarbre is known for its artistic style that aims to captivate and provoke the audience, often involving a certain level of controversy. As of summer 2024, the project, which exist for less than a year, has somehow managed to release 14 musical works and several music videos, all strictly adhering to its aesthetic style that Monarbre has been faithful to since its inception in 2023.
Musical Style
editMonarbre's musical style is difficult to categorize. The project mixes genres without regard for unwritten rules, blending styles in a seemingly irrational manner that is reflective of the project's broader artistic vision. For example:
- Le Portail blends hip-hop, IDM, and French house.
- La Pluie is a classic French chanson.
- L’Apôtre Pierre combines epic cinematic music with spoken word, almost bordering on rap, and incorporates Arabic chants, making it a form of world music.
- L’Animal is minimalist and built primarily on vocals with very few instruments, resembling an a cappella style.
Concept and Visual Artistry
editMonarbre releases singles instead of albums, with each song representing a new concept and story. The project's concept involves a wide variety of musical styles and themes. Each song is a new chapter in the ongoing story of La Musique de Monarbre. Analyzing the themes across Monarbre’s songs reveals a recurring motif of pain, love, longing, loss. Monarbre obsessively explore these themes, addressing emotional suffering and sometimes bordering on creative sadomasochism. Monarbre's visuals are influenced by global culture and filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick. A notable technique used by Ataeff in video-editing is the looping of visual fragments. These loops repeat with varying speeds and sometimes change the order of appearance, creating a dynamic and evolving visual experience.
Language Choice
editAll songs by Monarbre are performed in French. Born in the former Soviet Union and having no French heritage, Ataeff chose French as the language of the project. Despite English dominating global music, and perhaps even because of it, the decision to sing in French was a conscious artistic choice and a fulfillment of Ataeff’s childhood dream.
Discography
edit- L’Arbre (Instrumental) (2023)
- Mon arbre (2023)
- La Pluie (2023)
- Le Portail (2023)
- L’Apôtre Pierre (2024)
- Le Monde Statique (2024)
- Mon Arbre (La version pour Ruthie) (2024)
- C’est tout (2024)
- Dans le Noir (2024)
- Toxine (2024)
- L’Animal (2024)
- Maritime (2024)
- L’Enfant (2024)
Notable Features
edit- The logo of Monarbre, depicting a broken heart with roots, is significant and appears as a tattoo on Ataeff's arm.
- Almost every guitar part in the project's songs are performed by Yoni Sadovay
- Monarbre often features a mysterious vocalist known as BPM, who prefers to remain anonymous, which causes some speculation about the real lineup of the project.
Recognition and Reviews
editMonarbre has received positive reviews and mentions in various publications, including:
- Hitsactus: Describes Monarbre’s music as emotionally profound and poetic, highlighting the single "La Pluie."
- MySoundMusic: Commends Monarbre for touching listeners' hearts with their unique sound.
- Actuanews.fr: Highlights "Le Portail" as opening new horizons for Monarbre.
- Dulaxi: Explores the emotional depth of "Le Portail" and Monarbre’s enigmatic journey.
- Berlin On Air: Praises "L’Animal" for its experimental pop sound and unique style.
Monarbre's music has also been featured in the LGBTQ Music Charts UK with songs "Le Portail" and "L’Apôtre Pierre," reflecting the project's significant impact and recognition not only in the music community but also in the broader cultural landscape.
References
edit- [Musikepool review] (https://musikepool.com/monarbres-lanimal-a-raw-exploration-of-loves-primal-nature/)
- [Hitsactus article] (https://hitsactus.com/2023/11/03/monarbre-trouve-son-equilibre-avec-la-pluie/)
- [MySoundMusic review] (https://mysoundmusic.com/the-music-of-monarbre/)
- [Actuanews article] (https://actuanews.fr/2024/02/15/monarbre-devoile-son-dernier-single-le-portail-et-ouvre-les-portes-du-coeur-de-la-musique/)
- [Dulaxi article] (https://dulaxi.com/unlocking-emotions-exploring-the-enigmatic-journey-of-monarbre-through-le-portail/)
- [Berlin On Air article] (https://www.berlinonair.cc/post/753807902190534656/monarbre-lanimal-indie-pop)
- [Outed on Friday, week 21]: (https://lgbtqmusicchart.uk/2024/05/24/outed-on-friday-week-21-2024-new-music-voting-artists-and-more/)
- [Beat on Monarbre] (https://vocal.media/beat/la-musique-de-monarbre)
External links
edit- [YouTube](http://youtube.com/@monarbreofficial)
- [Instagram](http://instagram.com/monarbreofficial)
- [Official Website](http://monarbre.live)