Théodore is wearing A.P.C blazer, Reigning Champ T-shirt, and Les Talons de 12 cm Ring and bracelet.

Hope is for
Esperanza

The French rapper Lord Esperanza sat down with us before his show in Les Francos de Montreal 2019 for an interview to talk about his artistic dreams, creative process and his relationship with fashion.

In 1967, the French Writer Michel Tournier wrote a novel retelling the story of Robison Crusoe. In this new story, the young Crusoe is shipwrecked on a desert island called Esperanza. That story inspired the Parisian artist Lord Esperanza to find his artistic name, a melting pot of multiple influences with a classy approach.

One Saturday afternoon Théodore (a.k.a Lord Esperanza) arrived at our studio. We played some music of Rosalia during the shoot “I love her, who doesn’t?” He said. After the shoot, we sat down to talk about his new album “Drapeau Blanc” (Paramour, 2019). He uploaded his first youtube video rapping at 14 years old and now he is in a deeper and more conscious moment in his life “I started music because I needed approval from my father” he said. We talked with him about life, love, and future.

Do you remember your first musical memory?

Yes, it was Jazz Music. My father loves music. It was a song called Take Five by Dave Brubeck. I was 4 years old, I can remember the melody perfectly. It was at my parents’ house, we had a great sound system. My dad has many pieces of vinyl, around 3000. I was really lucky because my parents gave me a lot of cultural heritage. Since I was a kid I went to the opera, saw many cool theatre plays and read many books. I’m very grateful because they gave me so much cultural inspiration.

How was growing up in Paris? Were you in contact with the rap scene as a teenager?

Not really, I was in boarding school when I started to do Rap. I was 14 and kind of far away from the underground scene. Youtube was my connection with the newcomers, but I wasn’t a part of them, because I was not good (laughs). I was only starting and some of them already started two years before me.

How did you begin to create your rap music?

When I was 14, I started writing poems. I worked alone many many nights and hours in my room. I posted my first video on youtube when I was 14. When I was 18 I signed with an independent label called Modulor. Then I did many many LPs and small albums and this year I released my first album Drapeau Blanc, which is my 9th project.

“I want to understand
emotions and not
vulgarize them”

Théodore is wearing Dickies Shirt, MISBHV track pants, and Y-3 Kaiwa sneakers.

Why did you choose “Drapeau Blanc” as the title of your album?

Because a white flag is the representation of peace and freedom. You know, many rappers just talk about women, drugs, and jewelry. I’m ok with that, its the code of rap music but I wanted to show more about my inner-self. I want to help people to believe in themselves. I received so many beautiful messages from people who were lost and found themselves with my music.

What inspires you?

Movies, I really like cinema. Also a good conversation. I love directors like Kubrick, Hitchcock, Tarantino, Scorsese, Truffaut or Woody Allen. I remember that my mom showed me what streaming was when I was 11 or 12, and it changed my life.

How is your process of writing lyrics?

Basically, it’s coming with rhythms and ideas. Usually, my lyrics are linked to what I’m living. There is also a kind of metaphor on how I see the world. I’m definitely interested in the soul’s connection, the exchange of energies and our status as human beings. I believe in love, but not only in a romantic way but also as universal energy which links everyone on earth. There is inspiration everywhere, that’s why I like art and fashion. Beautiful clothes are very inspiring.

Do you like to expose your vulnerability in your lyrics?

Of course, more and more as I get older. I used to hide behind walls, which actually was kind of arrogant but in fact, it was just showing my lack of confidence. But now in my new album, I’m talking about very personal things: my fears, my childhood, my relationship with women, my worries about the future, etc.

Does it make you stronger to show your weakness?

Ah, beautiful question. Mm.... it depends. You know we live in a world based on appearance and ego. Sometimes it’s hard because the critics can be really painful and hurtful. But on the other hand, that’s how you touch the heart of people. When they can feel that you are very authentic.

It feels like through your work you deconstructed yourself, do you think you are the same person as you were when you started?

Oh no, I’m not. I think it’s the same for everyone. We are evolving and learning from our mistakes. It’s not mistakes, it’s just experiences. I’m always evolving with beautiful experiences: traveling with my music, coming here to Montreal, this is a new culture, new experiences, new people, new everything. I’m just spontaneous. I absorb what is around me and give it back with songs. The most important thing in music is to understand emotions and not to vulgarize them.

How did social media influence you?

It changed everything. Because you are your own brand now. But it’s crazy to think that it’s just the first impression of what you to do. That’s why I work on Instagram @lordesperenza. I’m a child of the internet, ’m here right now with you because I posted a video on youtube when I was 14. There are beautiful things on the internet right now, like the new APC collection or the new song from Rosalia. I saw this beautiful project called “School in the cloud”. It was created by an Indian man who decided to put computers in small Indian villages and connected them with old ladies in the UK so they can teach English to young Indian children. Knowledge is everywhere on the Internet.

How did fashion influence your music and your visual image?

It’s very important for me because now people look at music more than listen to it. Now music is not enough. I really like fashion and I’m currently creating my own brand which is called Paramour, it’s eco-responsible. I’m feeling touched by ecology, I care about what’s going to happen to the next generations.

Do you consider yourself a minimalist?

In my mind, the most beautiful clothes are minimalist. That’s why I like Y-3, Rick Owens and Raf Simons. I like young creators. I love a brand called North Hill, is from Paris and is really eco-responsible. Trying to be minimalist it is hard nowadays and it is daily work.

What are your next projects?

The whole tour in Europe is starting soon and we have concerts the whole summer. I’m so grateful. Thank you, God. It’s a child’s dream. I received many DMs on my Instagram saying “Hey we have been waiting for you, we are looking forward to seeing you live”. That’s gold for me. Maybe you will see me in Centre Bell in the future, who knows! Even if it doesn’t happen, I’m giving everything in my everyday work with my team and fans. Humbleness is important to me. If I can use music to give a message, I’m happy.

The latest album of Lord Esperanza, Drapeau Blanc, is available now on all Digital Platforms. All his tour dates are available on his website.

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