A return guided by intuition, rhythm and creative vulnerability.
The French composer and multi-instrumentalist Melody Prochetmind behind Melody's Echo Chamberis ready to open a new chapter with her next album: a work where the drums become a vital pulse, the guitars create an ethereal shelter and her voice floats in a deeply emotional space. In this conversation, Melody talks about the production process, his influences, the importance of listening to full albums, the challenge of navigating an industry dominated by singles viral videos and the way he balances family life with the artistic path. He also previews what the shows on his next tour will be like… and reminds us why Mexico holds a special place in his heart.
Indie Rocks!: I was listening to the album you're about to release and it blew my mind. I would like to start by talking about production. The first thing that stands out is the batteries. How did this new album come about from that more technical and creative part?
Melody's Echo Chamber: Thank you very much for your words! It means a lot because very few people have heard the album yet. And yes, you mentioning batteries is very interesting. When I started the project I wanted the focus to be on the battery. My idea was to feel immersed in the flow of the album, and I believe that the drums have a magical power: awaken the body, generate vibration, movement, tension… make you feel alive. I wanted to be able to float on that tension and that pulse. Then I imagined a cloud of guitars, a warm blanket on which I could place my voice, as if I were swimming in the very source of creativity. I tried to achieve that. And I'm pretty pleased with how it ended up sounding.
GO!: While listening to the album, I felt echoes of 90s trip hop, shoegaze, dream pop… What were your influences this time?
MEC: You captured it perfectly. Many of my favorite musical memories return on this album: shoegaze, of course, but also spiritual jazz, especially Alice Coltrane. My Bloody Valentine It's always present for me, too Broadcast and Tear Lab. I also worked with incredible musicians: Daniel Ogrenthe guitarist, comes from jazz and has a very dreamlike sensibility; I feel that your personal story is very present. AND Malcolmthe drummer, is a legend: he travels from soul to psych, from spiritual jazz to rock. There are also the string arrangements of Sven Wunderwhich provide another complete level. I wanted something that mixed Mancini with “Chelsea Girls” of Nicosomething more crude. It was a lot of fun to mix their classic world with a more shoegaze and experimental aesthetic.
GO!: I'm very interested in how artists listen to music. Do you have any rituals? Are you more of full albums, singles, playlists?
MEC: I think I am a boomer (laughs). I've always listened to full albums. Although I am also open: I recently discovered Sia Gray because a friend uploaded a small fragment on instagramand I connected right away. So I don't think there are rules. But yes: I love full albums, and for this album I went for that classic and coherent sound from beginning to end, like my first album. It's hard to achieve when you don't work with the same person every day, but I tried to create a process that would allow me to maintain that sonic unity. I think I made it.
GO!: Today the industry seems to revolve around singles and what works on TikTok. How do you navigate that reality if you are an artist who thinks about complete albums?
MEC: I don't pay too much attention to the format designed for TikTokalthough I know it is very important.
I'm pretty bad with social media, to be honest. But I hope people can be creative with fragments of my songs. Even so, I still believe deeply in the album as a work.
Indie Rocks!: While listening to the album I was thinking: “How is this going to sound live?” Do you already have ideas for the tour?
Melody's Echo Chamber: Yes, I'm excited. I'm going to take Malcolm Gattothe drummer of the album. I'm an absolute fan, so I feel like I'm going to run wild with their beats behind me I'm sure the other musicians are also going to let loose a lot. I want something rock and roll, jammy, psychedelic and very groovy. I think I'm going to be excited watching my musicians play.
GO!: Being a musician is not easy: tours, nerves about releases, time away from home… How do you balance that with your personal life, your daughter, your friends?
MEC: I've never been so successful that I have to tour for five months straight, or maybe I just decided I wouldn't do it with a family. For now it has been a very harmonious balance: I work from home, I am available for my daughter, and then I spend a few weeks away, which is also healthy. I think it's beautiful that children see their parents live for something more, follow a passion. My daughter is proud that I make music. He likes to sing, paint… and I love to tell him that it is possible to dedicate yourself to what makes you vibrate.
Indie Rocks!: Speaking of Mexico… The last two times you came in festival format. We want to see you alone. Are there plans?
MEC: Not right now, but I'm always open. I know it's going to happen. And I'm coming because you guys are, honestly, my favorite audience in the world. There's no way I won't come back.
GO!: In closing: if you had to describe Melody's Echo Chamber in three words, what would they be?
MEC: I knew that question would come (laughs). I think… well, I'll say: Melody's Echo Chamber. It still seems like a great name to me. I'm happy with that idea.
