Vendanges Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell s a little bit about the solo project?

So, Vendanges is a project that was born a few months ago—July 2026, to be exact—in Claix, the French village where I grew up. I put it together in a single evening while listening back to the tracks from my first solo project. I felt that project was really lacking in soul and meaning. I had an inner need to put into words what I experienced during my childhood and adolescence in Burgundy.

I eded to talk about the "terroir", the walks, the family meals, and the childhood memories.

That’s what Vendanges is about.

2.So far you have released a full length and a demo with this project, musically how do they differ from each other?

What sets them apart is basically the mix, you could say. The concepts for the album and the demo came at the same time. I recorded one long, 35-minute demo that served as the blueprint for both the first demo and the debut album. Of course, I had time to come up with other ideas to develop the album, but the core material comes from that first demo!

So, the two are very closely related, and I didn't really feel the need to make them different from one another. I attach just as much importance to a demo as I do to an album!

3.You also have another solo project under the name of 'Espor', how does the music of 'Vendanges' differ from your other project?

As I mentioned in the first question, Espoir is really just a test project. That might be a strong way to put it, but I’ve come to realize that’s what it is. I use it to get out whatever crosses my mind—strictly Doom, Dungeon Synth, and Black Metal.

As for Vendanges, I found a sound I like, and it’s going to stay that way for a long time. I’m not going to do too much experimentation with this project. I’m keeping the story in mind.

What really sets them apart, actually, is the level of seriousness and rigor I bring to each one!

4.The lyrics on the new album is the  first chapter of a trilogy, can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrics you have written so far with this project and the concept behind the trilogy?

The lyrics have always played an important role, even though they are inaudible on the album. I wrote them before composing the music. That’s usually how it works: I figure out what I want to talk about, write verses, simple sentences, or even just words, and then start finding riffs that match the atmosphere of the lyrics.

On this upcoming debut release, I talk about things like the time spent playing in a shack at my grandfather’s place, walks taken while listening to black metal albums, life in the village center, and sunsets over the vineyards. I’ll probably release the lyrics shortly after the album comes out. I really want people to immerse themselves in the world I grew up in.

As for the trilogy, it helps strengthen the story while also allowing me to make an album that is a little shorter than usual, but more complete. It gives me room to breathe and take my time composing between each part.

5.I know that the projects name means 'grape harvests' in French, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?

In Vendanges, the music is really just there as an accompaniment. It’s a project designed to make the listener think, imagine, and feel.

In terms of composition, I absolutely didn't want to create a black metal record packed with riff after riff, endless blast beats, and 200 BPM tremolo picking for 45 minutes straight. Sure, there are elements of that, but not throughout the entire album. I wanted to leave room for other instruments and different sides of musical composition.

I want this trilogy to be rich in variety! Vendanges simply serves to give an idea of where the listener is about to be taken.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

The artwork is a photo I took at sunset in the village where I used to spend my childhood holidays. Nothing too complex, admittedly, but it works really well. It was taken from the spot I always go to whenever I visit my childhood home.

The view from up there is stunning—you can really feel the sense of calm.  I’ve included two other photos of the village in the CD version, if you're interested! It’s a typical Burgundy village with a very strong medieval feel.

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7.With both of your projects you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

That’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now! The answer varies quite a bit depending on the project.

For Vendanges, I prefer to handle the composition side of things on my own; it’s a project deeply rooted in my personal memories and feelings. That said, I’m open to putting together a live lineup—provided the venues resonate with me and the shows stay within France. It’s hard to imagine Vendanges music being performed live, but I wouldn't rule it out if the right opportunity came along.

As for Espoir, I recently released an album titled OKVLTVS, which leans into occult death-doom. For this project, I’d love to find musicians to help me compose a follow-up album and eventually perform the material live.That’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now! The answer varies quite a bit depending on the project.

For Vendanges, I prefer to handle the composition side of things on my own; it’s a project deeply rooted in my personal memories and feelings. That said, I’m open to putting together a live lineup—provided the venues resonate with me and the shows stay within France. It’s hard to imagine Vendanges music being performed live, but I wouldn't rule it out if the right opportunity came along.

As for Espoir, I recently released an album titled OKVLTVS, which leans into occult death-doom. For this project, I’d love to find musicians to help me compose a follow-up album and eventually perform the material live.

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

If the opportunity arises, why not? But I’ve only found one label that really fits the Vendanges style, and they didn't want the album. I’m in no rush to find one.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

So far, I’ve only received feedback from a few people—in Japan, America, and England. The reviews have been very good, but it’s only when the album comes out that I’ll really see whether the project is well received or not!

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Personally, I dream of being able to make a living from my music, like any musician in the black metal scene. It’s a complex challenge, and unlikely to happen. I’m going to keep working hard on my music and try to find musicians to collaborate with—we’ll see what the future holds!

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

My journey into metal actually started with hard rock. The first band I heard was AC/DC in my dad's car—I must have been about eight or ten years old. That kicked off a progression where I discovered the biggest names in the metal scene on my own: Motörhead, Maiden, Judas Priest, Sabbath... the classic path for a metal kid.

That’s where I diverge a bit, though: my dad always played other things for me besides metal—Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, Pink Floyd. All those prog bands that "true" black metal fans hate—well, I found them really interesting! They had groove, well-crafted synths, and atmosphere. I discovered all that around age eleven.

When I was about fifteen, I discovered Gojira—it blew me away. From that point on, I started looking for darker bands, ones focused on the Middle Ages and fantasy (a period I love). That’s how I discovered black metal and Dungeon Synth.

Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Hyver, Véhémence, Ulk, Marduk, Peste Noire, Dark Funeral, Seth...

I also became obsessed with one specific album—like nothing else before it: Dopethrone by Electric Wizard. To me, it’s a masterpiece. I just can't get enough of it!

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Don't hesitate to go listen to OKVLTVS, my latest album with Espoir!

Thanks, for this interview!

https://www.instagram.com/vendangesblackmetal/