Rock Monsters Romania

A new year has arrived, but the SESAME Project continues to feature more amazing artists ready to be discovered by the Romanian public.

The SESAME project aims to support the mobility of artists from regions surrounding the Black Sea, France, and the Republic of Moldova, fostering intercultural collaboration through music. Over the course of five creative camps held in Bucharest, ten bands come together for seven days to create, learn, and perform. Each camp concludes with a SESAME Live Session event, where the artists showcase their newly created music to a live audience.

Our first stop of the year is in France. Our guest is CØLIBRI, which will rock the stage with his electro-style music on 15th of January at Expirat. 

Who is CØLIBRI?

CØLIBRI brings an intricate blend of electronica with classical touches, weaving dreamy melodies and dynamic beats that create a rich, immersive soundscape. Accompanied by drummer Félix FAVIEZ, CØLIBRI’s live performance is an audiovisual journey filled with captivating visuals and textured sound.

To help the public get to know you: what is one thing people should know about you before reading this interview?

Hi, I’m CØLIBRI, French electronic music composer. What characterizes me the most is the desire to take people on a journey through my music. It’s no coincidence that my stage name comes from the bird (hummingbird in English).

If you could describe your musical style in one word and your local music scene in another, what would they be and why?

Electronica is a word that brings together several styles of electro. You will see on stage that sometimes my music is contemplative, sometimes dancing. It’s not the French touch even if sometimes some people can identify with it.

What’s your favorite milestone in the process of creating a song—from the initial idea to writing, recording, and performing it live? What makes this moment special for you?

For me it’s the genesis. Finding this idea, this melody or a sound that immediately takes me on a journey and inspires me to follow. When you find a good idea it’s impossible not to finish a piece!

What impact has the support of friends, family, or fans, as well as your participation in camps, conferences, and workshops, had on your career so far?

Enormously! I met some great people in collaborative projects abroad. This sometimes takes the form of sharing scenes or meeting up over a beer!

My friends and family come to all the concerts! It’s lucky to have this support around me. This motivates me to work hard to deliver the best show possible.

How did you hear about the SESAME Project, what motivated you to apply, and how do you see it impacting your career and presence in the European music scene ?

Every month, I monitor the various international calls for projects. I like the idea of ​​traveling to make music with other people. This contributes to the creation of a network of international partners which, without these moments, is difficult to build on your own.

What challenges do you expect to face in this program, and is there anything you’re nervous about? What skills, knowledge, or qualities do you hope to gain or bring to the creative camps, and what’s your biggest goal for this project?

I hope we can compose together! Aha

But I’m not very worried when I listen to Ja Klar’s music. I’m convinced that the week will go by quickly because we’re going to have a lot of fun in the studio! Playing at Expirat Club is also a great challenge because it’s a beautiful venue. We work hard for the public who will be there.

What do you hope the Bucharest audience will feel during your performance? Is there a memorable concert moment from the past that you’d love to experience again?

I hope to get them to dance in my world and that they react to it. I remember a date in Paris where on my song “Archipel”, everyone started dancing and shouting. An unforgettable moment…

If you could give one piece of advice to upcoming artists who are reading this interview, what would it be?

Have fun! Make music you like. Create network. Be kind. That’s all that matters.

Interview by Ana-Maria Corjos and Radu Mihai