Human science | 2Frères gets out of his slippers

Human science is the fifth album of original songs by 2Frères in ten years. But by ensuring the production and artistic direction of their project for the first time, the duo rediscovered a stimulating passion… which took them to Abbey Road Studios, in London.

In the five years since the release of their first album in April 2015, Erik and Sonny Caouette have worked a lot. All the time. “When I look at our diaries at the time, all the boxes are filled! », says Erik. “We said yes to everything,” says Sonny.

This is probably what allowed their career to explode. But they also almost paid the price. “We felt that the elastic was stretched quite a bit,” relates Erik, who explains that they still have big periods of work – like at the moment! –, but always have vacations planned on the schedule. “Psychologically, it changes everything. »

This is because the two musicians want to continue to love this profession which fulfills them. By now controlling the agenda and expenses as much as the artistic choices, they felt a wind of renewal blowing. “There’s still gas in the tink!” », says Erik.

And how does decision-making work? “We’re on the same wavelength,” replies Sonny. There was no bickering. » Their rule is simple: if there is ever a difference of opinion… the no side wins. “It’s the respect we have for each other,” adds Erik. We are not going to try to convince ourselves, we are not going to be stubborn. »

Put yourself in danger

When they look at how far they have come in ten years, Erik and Sonny are proud. “It would have been hard to dream of it going any better than that,” Sonny said. The 2Frères project remains a “project of the heart”: their parents are their tour directors, and several members of the team have been with them “since day 1”.

“Our drummer, we did our demos with him in the basement,” remembers Sonny. We paid him in hot dogs. Literally ! »

However, we note the absence of the one who was often called “the third brother”, Steve Marin, who wrote several of their songs and produced their albums. “We couldn’t agree on how to do this one,” Sonny said diplomatically. A decision that took them out of their shoes and gave them self-confidence.

Both musicians believe that they were able to infuse their color throughout the album. What is it? “It’s not just positive things, like people are used to hearing from us,” Sonny replies. This is an album more imperfect in the subjects covered. But it’s still authentic. »

It is “human science” in its beautiful and less beautiful aspects, in happy or sad moments. Sonny argues that despite the softness, the album has a more rock tendency, “with touches of prog”. The director Gautier Marinof also had great latitude, and took them on paths they have rarely traveled. Immortalsfor example, is more punk-rock, and “stirs” a lot.

“When we played in bars, we did all styles of music,” notes Erik. We have a wide range that goes beyond what we have presented until now. And we will continue to experiment. »

Abbey Road

Now it’s time to tell us how they ended up at Abbey Road. “Go ahead Sonny, it’s your story!” ” Erik says to his brother, who describes himself as a “studio geek.”

It was logical to start with the one that saw the birth of the Beatles. As producers, they have given themselves the right to realize this desire, which is simpler than you think: it only involves reserving a time slot on the website. The duo chose one of the smallest studios available, and there they were.

“What we also wanted was to sing into the microphones of the 1960s,” explains Erik. Sonny completes. “But it’s not just old microphones, there. These are THE microphones used by the Beatles! It’s fabulous. »

The musician still gets goosebumps when he talks about the places. “There is really a special energy. What happened there literally changed the world. »

The duo recorded a song there, Believe in uswhich Alexandre Poulin wrote for them. A logical choice, since this unifying song, which suits them perfectly, was the common thread of the album.

“When you come to a place like this, you have to choose a song that suits the place,” says Sonny.

Trust

The tour Human science has been started since September, and they hope that it will take them “to the four corners of the province, to the most beautiful halls, the biggest festivals”.

“We also produce the show,” explains Erik. We put the eraser on the lighting, the screens… we put cream on the cake! There are six musicians on the road all the time. »

In these difficult times for the music industry, isn’t all this a bit ambitious? They are aware of it, but are confident.

“Yes, it’s a bit crazy,” agrees Erik. But there are still people who want to come and listen to music. I think we’re doing well. »