On Palus beach, in Plouha, Romain Daniel and Louisa Le Mézec are lying on the pebbles. The first is holding a guitar. The second a violin. Under the sun and sometimes with their feet in the water, the duo performs “Rhino Alert”. This video was uploaded on October 4 on the YouTube account of the young group Romy Lwiz. A second clip shot more recently, in Plourhan, features images of the song “Dernier cigarette”. This black and white stroll will immerse you in the heart of the folk universe of this duo. Living in Tressignaux, Romain Daniel, 35, is at the origin of this musical adventure. A market gardening workshop instructor at the Esat in Plourivo, Romain has always been immersed in music. “At 8 years old, my parents signed me up for my first guitar lesson,” recalls the 30-year-old.
“I had time”
Before Romy Lwiz, who was born in March, Romain took the microphone solo, with Romy McDaniels as his stage name. “I’ve also had bands before but never like this performing. It was for friends, with friends who still played professionally,” says Romain, who also toured groups. “Friends from Burgundy,” he adds. When he brought them to Brittany, he played their opening act. “It was a beautiful spectacle.” At the start of the year, a cycling accident left him immobilized. “I broke my leg. I found myself at my parents’ house. I had time. I had this idea for a long time. I have always written a little for myself, poems and songs.” In his circle of acquaintances, Romain makes contact with Louisa Le Mézec, 24, who is part of “a family where they all make music. I knew she was playing. I was curious. I called her in March. She came home. We played. I found it really good,” Romain remembers. The young woman, who lives in Pléguien, is following work-study carpentry training at the Compagnons du Devoir in Rennes.
“Have fun on stage”
Between Louisa and Romain, the musical flow passes. Romy Lwiz is born. In this folk group, the two musicians sing. “Basically, she came to play the violin but her voice is too good,” says Romain. In concert, the group performs personal compositions and covers. Since April, they have already done a dozen dates. “The idea of this group is to play concerts and have fun on stage. We need to find a balance so that it fits well into our professional lives,” continues Romain. How does he describe this group to those who have not yet heard him? “It’s folk inspired by American folk that I listen to a lot. Romy Lwiz performs her compositions in French, a guitar and a violin as luggage to carry their words. Those of the groups that inspire them are also taken up in a folk style, for a trip to France, to the States of John Prine and Big Thief, but also to Ireland, to Glasgow…” replies Romain.
