Filed next to artists like Caribou, Mount Kimbie & Jungle, we find the club-inspired French band of Samba De La Muerte. We are lucky enough to be joined by frontman Adrien Lepr?tre to give us an insight into his hometown of Caen, in Normandy, France.
Having received the seal of approval from tastemaker Giles Peterson last year, the band have already confirmed to perform at the legendary SXSW this March, followed by their debut UK show at The Waiting Room in April, 2020 has started big and Samba De La Muerte have no intention of looking back.
More details here for their gig at the Waiting Rooms in London on the 20th April.
Where are you from?
I am from Caen, a city based in Normandy, France.
The town is located 5 minutes from the sea and is connected to England by boat which goes directly to Portsmouth in 6 hours.
What are the best things about your hometown?
I like to say it’s the perfect size town if you’re looking for a nice place to live. It is quiet and at the same time very lively because it welcomes a lot of tourists and students.
It’s always a pleasure to be back from touring, going to the beach, breath fresh air…I could have chosen to live in Paris because of the music but I really needed wide open spaces and nature around me.
Also, there’s good places to hang out, meet friends and listen live music!
The weather can be capricious but with the global warming, it looks more and more like California here in the summer…
If people are visiting the city, where do you suggest checking out?
Coffee: Gloriette – A really nice concept store, bar, restaurant where it’s easy to chill, have a coffee (or taste natural wine…). I like working there, doing emails and stuffs by the morning with my dog Jungle ;).
Breakfast: La Ferme de Billy.
An old farmhouse that has been rehabilitated into a restaurant. The owners serve an incredible brunch in the middle of nature with fresh and local products. You must also taste their apple juice and calva (local alcohol) that they make on the spot …
Lunch: Le Pigalle – simple and good in the style of Parisian brasseries.
Dinner : Atelier du Burger – The best Burger in Town.
Bars and nights out…
Le Carg? – The place to go to concerts and party. A lot of my bands started in this place. The programming is pretty eclectic.
Portobello Rock Club – I recommend Phunky Doyen’s resident nights, 70’s funk and afrobeat specials only on vinyl.
Cultural sites to see…
I like doing cycles near the river. It’s calm and beautiful.
L’Abbaye d’Ardennes – One of my favourite places in Caen. It’s an old abbey that has been restored to house the Institute of Contemporary Publishing Memories. There are some great exhibitions there.
Le Frac et l’Arthot?que – Best place to go to see exhibitions.
Finally, Caen is really situated in the heart of French history because of the Second World War. So there are a lot of historical sites related to that which brings thousands of people here every year. You can go and see the D-Day beaches, the memorial museum or the old centre.
How would you best describe your sound?
I don’t really like labels in music. Samba De La Muerte is a project full of freedom that takes me where I want to go without any limits.
Of course you can hear electronic music, pop, afrobeat but for me it’s more than that. I want it to be a real experience for the listeners with a story to tell.
Who are your main musical influences?
I’m listening a lot of music. Different kinds…
I can say that the artists who have changed my life and made me want to move forward and progress are : Fela Kuti, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens and Mount Kimbie.
What can people expect from Samba De La Muerte live?
An experience. It’s the best way to understand and feel our music. It’s intense, dancing and powerful.
What’s coming up in 2020?
We will defend our new album ‘A Life With Large Opening’ on stage in France, Europe (London on April 20th at The Waiting Room 16), Mexico and USA…Writing new music too !
You can keep up to date with the band on their socials below.
