The French harpist Ange Halliwell makes music that sounds both ancient and state-of-the-art. That he takes a decidedly spiritual approach to the instrument should come as no surprise. In fact, his new record is called Spirit are you here ? It’s an album that blends virtuosic playing with stylistic curveballs, everything from harsh electronic music to black metal. It’s harp music for a generation of listeners who, in their lifetime, have probably heard just as much MIDI harp as the actual item. We talked to the artist about their new record, their instrument of choice, and a lot more. Read it—and listen to Spirit are you here ?—below.
Tell us about the new record.
Ange Halliwell: This record is my fifth. The way I make a record is always the same: I play the harp, improvise, pick out some interesting parts, etc. I’m always filming or recording them. Then, when I feel it’s time to make something out of it, I go through these archives and build or rebuild these little pieces into a full track. I have a big library of unreleased tracks, and I keep feeding it continuously.
For this one, I was really inspired by the time I used to call the spirits with my friend, and I still do it sometimes, with friends or by myself, simply by talking with my loved ones on the other side. The paranormal, ghosts, and communication with the afterlife have always fascinated me, and I wanted to pay tribute to them with this album. My own spirituality has always been tainted by the Catholicism I come from, in a negative way, and it’s only in the past few years that I’ve really been able to live and experience the spirituality I truly want.
When you were starting out on the harp, did you have any major influences or mentors guiding you? What kind of music were you listening to back then, and did that inform how you approached the instrument?
I didn’t have major influences or mentors guiding me, at least not specific to the harp. I didn’t really listen to music on my own until high school. The only music I heard before that came from my parents and my brother, and that included a lot of traditional music from where I come from, but also some really interesting artists my brother introduced me to, like Sopor Aeternus, Malicorne, Marilis Orionaa, Iamamiwhoami …
The first truly pop music I listened to was thanks to my best friend, and it was Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster. It was a shock for me (especially the music videos). I even did my coming out thanks to “Born This Way,” I’m so gay lol.
I think having all these very different genres around me allowed me to approach the harp with the freedom I wanted.
Could you talk a bit about the Sharp FM mix you made? Do you think that the mix’s fairly eclectic blend of music reflects your outlook as an artist?
I think so, yes! For example, in my new album I mixed parts of traditional music with melodies inspired by Mylène Farmer. I really like creating contrasts in my music, adding elements I pick up here and there.
Do you think it’s important for the music you make to feel contemporary?
Mmmh, I don’t think so. When I’m making music, I don’t tell myself, “OK, this has to sound contemporary.” I just compose melodies and then try to add details, like lacework or any kind of artisanal craft. I think if you focus too much on “my music must sound like this,” you lose the essence of your art.
Is film an influence on your music? What kind of movies do you like to watch?
Yes, literally! Film, and especially images, are a huge inspiration for me. I love that feeling when you go to the cinema, watch a movie, and when you leave you still feel like you’re inside it. I’m a huge fan of horror movies, and honestly, for a long time now, I almost only watch horror films.
We love the American tour doc you made last year. How was that tour for you? Any highlights?
Thanks! It was the first time I left Europe and it felt so exciting. I met so many inspiring people! My favorite part was when we went on a road trip with Jazz Lambaux and his friend Drew (who plays bagpipes during his show). Honestly, I felt like I was in a movie the whole day, it was so exciting.
What music have you been excited about lately? What’s been inspiring you?
I was so excited when Malibu released her new album Vanities, the queen of ambient Franchement. When I discover a new artist I love, I can get very obsessive, listening on repeat over and over again. That happened a lot with Ethel Cain, or with Mylène Farmer.
I’ve also been really obsessed with the writer Amélie Nothomb, I love her character so much. I’m reading all her books at the moment, and I won’t let myself read anything else until I’ve finished them all (still 17 to go ! ).
What can the harp do that no other instrument can?
I think it gives really quick access to altered states, for both the player and the listener, no matter if you’re a pro or a beginner, honestly.