EQUATE meets ALISTA
"[Listeners can takeaway] whatever they want, I have absolutely no message to convey, it's all very personal..."
After drumming for bands such as Cherry Bloom and Captain Americano, Julien Jourdan is flying solo and has embarked on his own solo project, ALISTA. The new alias welcomes alongside it the release of his debut EP, ‘Home Alone’, (out today) with the overarching message of it being: “born out of a desire to prove to yourself that you must continue to follow your passions despite the curveball’s life throws at you”.
The project which was written, composed and recorded entirely by a solitary Julien at the Batcave Studio in Paris, with mixing and mastering by Octave Zangs in Oregon, employs a 90’s rock vibe with heavy-laden runs and heartfelt lyricism. Whilst born, raised, and still currently residing in Paris, Julien opts for singing in English - because French sounds weird to him for that genre of music. Laced with subtle inclinations of his Parisian accent, we are given a rich and full experience of ‘Home Alone’ which tackles themes about Jourdan’s life and personal experiences. Truly set to make a name for himself this year, the vigour to create a meaningful piece of art is evident though the rhythmically sound, tenacious body of work he presents to us. Read the feature below…
Words by Danielle Temeng
EQ: Hello Julien! Can you tell me a little bit about ALISTA, and what inspired you to get into music?
A: The ALISTA project was born about a year ago. I was going around in circles after the end of Captain Americano. I wanted to find a band to continue playing the drums, but I didn’t find anything interesting. So, I told myself that I had to create my own project, I need to make music, so it was not difficult to get started! It was a good opportunity to put together the little song ideas that I had composed!
EQ: As a genre, how would you say Rock received in Paris, and who are your Rock heroes?
A: We can’t say that rock is trendy in this city, however, there is a very interesting small local scene. But unfortunately, there have been many establishments that have closed in the last three years in Paris, which will not make things easier to bring rock back up here…
My rock heroes? I prefer to let people guess, I find it more funny [laughs]!
EQ: If you could pick any artist or other band to collaborate with who would it be and why?
A: There are plenty, but I think they wouldn’t need me [laughs]! But if I had to choose one right away, I would say Dinosaur Pile Up, because I love what they do, it’s good 90s rock brought up to date – especially the first two albums, I have liked the last two a little less. Also, they come from your homeland, that’s cool! Matt Bigland President!
EQ: Your debut EP ‘Home Alone’ comes out today – congratulations! What was your inspiration behind this body of work?
A: Thank you! I was inspired by the love I have for 90s rock, unquestionably. I wanted to try to go back to this musical period that means so much to me.
EQ:…and what was your creative process like especially composing it all by yourself?
A: Most of the ideas came from the nights when I couldn’t sleep, these riffs were born in my kitchen between two and three in the morning! I compose all the guitars first and the rest follows quite naturally. The hard part was writing lyrics, I hate that!
“…I would only say that if you are a passionate musician, you should never give up. Always continue to make music and above all, do what you like.”
- ALISTA
EQ: You’ve stated that you draw music from your own experiences - what do you hope listeners take away from this project?
A: Whatever they want! I have absolutely no message to convey, it’s all very personal. Sometimes I don’t even understand myself [laughs]! We all have different lives; everyone can interpret what they want as they want. On the other hand, if they remember these songs as good heavy songs, I would be delighted!
EQ:…and what advice would you give to young musicians hoping to follow in your footsteps.
A: I don’t really have any advice to give since I don’t have a ‘Rockstar’ career…in my eyes, I’m still an amateur! I would only say that if you are a passionate musician, you should never give up. Always continue to make music and above all, do what you like.
EQ: What has lockdown been like for you, and what’s the one thing you’re most looking forward to doing?
A: I had a lot of work during the lockdown, so it happened pretty quickly for me actually! The thing I would like most is to be able to go back to see shows of course…
EQ: What are the top 3 tracks on your playlist at the moment?
A: Time Has Told Me - Nick Drake
Backstabber - My Diligence
The Gold - Red Sun Atacama
EQ: What can we expect from you the remainder of the year once your EP is released, any EQUATE exclusives you can give us?
A: If the feedback on the EP is positive, why not start by recruiting friends to assemble the ALISTA band and make shows! And I have some ideas of riffs that could maybe do a second EP before the end of the year… but hush, it’s a secret…!
Stream ‘Home Alone’ HERE
Follow Alista on socials:
Facebook: Alista Band
Instagram: @alistaband