Some songs are born in a studio.
Others appear unexpectedly, somewhere between two destinations.
Swing A8 was born in a traffic jam.
Not an extraordinary traffic jam.
One of those we know well on the French Riviera: ars standing still, time stretching out, and a radio with nothing worth listening to.
So, as I often do, I started singing.
A few syllables.
« Pa ra pa pa... »
And the melody was already there.
Every Emotion Can Become a Music
I am convinced that every sound, every emotion, every moment of life can become a song.
Perhaps that is why I compose so often in my car.
There is something special about being alone behind the wheel, moving between two places. The mind wanders. And sometimes, an idea appears without warning.
I still keep a dictaphone at hand.
Over time, I learned to listen to these little moments. They often have more to say than we imagine.
Changing Your Perspective
What moves me most about the story of Swing A8 today is not the traffic jam itself.It is what it represents.
We all have a choice when faced with a situation.
We can become impatient. We can become frustrated. Or we can choose to look at it differently.
On that day, I simply chose to turn a moment of waiting into a moment of creation.
I deeply believe that music has the power to change the way we see the world. It invites us to slow down, to listen, and to share. It reminds us that the very same situation can feel difficult or become the starting point of something beautiful. It all depends on perspective.
A song That Makes You Smile
When I listen to Swing A8 today, I feel exactly the same as when it appeared: joy, freedom and an irresistible desire to move.
Together with drummer and percussionist Cédric Le Donne, I had great fun exploring the piece, searching for its balance, playing with rhythm, silence, and the energy it carries.
Little by little, Swing A8 became a song that reflects who we are: spontaneous, luminous, and deeply rooted in sharing. Because, in the end, this is what I try to do every time I step on stage: make the world a little better through music.
What If Songs Never Really Leave Us?
The most surprising thing about some songs is that they refuse to leave us. Even after they are finished, they continue to live. We find ourselves humming them without thinking. They follow us while we walk, cook, or drive.
Swing A8 is one of those.
And, to be honest, I'm still singing it...
Listen to Swing A8
Swing A8 is available on all streaming platforms.
And the next time you find yourself stuck in traffic,
perhaps try this:
Turn off the radio. Listen. There may already be a song waiting for you.
And if you want to extend the trip, discover this version of
« Swing A8 » recorded by car, with Cedric at the pandeiro and some improvised voices on the way.
️ Watch Swing A8 in acoustic version
Each song also bears an image.
Thanks to Charlotte, founder ofUmanoia, for his gaze and accompaniment in the creation of this universe.
