Chênes by Roxane Métayer

TOTEMIC MODULATIONS, UNEARTHED FROM WIND AND WORDS
"The album Chênes mainly brings together songs. These songs are narratives of scenes that unfold in the forest, or in the city but with animal and plant protagonists. One song also tells the story of a solitary walk in the mountains. They are like zoomed-in snapshots of the world of insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals. They are also celebrations of growing life, and the pleasure and joy it brings.

Composed over the course of about two or three years, it was a deliberate choice to bring them together for this album, even though they were not initially connected to one another. One of them is an exception and is more of a collection of vocalizations and cries without actual words, composed in a language incomprehensible to humans because it is nonverbal.

This collection of imitated chants and sung songs had to be illustrated by the collages of my friend Fen. Even though the stories describe real species and elements, they are indeed imagined tales. Her collages are, too. There’s also the violin that adds a wandering touch to the pieces, and other instruments that shape the environment and setting of these stories. Bells, bird calls, whistles, flutes, jaw harp, harmonica — all imitate more or less imaginary species. Each has its role and its life, down to the horsehair of the bow that rubs the strings of my violin to bring forth the sound.

'Chênes' is a title that pays homage to trees I love so much, though without preference over others. They have embodied several giants that I’ve often come across, greeted, and embraced" ~ Roxane Métayer

Tracklist

1.	Tressauts d'élytres	6:01

2.	Les Lombrics s'enlacent	8:27

3.	Parler aux aigles et aux grenouilles	7:22

4.	De poison et de venin	9:20

5.	Habitants des roseaux	8:26

Credits

released May 15, 2025

K130
Recorded by Roxane Métayer in Brussels between 2022 and 2024
Mixed by Roxane Métayer
Mastered by Frédéric Alstadt
Artwork by Fanny Touchemoulin
Design by Dylan Belgrado

"To Fen Touchemoulin for her delicate artwork.
To the insects, the birds, the bats, the amphibians and the mammals for their songs.
To the spruce, maple and ebony from which my violin is made.
To the horse who lent his hair for my bow."

License