The music of Philippe-Alexandre Bélisle started to be heard at Theater plays. He is in fact well knowned in the Montreal amateur theater community as a comedian and a musician. Philippe-Alexandre Bélisle is lucky to be a formidable actor as well as a composer. He can play with his emotion in most difficult roles which transpose itself remarquably well into his music. He can provide accurate emotional response on stage with his body, his language and his music which is a powerful tool in any of his performances. The public is immediatly tranported where Philippe-Alexandre wants them to be and he never let them down. Is he ready now to face the Hollywood world? Let’s see what he thinks about his music, his experience as a composer, Hollywood, the Net and the Future…
GOM: Tell us about your first experiences as musician.
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: Well, I was once a classical performer, studying music at the Conservatory school of Montreal. What I remember the most is the tremendous amount of time I spent on scales and boring tunes… Also, I was very scared of playing in front of people at that time (and still today). That probably encourages me to evolve in a studio environment.
GOM: You’ve composed many songs. Tell us about the “composing experience” and also what kind of feelings you want to transmit to your public…
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: In a contract situation, I make sure to understand the mood that is required. I need to live the motion before putting it into notes. When I compose for myself, I try to establish a solid bond between myemotion and my intention. When this happen, the result is always exceptionnal.
GOM: Let’s talk about your last production…
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: “Nostalgia – Reprise” is my last production. After recording and producing the original composition titled “Nostalgia”, two of my friends and partners offered me to do a new version from it. The result is quite stunning and I am very fortunate to have had this opportunity to work with such talented producers (Daniel Berthiaume & Denis Couture).
GOM: How would you define your style? and what’s the difference between the initial and the last productions?
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: My style is not yet defined. I am still exploring many aspects of my creativity. I seem to have a preference to Medieval, New Age and Film music but in truth, many music genres interest me and I don’t see how to focus my energy on only one specific music style… The biggest difference between my earlier work and my recent productions is the sound quality. I simply could not afford the instruments and equipment needed to produce acceptable results. Even if my sound improved over the last few years, I am not satisfied with it yet. I invested recently in a new studio environment, that should help me a lot in the future…
GOM: What kind of music do you listen to, usually…
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: Soundtracks. I have a collection of over 1000 movie soundtracks. I am in love with the music of John Williams (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Angela’s Ashes…), Hans Zimmer (Gladiator), James Horner (Willow, Glory), Ennio Morricone (The Mission, City Of Joy), Vangelis (BladeRunner, 1492).
GOM: Your music is completely instrumental, ever thought to compose a song with vocals?
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: Yes. You can discover many of the songs I wrote for the singer/producer Denis Couture here : http://www.mp3.com/deniscouture
GOM: Your music could be used in Hollywood productions… what do you think about this?
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: It could be very exciting, but I think I have many things to learn and create before Hollywood even consider listening to what I do 😉
GOM: What about your Live! experiences?
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: Mostly difficult times. Bad sound, bad public, bad places. But, I experienced some truly magical moments on stage and I think that once you feel a true bond between you and the public, then you are hooked for life. I try to appear in public as many times as I can in one year but I am very selective on which and what occasion I am to perform. No more restaurants, bars, or noisy crowds.
GOM: You and the Net… a good or a bad relationship?
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: This relationship evolved to a point where all my expectations were simply exceeded. I discovered so many wonderful artists online and so many wonderful people discovered my music… I am alive as an artist since I decided to give the Net a chance. What a pleasure it was for me to receive my first comment from a total stranger. What a feeling it was when I sold my first CD in the US and Europe. It is beyond anything I could have had achieved using traditional Major publications. My music is not commercial oriented and, quite frankly, I have never been a good seller. So, the gratuity of the Net helped me gain confidence in what I did and permit me to reach a public that I didn’t even suspect it existed.
GOM: The future?
Philippe-Alexandre Belisle: Better sound quality, better music, a few collaborations with some established artists (in the real world, this time) and a new CD due in July.
Well, what else can we say about Philippe-Alexandre? he is a good friend and also a kind person 😉 So, i hope for you the best, my friend! You are Ennio Morricone’s Talented Heir and we’ll see you soon in some big Hollywood production, among the stars!
