Aupinard, a young bossa nova prodigy and TikTok sensation, continues his rise with a fall tour before his performance at the Olympia in February 2025. In Nice, on October 26, he will share the stage with Morphee, who will be the opening act, for an unforgettable evening at Frigo 16. A look back at his musical journey, his inspirations, and his ambitions.
At 16, Aupinard discovered by chance the song “Saudade Fez Um Samba” by João Gilberto, a revelation that guided him towards bossa nova, a genre that would mark his first compositions. From his demos recorded in his room during lockdown to his sold-out tour in France, the young artist from Bordeaux has come a long way, conquering stages with his touching songs about love and life. On October 26, 2024, he will perform in Nice, with Ouidad as the opening act, for a concert at Frigo 16.
How did you discover bossa nova and what attracted you to this musical genre?
“I discovered in 2016 through Youtube what I found, it’s the authenticity and the uniqueness of this musical style, quite simply.
At 16, you came across the piece Saudade Fez Um Samba by João Gilberto. Can you tell us about this discovery and the impact it had on your musical journey?
This piece, what it enabled, is to steer me towards something more guided and precise in what I wanted to do musically before. It played a big role.
And for these musical projects, will you explore other musical genres? Or will you remain faithful to bossa nova?
No, bossa was a phase. It was an episode. So now, of course, it changes.
Can you tell us about your creative process? How do your songs come to life, whether in terms of lyrics or melodies?
What I usually do is first, I create my melodies, my instrumentals. Then, I try to find a story that has marked me or something that touched me and talk about it in my song. Then obviously, we try to shape it and talk about it in a touching way. But the creative process is a bit like that, yes.
You recorded your first demos in your room. Do you still work this way or have you changed your production method?
Oh no, I’ve changed since then. Now, we go to the studio, and we work on the demos in the studio with a microphone that is well-suited to my voice. It’s changed a lot. But I still sometimes record little demos on the phone.
What inspired you the most in writing your songs, especially those tinged with bossa nova?
Love. In all its forms. Love in general.
You went from recording in your room to venues like the Hasard de Ludique and the Café de la Danse. How did you experience this transition to the stage?
I loved it because I was prepared for it normally. Since early 2022, I was told it was going to go fast. I loved it. Before, I was doing 500-person venues in clubs in Paris. Now, I do one in the province. It’s very cool and I love it.
What was your favorite moment during your first sold-out tour across France?
Meeting people. Putting a face to the audience that comes from elsewhere. That’s what I loved.
How do you prepare before going on stage? And what do you feel when playing in front of a live audience?
I’m rather zen. We consult with people on a large set. When I’m on stage, I give it my all. There isn’t really a ritual, it’s just about giving it my maximum.
You will soon be at the Olympia in February 2025. What does this mythical venue represent for you? And what are your expectations for this concert?
This venue is the first venue where I did a concert. It’s really huge. My expectations are truly to offer the best possible concert. For instance, the first concert I attended was at the Olympia. I need to step up my game.
Your passion for music exploded during the lockdown. How did this isolation influence your creativity?
At the time, I was skating a lot. And during the lockdown, I had nothing else to do. I couldn’t skate, I had nothing else to do but music. So I told myself, for real, we’re going to get serious about it. And then, it followed.
What are your dreams as an artist? And where do you see yourself in the next five years?
My dream as an artist is simply to touch the people who love me with my lyrics. Or with the way I am. And my dream in the next five years is just myself. And to remain sincere. On all levels, whether musical or personal. To remain myself.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would you choose and why?
Harry Salvador. Because he’s the father of bossa nova, and I would have loved to sing with him.“
