THE ULTIMATE VICE OF ALAN DELAVAN
(By Luigi Puglia)
Artists and creative professionals are drawn to each other. They support and cultivate the manifestations that entertain and delight the world. These individuals seek each other out because they simultaneously encourage and challenge each other, achieving even better results. Take for example Mike Bozzi. His credits boast multiple platinum records and Grammy nominated albums including Kendrick Lamar’s “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City” & “To Pimp a Butterfly”, in addition to those of Linkin Park, Young Buck, and numerous others. Most recently Bozzi has found himself working with Spain’s Alan Delavan on songs for his forthcoming record “Ultimate Vice.” The sound of Delavan’s music is nothing like that of the aforementioned artist in terms of style, what it does have in common is its exceptionality. The very organic, warm and retro-futuristic singer/songwriter has been working with other music industry heavyweights including French producer Dimitri Tikovio (Blondie, Marianne Faithfull, Charli XCX, etc.) and M83’s Jordan Lawlor. While already widely known in Europe, Alan’s upcoming release appears to be the big moment that will introduce him to a global audience.
“Ultimate Vice” is a concept album which the artist describes as “a dream, a garden that I escape to in order to overcome difficulties or hard times.” It addresses the world situation and turmoil but seeks to find a place of refuge from it as well. The sound is influenced by slowcore with classic rock and beach pop but you’ll find the psychedelia of the 60s & 70s as well. “Ultimate Vice” doesn’t sound like anything on popular radio and this is by design. Delavan had delved into some electronic presentations of his music in the past but sticks much closer to inspirations like Joni Mitchell and the Laurel Canyon artist of the “hippie” era. The songs are not easy to label as they are simultaneously intimate and cinematic. While some programming is evident on the recordings, the vast amount of instrumentation is warm and organic, including the extensive use of guitars and a 70’s Wurlitzer keyboard. The digital compared to analog ratio is the inverse of the vast majority of modern releases, which is also calculated. Alan considers himself a vanguard and has no aspirations to create music that is similar to what is formulaic in tending music. Orchestral arranger and violinist Fiona Brice (of Placebo fame) has written for Kanye West and Vashti Bunyan and contributed strings to the “Ultimate Vice” sessions.
One of the tracks from the upcoming release, entitled “Slumber” deals with Delavan’s loss of a loved one while making the record. The process of writing and recording the song was cathartic for Alan, it’s almost an automatic reaction. Experiences are the fuel for the artist. While he approached the recording of “Slumber” with some trepidation, the fact that he was experiencing these emotions in real time rather than evoking a sense of them resulted in a stunningly emotional performance. He comments, “I never start writing a song with the idea that it could have an impact on the listener although it is an inevitable reaction and it’s the most beautiful thing that can happen to an artist. I think what people want most is honest and sincere songs. The listener only connects with you when you share with them your own deepest fears and emotions, when you open up your heart and create this intimate dialogue and relationship with them. If the starting point of your writing is with the intention of being heard by thousands of people or to have an impact on someone, that can interfere in your writing unconsciously. Making songs always has an impact on me and when the song is finished and recorded. There’s nothing better than realizing that your song had an impact on someone else when it comes from an authentic place inside you.
“Come Undone” is an uncharacteristically politically and socially extroverted perspective from this artist. Alan typically comes from an inwardly conscious outlook but world events inspired him to comment in song. Sonically differing from Delavan’s normally tranquil lucidity, this song is much darker and dirtier in a reflection of current times. The message behind “Come Undone” is to literarily wake up and break the chains that society has imposed. Often described as a “free spirit”, Alan hoped to transmit the idea of overcoming old patterns and thinking for one’s self in the lyrics and vibe of this song. A track that inspires dance rather than a dance inspired track, the song reveals the mulit-dimensional diorama that is Alan Delavan and his music…the two are one. He is spiritual and mystic, influenced by the music of the past and yet possessing knowledge of today’s sound; the man and his music can be described as loving the past, enjoying the present, and excited about the future. All of these traits can be found in “Ultimate Vice.”
A conversation with Delevan makes it blatantly obvious that he is an artist. He simultaneously contradicts and proves ideas in a most charming and endearing manner, causing you to question your own thoughts and ideas…which is exactly what great art is meant to accomplish. He remarks, “I’m a very spiritual person and I believe in an individual and inner revolution which is paradoxically the result of its collective. I’ll definitely keep making songs related to the issues I feel are important. I won’t restrict myself to what others feel I’m supposed to write about. Artists should always feel free and not forced to do anything. If a songwriter wants to talk about politics and social conflict, it’s okay. If he or she doesn’t want to, that’s fine as well. There are so many things that we can write about. It really depends on the identity and style of the artist. I personally think that the ideal is to keep a balance between personal experiences While also seeing beyond your own nose. How can we ignore these environmental or social-political problems? I personally can’t do that and don’t want to either. ‘Ultimate Vice’ explores these issues a lot more than my previous work but it’s not a social-political centered album. I think an artist has the responsibility of reflecting on what is actually happening and to illuminate the world. The luminous “Ultimate Vice” is on its way, prepare now.
