“Before the show, our backstage becomes a catwalk”
– Dominic Muhrer (lead & guitar)
Meet one of Austria’s most exciting musical supergroups – BON JOUR! The 7 piece founded their project just back in 2022, consisting of Mario & Giovanna Fartacek (Mynth / Berglind), Dominic Muhrer (Makemakes / Loveboat), Leo-Constantin Scheichenost (Olympique / HFA-Studio), Julian Pieber (Good Wilson), Omar Abdalla (Siamese Elephants) and singer-songwriter Amelie Tobien.
The way they create their music and art reflects their broadness and they are setting new standards for newcomers, with their ability to play as a whole or self-sufficient, with ease and originality.
Their own label, Bon Jour Records, self produced tracks and artwork is showcasing DIY culture in it’s purest. Songs so catchy, that even weeks after hearing them for the first time, we can’t seem to get them out of our heads! We had the pleasure to meet Dominic and Leo from Bon Jour at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton and had a chat about their music, creativity and fashion of course!
Hello and bon jour guys! Thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us, here at The Great Escape Festival in sunny Brighton! Who are Bon Jour and where does the name come from?
Bon Jour are 7 musicians who want to leave a positive feeling that is just as easy as a nice “hello”, inspired by alternative French pop.
How did the band of 7 come together?
The three of us started the project and worked on our sound in the studio for a long time. But our highlight is playing live. And in order to bring our sound to the stage, we first brought together a group of friends who are fun to be with. After the first show, we realized that this shared energy had to be celebrated outwardly and we asked all the musicians the question: do you want to be in the band? Fortunately, they all said “yes”.
You recently released your debut album called „Growth“, besides from the obvious, what inspired you the most for this record?
We brought completely different emotions to the writing process and went through completely contrasting phases during the production. And we had to process that musically. We have achieved our ‘growth’ through all the conversations in this process.
What’s your favorite song to play live at the moment and why?
From the beginning it was ‘Cloudy Woods’. This song has a special live sparkle. An attraction that you can feel even from the stage. A song with which each of us can let ourselves go completely.
We heard you are using AI in a very innovative way for working on your music, can you explain how you’re using it and where do you see the advantage in AI?
We are currently leaving AI out of the music itself. We like to play around with it for videos and images. It’s a helpful tool for us – also for pitches and press releases. But the idea or core message still comes from us. I think every up-and coming band should get to grips with it, because you can create a world of images and videos at low cost. We’ll see in the next writing period whether we can also be inspired musically by AI.
Thinking about the future and growing even more as a band, what do you think the future holds for you and where do you see yourself in 5 years musically?
I think we will see the project much more as a collaboration of musicians. I wish we would experiment more. I think now is the time where it’s getting more and more interesting for us and our fans musically.
What’s the best thing about being an artist and what’s the worst?
Playing with your ability like a child vs being stuck in an adult life.
You already supported Alt-J, if you could collaborate with another artist/band, who would it be with?
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. No talking, just harmonies on piano to communicate.
Which film, TV, or book character do you identify with?
Truman Show – cause everything seems so perfect, but I am still hungry for more.
What was the last record you bought?
Bombay Bicycle Club – My Big Day
Do you have any good morning shower songs?
Still Woozy – Again
What means fashion to you and how important is the way you dress for your shows?
Confidence. For us it’s a come together, like an emotional uniform. Before the show, our backstage becomes a catwalk – a big part of our show-routine.
How would you describe your style and where do you get your inspiration for your outfits from in general?
Embraced emotions. You can feel my mood just by the way I dress. Our fashion guidance is Giovanna- she is our fashionista. Best to have a few drinks (bubbles!) and go shopping with her.
What did you pack in your suitcase – do you have any travel essentials?
Chewing gums, Sun glasses and an extra boxer in case I shit myself. (never did, but I always think „maybe this time“).
Music is …
Indispensable.
Thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us Dominic & Leo!
If you want to see and hear more about/from Bon Jour, make sure to check out their website, for tour dates/merch and give their socials a follow, to stay up to date!
STAY TUNED!
xx smoke and echoes
in cooperation with MORINOKO
smokeandechoes.com 