November 24, 2023 |
Québec-born artist Ghostly Kisses – real name Margaux Sauvé – is a true original. The up-and-coming singer-songwriter has an impressive knack for creating indie-infused tracks that feel both wistful and punchy. Developing her sound alongside producer and partner Louis-Étienne Santais, the pair have formed an artistic duo that has fast asserted itself as one of the most exciting teams in the music sphere right now.
Collaborating with electronica aficionado George FitzGerald to release their latest single ‘Golden Eyes’ this October, the trio bore a dynamic track that explores a complex narrative of romantic awakenings within friendships.
Microphone in hand, Sauvé is releasing a slow-spreading infection of love-sickness. Backed by spirited percussions drawn from UK Garage, the single bookends a fine-tuned discography that harks back to 2015 and oscillates between French and English lyrics, sporting the refinement and confidence of two artists who know their groove.
Being able to create music that discusses these nuanced topics with such authenticity and ease is not a talent that everyone possesses. The prowess of Sauvé and Santais is proven by the numbers, as they approach 100 million global Spotify streams despite only debuting Ghostly Kisses’ first full-length album earlier this year. Although the music speaks for itself, the pair are proving they’re not monolithic, debuting the music video for ‘Golden Eyes’ this Wednesday with Sauvé singing centre stage. Watching the video evokes an intricate tapestry of emotions. Similar to the feeling of coming back from a rain-sodden day to a fire-lit home, the video feels gloomy but warm; poignant but welcoming. It’s a tricky line to toe, but Sauvé does it with such a sense of security that it commands you to take it all in. The video is also peppered with flashes of deep crimson light, nodding to the emotional emphasis of the music and its ability to create a truly engulfing atmosphere.
Behind the talent is the experience to bolster it. Born into a musical family, Sauvé started playing the violin as a child. After briefly studying at the Québec Conservatoire, she then decided to carve her own, independent musical path. She started to commit to making music during her time in a toxic relationship, an experience that distinctly informed her sonic style and desire to create work that felt both sad and ethereal. Santais – who also hails from Québec – boasts being a self-taught pianist with a history of seamlessly blending minimalist pop with classical influences. They’re truly a pair to be reckoned with.
We sat down with the Canadian natives to discuss Sauvé’s recent performance at Berlin’s Pitchfork Festival, the ‘Ghostly Kisses’ music video, how she came up with her moniker and the duo’s bilingual music-making process.
1. Who is Ghostly Kisses and how did you come up with the moniker?
Sauvé and Santais: “Ghostly Kisses is the artistic duo comprising Margaux Sauvé and Louis-Étienne Santais. The name “Ghostly Kisses” was discovered in a poem by William Faulkner, “une ballade des dames perdues,” where it reads, “They brush my lips with ghostly kisses.” We believed it aptly captured the ethereal and intimate essence of Margaux’s voice.”
2. You have both English and French songs in your discography, is there a language which you prefer writing/recording in? Why?
Sauvé: “Both languages offer unique opportunities for creative expression. I think that English allows me to reach a broader audience and universality, while French provides a special connection to my cultural roots and allows for a nuanced exploration of emotions and themes. The choice of language often depends on the nature of the song and the emotions we aim to convey, each language brings its own richness and beauty to the music.”
3. We love the use of UK garage in your lead single ‘Golden Eyes’, what was your introduction to that particular genre?
Santais: “I’m glad you enjoyed the use of the UK garage in ‘Golden Eyes.’ My introduction to the genre was a serendipitous journey through various musical influences. I’ve always been drawn to the eclectic nature of music, and UK garage’s rhythmic complexity and unique blend of electronic elements caught my ear. I found inspiration in the energy and groove of UK garage. It felt like the perfect sonic palette to complement the emotions and atmosphere I wanted to convey in ‘Golden Eyes.'”
4. What was it like working with George Fitzgerald?
Santais: “Working with George Fitzgerald was an incredible experience. His musical vision and production skills brought a unique dimension to the project. We shared a creative synergy that allowed us to explore and experiment, resulting in a collaboration that felt organic and true to the essence of the music. George’s expertise and collaborative spirit made the process enriching, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring our ideas to life together.”
5. The visuals for the ‘Golden Eyes’ music video are so beautiful and raw, how does it feel being that candid and open on camera?
Sauvé: “Thank you; we filmed the music video entirely on a 16mm film camera for the first time to impart a unique organic and cinematographic feel. Music is an incredibly personal form of expression, and translating those emotions into visuals requires a certain vulnerability. While exposing myself in this way can be challenging, there’s also a liberating aspect to it. I believe it allows for a more intimate connection with the audience, creating a shared space where emotions can be felt and understood. I believe in the power of honesty in art, and conveying genuine emotions makes the process incredibly rewarding.”
6. What was your thought process whilst writing/recording ‘Golden Eyes’?
Sauvé: “The inspiration for ‘Golden Eyes’ came from a conversation I had with a fan during a tour. They shared a story with me that was deeply moving, and it got me thinking about the connections we make with people, even in passing moments. The song is about the fleeting but meaningful encounters we have in life.”
7. What was it like performing in Berlin at Pitchfork music festival?
Sauvé: “Performing at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Berlin was truly magical. The atmosphere on stage, surrounded by the subtle mystique of dry-ice fog and the gentle glow of Edison bulbs, felt like stepping into another world. Louis and I always aimed to create an experience that went beyond just taking the stage—we want to materialize and immerse the audience in our music.”
8. When was the last time you felt truly vulnerable?
Sauvé: “I always feel vulnerable when we’re about to share new songs. It’s this mix of excitement and apprehension, laying bare a piece of your inner self for others to experience. The vulnerability comes from that moment of opening up and exposing yourself through your creations and wondering how the audience will connect with the emotions woven into the music.”
9. If you had to pick a colour to represent ‘Golden Eyes’ what would it be and why?
Sauvé: “I think it would be a rich and warm range of amber and red. These colours resonate deeply with the essence of ‘Golden Eyes’ and also with the new music to come.”
10. What’s next for Ghostly Kisses?
Sauvé and Santais: “There’s a lot in the works, and we can’t wait to share new music and creative projects with everyone. We just concluded an artistic exploration that we’ll be ready to share with the world soon. Stay tuned for upcoming releases, shows and other surprises. The story continues, and we’re very grateful for the support of our amazing listeners on this musical journey.”
Photography courtesy of Ghostly Kisses.
