LOVO - And Then The Lava Flowed
This year, for the first time since 2019, I spent some time back home in France! It was amazing to finally spend some time with my family and friends. One of the highlights of this “time off” spent away from China was the ability to document and shoot some of my friend’s exciting projects. Many of them are taking risks, changing their lifestyles and generally doing things with their lives that I really admire. This article is about my friend Martin who’s decided to follow through with his passion for music production. In November 2022, he released his first EP ‘And Then The Lava Flowed’ under his musical alias Lovo. (and it’s the bomb!)
I have known Martin since university. We entered the university to study industrial engineering on the same year. Both of us were always passionate about music. Martin is a very talented drummer, and played in various bands in the past. We used to listen to a lot of music together. We even rapped together on stage at university parties a couple of times... Even when I'm far away in China, we always share music with each other and discuss new albums/tracks by our favorite artists.
Not long after graduating from university, Martin quit his job and started to freelance as a designer, already changing his focus away from engineering. A couple of years ago, he had a strong desire to make music himself. When he started, he was making beats more akin to hip hop instrumentals. His style and taste evolved, and now he’s really more into electronic music. Last year Martin produced his first EP ‘And Then The Lava Flowed’. He put all of his heart and his soul inside of it. Each song has a story, and deep meaning for him, representing his own personal journey. It is very powerful.
“This EP is composed of tracks that I created during the last three years.
It talks about liberty and self love. It's about free will and the fact that you can act to change the path of your life for the better.
During a long time, I've had the impression that my choice weren't mine. Today I have this amazing feeling to be in control of my life.
This EP is a way to conclude this chapter of my life before opening a new one. Each of the 5 tracks represents an important step of this reconstruction.”
released November 9, 2022
- Lovo
I feel very special being involved in Martin’s musical journey. He shared some of his songs along the creation process, and during the different phases of production, mixing and mastering. After the mastering we spent some time listening to the tracks together. I gave him feedback about the balance, the melody, some beats and the mixing because we share this common passion for music and we trust each other's tastes and ears. I’m so flattered to be able to give some little hints and feedbacks, when asked.
I admire him not only as a person but also as an artist. Especially because of the way he makes music and stays 100% true to himself and his vision. So I want to help him out as much as I can in his new journey. And the best way I can do that is by doing what I do best.. Shooting photos! Martin planned to give a live performance for the release of this EP last November. He wanted to play the drums on top of his electronic tracks. And he invited our common friend Tanguy to play the bass. I took photos of them from the rehearsal to the concert day. I feel lucky and happy to use my photographic skills to help my friends in their exciting projects. It also give me a special point of view of what goes on behind their success. All the hard work, sweat, doubts and highs and lows. I hope I can help them on the journey and contribute to Martin’s development as an artist. I can’t wait to see where it takes him… and it’s great to feel useful sometimes!
