artificial paradises

Basquiat, a damn genius with bursts of color and darkness, danced with artificial paradises until his last breath. The dark alleys of his mind, already twisted by heart-wrenching creativity, allowed themselves to be engulfed by that cursed addiction. Brushes and syringes, tools that could have been weapons against dullness, intertwined in an infernal dance.

He painted murals on the walls of his own destruction, each brushstroke a deeper step into the abyss of addiction. Bright colors, fleeting illusions masking the growing darkness flowing in his veins. Where others see beauty, he found pain transformed into art.

The genius, born to illuminate shadows, drowned in darkness. Basquiat, the tormented soul, left his signature on the canvas of his life, a blend of creative genius and self-destructive damnation. A damn story, where drugs were his brush, and heroin, his morbid muse, wrote the tragic end of an artist who loved the night too deeply.

Aaron : “lili”

AaRON, short for Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland, is a French musical duo that emerged in the 2000s, captivating audiences with their enchanting and melancholic music. Comprised of Simon Buret (vocalist and lyricist) and Olivier Coursier (composer and multi-instrumentalist), AaRON has distinguished itself on both the French and international music scenes with their unique sound, blending pop, electronic, and cinematic influences. Their career, marked by poignant melodies and introspective lyrics, resonates as a deep exploration of the human soul.

The story of AaRON begins in 2004, when Simon Buret, an actor and writer, meets Olivier Coursier, a former member of the French rock band Mass Hysteria. Together, they decide to form a musical duo, inspired by their shared influences ranging from electronic music to French chanson, as well as cinema and literature. Their collaboration quickly gives rise to compositions that combine Simon’s lyrical sensitivity with Olivier’s rich arrangements.

Their first major breakthrough occurs in 2006 with the release of “U-Turn (Lili),” an emotive ballad featured in the soundtrack of Philippe Lioret’s film Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas. The song becomes an instant hit, catapulting the duo into the spotlight. With its simple yet powerful melody and Simon Buret’s poignant lyrics, the track deeply touches audiences and becomes one of the melancholic anthems of the year.

Following the success of “U-Turn (Lili),” AaRON releases their debut studio album, Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland, in 2007. The album, which shares its name with the band, is a true manifesto of their musical universe: melancholic, introspective, and resolutely modern. With tracks like “Mister K” and “Endless Song,” AaRON explores themes such as solitude, lost love, and self-discovery, utilizing both electronic and acoustic sounds.

This album confirms the duo’s talent for creating atmospheres that are both intimate and cinematic, establishing AaRON as a key player in the French music scene. Their music, often described as “modern melancholy,” resonates particularly with an audience seeking authentic emotions.

In 2010, AaRON releases their second album, Birds in the Storm, marking a notable evolution in their sound. Darker and denser than the first, this album shows a willingness to explore new sonic territories. With tracks like “Rise” and “Seeds of Gold,” the duo continues to play with contrasts between the softness of melodies and the gravity of lyrics.

The band begins to make a name for itself beyond French borders, attracting international press attention and performing in concert halls across Europe and beyond. Their music, often compared to that of bands like Radiohead and Massive Attack, captivates with its unique atmosphere and ability to touch the listener profoundly.

In 2015, AaRON returns with a third album, We Cut the Night, marking a turning point in their career. Brighter and more danceable than their previous works, this album sees the band exploring new sonic textures, with disco and new wave influences. The single “Blouson Noir” exemplifies this, combining an infectious rhythm with poetic and introspective lyrics.

The duo continues to experiment and reinvent themselves with their fourth album, Anatomy of Light (2020), which explores themes such as light and rebirth. The critically acclaimed album reflects AaRON’s artistic maturity and their ability to evolve while remaining true to their essence.

AaRON is much more than just a music group: it is a complete universe where melancholy meets beauty, and each song invites an inner journey. Since their beginnings, Simon Buret and Olivier Coursier have crafted a coherent and deeply personal body of work that resonates with their audience’s emotions. By constantly exploring new horizons while staying rooted in their artistic sensitivity, AaRON continues to fascinate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary music landscape.