LE SID

In the eclectic whirlwind of the French music scene, Le Sid narrates a kaleidoscope rich in cultural hues, disparate sounds, and personal revelations. His story isn't draped in the usual trappings of the musical journey – it’s raw, unvarnished, and strikingly real.

  • Baptized Sydney in a nation where 'Jean' and 'Marie' reign supreme, Le Sid's identity was marked by difference from the outset. "So my name my name actually, I always wondered where it came from," he begins. This uniqueness, a nod to jazz legend Sidney Bechet by his jazz-enthusiast father, becomes a symbol of his destined divergence from the usual. Embedded in the very syllables of his name, this jazz connection set the tone for a life steeped in musical heritage.

  • His life unfolds like a global odyssey of sorts, tracing the steps of parents who embraced wanderlust as a way of life. Born to a Cameroonian mother, whose lineage boasted doctors, and a French father, a descendant of farmers, Le Sid's upbringing was a mélange of contrasting cultures. His parents' love for travel and diverse academic interests, from philosophy to languages and theology, set the stage for a childhood rich with global perspectives. "I was just part of their trip," he says, marking his early years with a sense of constant movement and impermanence.

  • His early years were spent across various countries, making each new place a chapter in his life rather than a permanent home. His childhood, a collage of experiences, took him from France to the vibrant streets of New York, the historic alleys of Greece, and the bustling cities of Hong Kong and Tokyo. This constant flux was a prelude to his eventual return to France, a return that would mark the beginning of his self-discovery. This perpetual motion, a familial trait, instilled in him an inherent restlessness, always yearning for something more.

  • Returning to France at 22, Le Sid found himself adrift in a sea of existential quandaries. He faced the quintessential artist's dilemma – carving out an identity in a world brimming with voices, colors and sounds. I was in a position where I had to do something that nobody taught me," he reflects standing at life's crossroads, grappling with questions of purpose and place. It was then that music, always a backdrop in his life, stepped forward. "My family was always surrounded by musicians," he reminisces, underscoring how music was woven into the very fabric of his existence. The presence of music in his life has been both a constant and a catalyst for his creative pursuits.

  • Le Sid's initial artistic expressions were through poetry, a medium he now views with a detached irony. "It was a poem, I think. And the first song I ever wrote was very depressive," he recalls. These early forays into music were unrefined and instinctive, driven more by emotion than technique. Acknowledging his untrained beginnings, Le Sid's narrative is refreshingly devoid of pretense.  "I didn’t know anything about music. I was very bad at it actually," he admits, revealing a vulnerability that contrasts sharply with his later achievements.

  • His early lyrical forays reflect the tumultuous landscape of his inner world. This early poetic phase marked the genesis of his evolution, from a writer of words to a weaver of songs. "I used to write poems but it was a scream for help," he confesses. His first song was a cathartic outpouring of emotion and these early expressions laid the groundwork for his evolution into a musician whose style defies conventional genres, blending rap and R&B with an undercurrent of something deeper, something distinctly his own, something distinctly Le Sid.

  • His artistic evolution is a story of transformation, from instinctual writing to a more analytical, studied approach to music. "I didn’t study anything. I didn’t study the process of making a chorus or any of that technical details," he explains, describing his process as a blend of instinct and later, thoughtful study. Influenced by icons like Marvin Gaye, Kanye West, A Tribe Called Quest, and Pharrell, he delved deep into the depths of music, seeking to understand the nuances of their craft and gradually crafting a sound that is eclectically his.

  • Echoes of his childhood resonate in his music through influences like Fela Kuti, Buena Vista Social Club, and Manu Dibango. His familial connection to Dibango, living opposite his house in Paris, weaves yet another personal thread into his unique musical tapestry. "Music that takes me back to my childhood? Okay. I have a few," he says, each name a key to understanding the layers and complexities of his sound. These influences, combined with an intense admiration for Michael Jackson, form the foundation of his eclectic sound.

  • Le Sid's transition from solitary creation to shared performance mirrors his personal growth - from the introspective artist to the charismatic performer, reveling in the communal energy of performance mirrors his personal growth. "At the beginning, I loved the process of making music by myself," he reminisces. Yet, as he matured, he found joy in the shared experience of music, a balance between personal creation and public performance, embracing the vulnerability and connection that come with sharing his art. This evolution from isolation to engagement, from the studio's sanctum to the stage's spotlight, paints a picture of an artist continually in flux, forever evolving.

  • Amid the pressures of the stage, meditation became his refuge, a practice taught by his mother. "I always meditate. It's the simplest way for me to ground myself,” he shares, revealing a coping mechanism that counters his stage persona.

  • His latest musical endeavor is an exploration deeper into the realms of the personal and profound. "It's a literal translation but 'hell is not that bad once you get used to it,'" he describes his newest project, a venture into the depths of his psyche, exploring themes of addiction, fear, and relationships. This body of work represents a fusion of heavy themes with an uplifting delivery, testifying to his journey from darkness to a place of self-acceptance and humor. Moving away from traditional themes of unrequited love, this introspective turn is not steeped in moralism but presented with a "warm, funny, sexy, funky delivery." His music, rich in major chords and infectious grooves, belies the depth of the stories it tells.

  • In his own words, Le Sid sees himself as a continual work in progress, influenced by his parents but always striving to evolve. "I feel that I will never truly know who I am until the last moment," he says, encapsulating the never-ending journey of self-discovery and improvement. "I am the product of my parents and how they conditioned me but I am somebody who's trying to become better as we advance," he concludes, embodying the journey of an artist continually redefining himself through his music and experiences. His music, like his life, is a continuous narrative of evolution, each note a step closer to understanding the multifaceted nature of his existence and the world he inhabits.

Creative Director & Photographer AHMED RAZEEK // Stylist NATHALIE SICART // Hairstylist SALOMÉ NAROLLES // Make-Up Artist PAULINE SUZANNE // Interview MENNA SHANAB // Light WESH ANDERSON // Total Look BLUEMARBLE

Narcisse Magazine - Issue 13