Tresor talks about final solo chapter
CONGOLESE-born singer and songwriter Tresor’s much anticipated fourth solo album Motion is described as the final chapter of all solo projects he has ever done since his debut album VII.
Tresor, who has managed to make noise for all the right reasons locally and abroad, features popular guest artists on his 14-track offering, including Ami Faku, Msaki, Da Capo, Sun-EL Musician and Scorpion Kings (Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa), says this project is a bridge to where he is going, “a genesis of a whole new chapter for me as an African artist aiming globally,” he says.
Motion boldly reveals Tresor’s music career narrative, as the album dives into sounds that have influenced him as an artist through the use of classic samples, and bravely explores the future for Tresor through sound and multilingual lyrics, including Swahili and Zulu.
The album cleverly moves through Tresor’s nostalgic themes of his previous album and presents the listener with a body of work that captures the essence of moving.
He combines a disco sound with a classic 80s sample on Dancing with the Moon and revisits a reminiscing love story filled with dancing on Last December, showcasing his range in artistry.
Just like the meaning of the album’s title Motion, which is to shift, it also aims at communicating the beginning of his new chapter as he ends this one with this particular compilation.
“It’s such a bold album and contains sounds I did not experience with my last project. Overall, it just revealed another layer of my artistry. It is all about a genesis, a new chapter, the yearning to conquer the world with African music. Motion is a sonic bridge
to where I have been and where I am headed to,” he says.
Describing music, he says it is “the essence of my being,” and he admits that his journey, like most, was never easy.
“Breaking out was a massive challenge because of my style of music and the language barrier, but I am glad I stuck to my sonic ways, which sets me apart. The consistent challenge is growth and innovation, but I love the challenge and process,” he says, adding that he is grateful also for sticking it out because music has given him and his family so much.
“Music has given me so much that I am able to look after my loved ones, and I am truly grateful for that. But I think I am still scratching the surface. I haven’t arrived yet. In fact, I feel like a new artist rightfully equipped, ready to take on the world.”
He further describes his artistry as bold, adventurous, innovative, proudly African, “and most importantly forever in motion.”
And although Motion was meant to be released last year, the muso had to move it around a while, waiting for the right to share it, he says.
With this album, he hopes that people can create memories to the beautiful sounds he has created.
“Selecting the artists to feature was truly organic,” he adds. “Each artist featured on the album was the perfect fit for the songs sonically.
“I have no set creating process as I let the music flow and guide me. However, in the beginning, I always put so much emphasis on melodies and lyrics and then build production around everything. Some songs take two hours, some days, some weeks, some months. It’s really all about (how) fast the magic flows.”
Tresor adds that he personally loves the entire album and is proud of his career thus far.
“Right now, I am jamming to the singles Makosa and Lighthouse, but I personally think all the songs are amazing,” he says.