Dombrance
Hailing from Bordeaux, Bertrand Lacombe is Dombrance, a multi-instrumentalist and live electronic act making serious waves in France and across the globe. We're thrilled to have him playing a show at Tulsa’s very own Cain's Ballroom on March 9th!
Our friends Panty Lines and The Links will be opening the evening, so you know we’ll be movin’ n’ groovin’ all night long! Plus, all show proceeds are being donated to the Oklahoma Coalition of Responsible Justice, so every move you make on the dance floor counts for something bigger <3
Take a peek into our exclusive interview with Dombrance to discover more about his performances and musical journey.
HPM: In your live performances, you've been known for your captivating multimedia shows and energetic stage presence. How do you approach the integration of visuals, like the playful pop-art graphics with Olivier Laude, to enhance the audience's experience, and how does it complement the journey you create?
Dombrance: First of all, I worked on my live performance without artifice. It is very important to me that my live act can work without light and without video. Only with sound and stage presence. once things were rolling it was an immense pleasure to work on the lights and especially to bring the video with the animations of Olivier Laude's work. I am a fan of his graphic imagination, his humor and his fantasy. I also like that we offer something different.
My project is totally linked to his work, I often compose while imagining him working on it. It’s a unique encounter in an artist’s life.
HPM: Your music draws inspiration from diverse sounds like disco and punk- How do you navigate blending these influences to create a unique sound, and can you share an instance where unexpected inspiration led to the creation of a track or element in your music?
Dombrance: My first inspiration comes from classical music. I started with the cello from the age of 7 to 14 and was very influenced by JS Bach. I kept an obsession with arpegios and gymmicks, a strong link between a cello and a monoi synthesizer. Afterwards I am passionate about music. Jazz, pop, soul, rock, punk, all music interests me. Today I look for the accident when I compose, something unexpected (for me at least) to find the balance between emotion, effectiveness but also surprise. I can start from piano, guitar, bass, rhythm or voice. You just need to find a connection state.
HPM: Having played in various locations globally, including the iconic Rabbit Hole at Glastonbury and Format Festival in Arkansas, how do different audiences and environments influence your performance and the energy you bring to the stage? Are there any memorable moments or surprising reactions from the crowd that stand out in your mind?
Dombrance: I think what fascinates me the most is precisely the absence of difference. Feeling this same energy in front of a Mexican or English audience, in front of young or old people. The goal is to connect with the audience regardless of the location or the number of people in front of me. But if I have to give an example of a truly memorable moment it's being at Bar Americas, one of the best clubs in the world. I dreamed of playing there. I realized this dream two months ago and it was beyond what I had dreamed of. Incredible, unreal energy. But the two concerts in the festival format were also crazy. if I start to make the list I haven't finished...
HPM: As a multi-instrumentalist, live electronic act, and producer, you've had a diverse musical journey! How has your collaborative experience shaped your solo career, and are there any collaborations or projects that left a lasting impact on your artistic approach and style?
Dombrance: My meeting with the artist David Shaw was very important. I learned a lot from him, particularly about mastering synths.
I had the chance at a very young age to work with the French artist Charlelie Couture who trusted me with the production and mixing of her pieces when I was barely 23 years old. It gave me a lot of confidence. But above all the stubbornness of wanting to master everything. It takes time but today it allows me to achieve my musical visions.
HPM: We're thrilled to have you performing in Tulsa at the historic Cain's Ballroom. How does it feel to bring your electrifying show to a new audience in a city with such a rich musical history, and what can fans in Tulsa expect from your performance?
Dombrance: It's absolutely awesome for me to have the chance to play in the city of Tulsa. I can't wait to share my music and I will give it everything I have as always. There will be new sound and visual features so don't miss it :)