Chapelier Fou - France

The one man band of the 21st century cuts a strikingly different figure on stage. Louis Warynski is a youthful violin virtuoso, classically trained and adept as a concert performer, yet in the guise of Chapelier Fou (which translates from French to The Mad Hatter) he also embraces an array of technology, cleverly harnessing samplers and digital delay loops to create intricately layered and compelling sound textures.

He strikes a rare balance between genres – a nod to formal classical structure, yet in harmony with a distinctive brand of sweet, quirky electronica. On the classical side, his sensitivity and tunefulness recall the influences of Yann Tiersen, Gavin Bryars, Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Stokhausen. His electronic influences span from the ambient explorations of Boards of Canada and Brian Eno, through Animal Collective to the rhythmic precision of Amon Tobin and Four Tet.

His great skill is to conjure luscious electronic landscapes at will during live performance, though there is also a poignancy to the message behind his music; his latest album is titled 613, which is the exact number of pellets contained in a grenade. Combining purpose with an air of romantic grandeur, the gifted 26-year-old composer and performer stands as a musical alchemist of rare intelligence.

By arrangement with Top Shelf Productions.

www.chapelierfou.com