Michael Sebastian, Krug Champagne and Gibson Guitars
A few months ago, we were asked to put forward artists who we felt would work well within what is one of the most interesting event briefs we’ve ever had here at Euphonica. Krug Champagne and Gibson Guitars, two iconic brands within their respective fields, were looking for an artist who could create music inspired by two new champagnes being released by Krug. The clear choice for us was our loop guitarist, Michael. Over to him to give a better insight into his experience working with the brands:
“The coolest brand collab.
An event to showcase two new champagnes, a tasting with a difference.
Krug has a history of working with musicians including Lianne La Havas and Beardyman; this time they chose me!
After a call with the sommelier in France, who described the character of each bottle in passionate detail, it was my task to translate the bubbles into music.
The 2006 vintage was a year marked by sharply contrasting seasons. Thinking quite literally, I took a simple melody to represent the little grapes, and applied three different seasons to it, or harmonies.
The Grande Cuvee is a master blend of 191 grape varieties from 16 years. For this I sampled the sounds of the bottle to create a kit, and used all of my tricks to create a textured funk dance symphony; representing the celebration that champagne calls for.
For three days I hung out in the Gibson HQ with amazing musical people; playing piano, pool, guitar and drinking champagne that costs more than some of my instruments.
In preparation they lent me a beautiful Les Paul Custom; a guitar which sings as well as it punches.
Walking into the most iconic guitar brand in the world as a busker to be told that I could pick any one of the beautiful instruments hanging on the wall almost brought me to tears.
My career in music hasn’t exactly been conventional, but I’m now accessing opportunities that push me as an artist to create music that I’m proud of.
This job has been a real marker that the hard work is paying off.
So a massive thank-you to Krug, Gibson, Euphonica and Another Story, the masterminds behind the event, for putting it all together.”
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Well… we couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
