Montreal, Canada in 2008.

Patrick Pleau’s claim to fame came in 2007 along with his band Plajia and the release Beautiful Explosion; an album for which Patrick wrote the majority of the lyrics and music. Beautiful Explosion was nominated in 2008 for Archambault’s ‘Grand Prix de la relève’ (with fellow nomeniees : Tricot Machine, Samian, Alfa Rococo, Gaële, Le Husky & Bruno Marcil).

Hype-Moi, Patrick’s first solo project produced by Bob & Bill (Guy Dubuc and Marc Lessard) ranges from urban to oneiric themes. Several songs also make light of his “Geek / Internet” persona; tongue-in-cheek references to his past reputations. Raised in a musical environment (Patrick’s father was a DJ), it is with this first francophone release that he refined his lyrical stylings which he describes as “Peter Pan-like controlled naiveté” with songs written between 2002 and 2008 (including previously unreleased tracks from Plajia). Hype-Moi could be considered as the logical follow-up to Beautiful Explosion, with more of a masterful production and craftier songs (as shown by its first radio-single; Bacolophobe).

Though seemingly provocative, the album’s title Hype-Moi (Hype-Me) is a humorous invitation — one that should not be taken as a direct assault against critics but might recommend a different approach with which to showcase up-and-coming artists. Further following the example set by Beautiful Explosion, on Hype-Moi Patrick carefully utilizes sonic landscapes of popular 70s instruments such as Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer keys.

In addition to the first single, absurd/cryptic video shorts will be released in the following weeks to promote the album.

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