Interview with Arly Lariviere of Nu-Look: New Album and Reflections on Konpa Direk
Opa caught up with Nu-Look’s maestro, Arly Lariviere, at Club Excel, where the band had just finished performing for the night. Arly has recently released a collection of his love songs from previous albums. We had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about the new album, the band, and his opinions on a few topics.
Cheyna: Hello, Arly!
Arly: I would like to greet all of Opa’s members and you, Cheyna. I also want to greet all of my fans and fans of Konpa Direk in general.
Cheyna: Arly, you have a new album out called “Arly’s Collection,” which features some old and new love songs. Tell us about the album and which songs are on it?
Arly: First, I have to tell you that this album doesn’t feature all of my songs. I settled for 11 songs because that’s as much as the album can hold. The songs are as follows: “Souvenir,” “Loving You,” “Destiny,” “Why Do You Say You Love Me?,” “Kite’m Touche’w,” “Lanmou’m Pap Fini” (which I dedicated to you, Opa), “You and I,” “Cookie,” “Avenue de la Passion,” “Yon ti Sèman,” and “Isabelle.”
Cheyna: Arly, who’s “Cookie” dedicated to? (lol)
Arly: Cherie, let me explain something to you… do not put me in any gossip; we’re doing an interview.
Cheyna: (Laughing) I just asked! Is the album available in stores?
Arly: Yes, it is. We had a little delay getting it out, but it should be on store shelves by this coming week.
Cheyna: Arly, you sing a lot of love songs, and I think the reason your songs tend to become hits is that you sing about actual events. For example, you sing songs based on everyday situations. Some might think you’re hiding in closets with your pencil, taking notes, and putting them in a song. Are you telling other people’s stories, or are these songs based on your own personal experiences?
Arly: I have to tell you first… a musician is a messenger… one who conveys social issues through songs. It’s natural that I’m going to sing songs that people can relate to. Songs like “You and I,” “Loving You,” “Lanmou’m Pa Fini,” and “Souvenir” don’t necessarily have to be based on my personal experiences. The success of the music is based on how the fans relate to it. If people can relate to a song, they’ll buy it. Some people sing about politics, and others sing about sex. I sing about relationship issues and love.
Cheyna: The last band album, “Still News,” featuring the mega-hit “Why Do You Say You Love Me?” is a great album. But when you travel abroad, are you getting the same positive feedback?
Arly: I’m not sure about the album’s total sales, but when we travel, the fans are amazing. We recently went to Haiti to play at a graduation. If Gazzman and I had decided not to sing that night, all we would have had to do was hand the mic to the fans, and they would have sung all the songs. That’s how familiar they are with the album. This is how it is in Haiti, Paris, New York, etc.
Cheyna: Arly, as you know, this month marks the 50th anniversary of Konpa Direk. Opa Mizik would like to hear your opinion on what has changed and how the industry has advanced within the last, let’s say, ten years, and what do you feel needs to change?
Arly: Konpa Direk is a woman that I love very much. It’s our music and part of our culture. Konpa has suffered a lot over the years, and this is something we all know, but it remains the only thing we have to identify us wherever we go. We have a long way to go; there’s a lot to work on. The musicians have to come together and stop the bootlegging that’s crippling the industry. The fans have to learn how to support the musicians and, in turn, the music. Just because you’re a Nu-Look fan doesn’t mean you can’t support another band, especially if they’re doing something positive. Everybody is happy and celebrating the 50th anniversary, but we have to change some tactics.
Cheyna: It’s always a pleasure speaking with you, Arly. I know you are very tired right now, so I’ll wrap this up, but is there anything you would like to say to your fans?
Arly: Thanks to Nemours Jean Baptiste for the music, his wife, and his children. I would like to thank the fans for their continued support, and thank you, Cheyna, because you’re doing something positive. I would like you to continue to support Nu-Look, and criticize us CONSTRUCTIVELY! We’re open to suggestions because we’re working for our fans. I would also like to thank all the media in general who are doing positive things because, without them, the music wouldn’t be out there.
