Nicolas Godin to launch Bach-powered album

Air man Nicolas Godin will release debut solo album Contrepoint in September, powered by the music of JS Bach.

He’s released a video for his track Widerstehe Doch Der Sunde (“Stay Away From Sin”) – view it via Nowness.

Godin wanted to find new inspiration after becoming disillusioned during Air’s 2010 world tour. He explains: “Music was taking up only a small part of my daily life. I’d become ‘a travelling monkey in the concert circus.’”

He found fresh energy in the world of late Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. “The extremely personal way that Gould interpreted Bach goes against all the normal rules of performance, which for me created a new art form,” says the French artist.

“I was immediately attracted to this mysterious and inaccessible universe, which I wanted to explore.”

The album features guest appearances from Gordon Tracks, Marcelo Cemrlo, Connan Mockasin and others.

Godin notes: “Sometimes only thirty seconds of Bach’s original music is left behind. I want people to listen to Contrepoint without noticing that it’s Bach – it’s as much a tribute to all the great composers that have inspired me. Making a record about Bach leads to all composers who have listened to Bach.”

It’s released on September 11 via Because Music.

Contrepoint Tracklist

Orca
Widerstehe Doch Der Sunde
Club Nine
Clara
Glenn
Quei Due
Bach Off
Elfe Man

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.