'1969' by Gus la tempête

As beautifully recounted on the album's Bandcamp page, '1969' is a project created by the producer and beatmaker, Gus la tempête, in the wake of his mother's passing.  By spending countless hours delving through her record collection, each cherished album and song would serve as another puzzle piece to consider when compiling her musical make-up. 

While no doubt tortuous and uplifting in equal measures, the undertaking would become its own exercise in managing the grief of her passing - a project that helped to lament her loss and at the same time celebrate her life.

For the self-professed "beat broadcaster", Gus' music has consistently displayed a versatility that allows him to forge interpersonal musical connections from the past - as is the case for '1969' - while also being able to steer his productions towards interplanetary realms, like with the technological explorations carried out for 'Dead Computer' (2008) and the futuristic condemnation of 'Slow Down Robots' (2011).

Even as a member of the beloved Electric Conversation alongside long-time friends LaNote, As Valet and Oz, theirs was a group that sought to deliver an incredible hip-hop inspired blend of future soul which is still prevalent to fans all these years later.  The union would spawn two full-length albums released through Futuristica Music - 'Communication' (2007) and 'Electric Conversation' (2013) - which are rightfully highly-revered projects and regarded as contemporary classics. 

The post Electric Conversation years have led Gus to his own Laissedoudis Records which has served as his own musical playground - a "no rules" approach to music-making that continues the legacy of hip-hop instrumental beatmaking in uniquely imaginative ways. 

'1969' will undoubtedly serve as Gus la tempête's masterpiece.  A project that not only helps the producer in his grief but one that can serve as a source of inspiration for others who have endured the same harsh realities of watching a loved one succomb to illness.  That level of truth is absolutely art in its purest sense - the ability to confront thoughts and feelings head on in a manner that can be unbearable but necessary in its own way as well.

There's a poignant quote attributed to Ernest Hemingway which suggests a person has two deaths - the first being when their soul leaves their body and the second being the last time their name is spoken.  For posterity, as this album does beautifully, we honour the memory of Isabelle Marie Louise Hamard.