In this edition of our Record & Tape Exchange, Montreal’s Lou Phelps called in while on tour in Europe to revisit his earliest sonic memories, from first communion and basement parties to a sonic connection that extends into the cosmos.
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What song reminds you most of your childhood?I would have to say “Yelé” by Wyclef Jean. My dad didn’t really want us listening to hip-hop, but Wyclef being Haitian made it okay. That song brings back so many memories - especially being in the basement with my brother and sisters, or my first communion, where it played during the reception. Even now, it gives me that nostalgia right away. |
What was the first record you remember buying?
In My Mind by Pharrell. It was my birthday — my mom gave me $20, and I went to HMV with my sister. My sisters were always buying CDs, but this was the first time I picked my own. I remember it was a Friday, and I was so excited to listen to it when I got home. I still love tracks like “Best Friend,” “That Girl,” and “How Does It Feel?” That last one especially just slaps right from the start.
What song reminds you of traveling to a specific place?
“OVERLY” by Playboi Carti. I listened to the full album for the first time on a flight to Milan recently and I was like “this song is actually crazy.” A few days later, I was at the Berlin show afterparty talking to my friend Ambezza about the album, and he asked which my favourite track was. I said “OVERLY,” and we both had this "Oh my God!" reaction because it was his favourite too. and we both named that track as our favorite. So I would say “OVERLY“ is defintiely the one that will remind me of this trip.
What song is the best representation of your hometown?
I’ve been thinking about this the question, I couldn't find the perfect answer, but I do think that “At All” by Kaytranada is definitely one of those songs that defines what Montreal is. And it was such a pivotal song in his career - if you remember his Boiler Room, that song is literally the moment where everyone in the room is going crazy. That's the first thing I thought about, because if there is just the one song that reminds me of Montreal, it is definitely that one.
What song would you want played at your wedding?Shit, I don’t know! “International Players Anthem.” I don’t even think I’m going to get married like that. If I do get married, it’ll most likely be a song for my future wife. But yeah, “International Players Anthem” is definitely one of those sendoff songs — like, “alright, this is it.” |
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What song do you wish you had written?
Probably any Kendrick Lamar song… “How Much a Dollar Cost.” Actually, I feel it's too easy to say Kendrick. I think if I had written ”Band on the Run” or “Bluebird” from Paul McCartney & Wings — that’s one of my favorite songs right now. If I wrote that song, I don’t know what it would've done for my career, if it would've been beneficial or not, but it’s such a beautiful song, and I really love it. So yeah — definitely “Bluebird.”
What’s the best song to play at a house party?
To get the people going, it has to be a slower song, and it has to have rhythm. So I would say probably “Work” by Rihanna. That is one of those songs that everybody just gets into it as soon as they hear it. Or “Essence” by Wizkid. One of those two songs would work well.
You’re abducted by aliens, and when you wake up on the spaceship, they pass you the aux. What is the song you’re playing to convince them not to destroy Earth?
Shit. Damn, that’s a tough one… It definitely has to be from Michael Jackson. To me, Michael Jackson is one of the best artists of all time. One song to save humanity, I would say maybe “Rock With You.” It’s basic, but at the same time, you can’t go wrong with this one. Or if not “Rock With You,” what’s that other song? “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough.” It has to be Michael Jackson. It has to be.