Backstage with... David Chalmin

Over the past decade, David Chalmin has created music as a producer, arranger, and sound engineer alongside some of the most respected indie figures worldwide, including The National and Shannon Wright. But the talented artist is also a contemporary music composer who founded the Dream House Quartet with pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque and Bryce Dessner, and a mastermind of heady electronica in his solo albums La terre invisible and Innocence.

Born in Chambéry, France, David has been spending time abroad lately for the Dream House Quartet’s North American tour. Together with Bryce, Marielle, and Katia (who is also his life partner), he’ll be visiting Toronto for the group’s only Canadian stop on May 3. Ahead of their performance at Meridian Arts Centre, we spoke to David about the minimalist movement, falling in love with the electric guitar, and his dog Satie.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration comes from a lot of different places. It can be other music, a sound from nature, a film, an art installation, or a conversation with a friend.

In the case of the Dream House Quartet, the minimalist movement that started in the second half of the 20th century was a starting point. Composers such as Moondog, Steve Reich, Phil Glass, or LaMonte Young had a huge influence on my writing for the Quartet. And I know for whom I’m composing, so of course it’s a great inspiration to write specific parts that will be played by Katia and Marielle Labèque or Bryce Dessner!

Bryce is also a huge inspiration to me, watching his scores and listening to his compositions stimulate my creativity as well as knowing that our pieces are performed in the same program.

What led you to become an artist?

I grew up in very strong musical environment with my parents being amateur musicians and organizing concerts at home. I’ve always been surrounded by music and musicians. At 14 I fell in love with the electric guitar, and I knew then that I wanted to be a musician. Meeting with Katia actually gave me the courage and confidence to try to be a producer, composer, and musician.

What’s the importance of the performing arts in your life? It’s of course a central part of my life, but being a producer and a composer, I also love being home in my studio to create new music. I feel very lucky to have this balance of going on tours occasionally and then being able to stay in the studio for longer periods of time and be creative.

What are you making space for in your life? Music, creativity, love, friends, nature, laughs, and my dog Satie!

What can’t you live without?

Music and the woman I love (and my dog Satie?!!).

What’s the last show you saw?

Katia and Marielle Labèque performing Mozart on Forte Pianos with Giardino Armonico in Paris Philharmonie. Pure bliss!

What’s your favourite thing to do in Toronto?

I wish I could tell you but it’s only my second time here and while on tour, we never have much time to hang around...Please tell me what I should absolutely do!