From Hanoi to Brussels – a cross-cultural musical journey

The "Odd Numbers" album by Le Motel (Photo: VNA)

Brussels – Belgian music producer Fabien Leclerg, also known as Le Motel, recently launched his musical project “Odd Numbers” in Brussels, drawing inspiration from his memorable travel to Vietnam.

The “Odd Numbers” exhibition drew throngs of visitors, taking them to a mystical soundscape where Hanoi street sounds and the “dan bau” (monochord) and atmospheric electronic melodies blend seamlessly to create a sonic portrait. The project, two years in the making, began during Le Motel's journey to Vietnam.

"The journey started in Vietnam, where I met musicians, poets, and beautiful souls. I recorded the sounds of nature, cities, and encounters. Back in Brussels, I began composing soundscapes based on those field recordings. This led to a very collaborative and multidisciplinary project between Vietnam and Brussels," Le Motel shared on his Facebook account.

What makes "Odd Numbers" particularly distinctive is its fluid integration of modern electronic music with traditional Vietnamese sounds. The “dan bau”, Vietnam's iconic one-stringed instrument, profoundly impacted Le Motel. With him, the instrument boasts both characteristically Vietnamese and an indescribable sacredness. The sound of “dan bau”, omnipresent throughout Vietnam, forms an inseparable part of Vietnamese culture, touching the deepest corners of the soul.

A visitor to the exhibition (Photo: VNA)

The project transcends beyond music to an impressive visual art work. Footage of Vietnam, from Hanoi's bustling streets to the majestic northern mountains, is subtly interwoven, creating a multidimensional experience for the audience. Notably, tattooed dancer Dung Tran Quoc, passionate about numerology, also appears in the video, creating a mysteriously captivating focal point.

The project's name carries special significance, reflecting Le Motel's interest in Vietnamese culture and beliefs, particularly the concept of odd numbers.

“Odd Numbers” is not only a musical project but also a meaningful cultural journey. The project demonstrates the intersection between two cultures, the combination of tradition and modernity, and above all, Le Motel's respect and love for Vietnam. It serves as a bridge, helping Belgian and European people have a better insight into the country./.