Although he has more than 20 years of experience in creating children’s songs, Benoît Archambault had never had the pleasure of hearing some of his melodies make their way to TV before his talent was recognized. by the Passe-Partout team.
A few months ago, it was not one, but three of his compositions (A beautiful day, It warms the heart and The clouds) which carved out a place for themselves in the popular meeting of Télé-Québec and, same time, on the album Coucou les amis!.
Impossible to ignore
The singer, multi-instrumentalist and author jumped at the chance when he knew that new tunes were needed for Passe-Partout, Passe-Montagne, Passe-Carreau and company.
“We had a month to submit songs. It was December and I was ready to take my vacation. I said to myself: “Should I postpone my vacation?” Finally, the opportunity was too good. I am a child of the first generation of Passe-Partout, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity…”, says Benoît Archambault, also a member of Mes Aïeux.
With the magical memories of the seminal late 1970s show imbued in him, the artist didn’t need a leap into the past to invite inspiration.
“I didn’t have to listen to the works again and immerse myself in what Passe-Partout was because the songs are so deeply rooted in me. My introduction to music went through Passe-Partout. They were really well put together nursery rhymes, both in the arrangements and the lyrics. »
He therefore launched himself body and soul, hoping to be able to engrave his name with those who made the musical success of this adventure.
“I wrote 15 songs in a month. I approached the work as if I were writing the new Passe-Partout record as a tribute to what I received as a legacy. »
Life in pink
Benoît Archambault first taught piano and directed a choir in a school for children. This is how he began to create songs for them, works that led to shows and records.
However, if he takes pleasure in entertaining young people, his art must first strike a chord with the child he was. “My first audience is probably me when I was a little ass,” he says.
According to him, any subject can be discussed with children, especially when you see the positive side of things.
“If I talk about the environment, it’s true that it’s really bad, but what will perhaps save us is to love nature. It may be naive on my part, but I still believe in it: love nature and you may be able to take care of it. »
With a first positive foray into the world of youth TV, this inventor of stories and songs is already ready to repeat the experience.
“It’s a medium that I find very interesting. That’s one thing I’m throwing out in the universe: I really enjoyed it and would love to do it again. »
►The album Hello friends! can be listened to on different digital platforms. For Benoît Archambault’s projects in music and children’s literature: benoitarchambault.ca.
