A well-distinguished, incredibly skilled and talented musician, Xavier Boscher is known, not only for his unbelievable guitar virtuocity, but also for his flair for composing nice, beautifully melodic songs. Having recently released the fourth part of the “Starseeds” quadrology (“Starseeds IV”), an amazing album of catchy, guitar-oriented progressive metal, Boscher is again in the spotlight. Myth of Rock listened to Boscher’s new songs and enchanted, came in contact with the French artist, who kindly answered our questions. That’s prog metal!
by Dimitris Zacharopoulos
When did you start playing music? Are you self-taught or did you take lessons?
I started playing the piano as a child, then discovered the guitar, saturated sound and metal at the age of 14, which was a real turning point.
You are a guitarist, bassist and keyboard player. Which instrument do you prefer to play the most?
I prefer the guitar to express myself, while the keyboards help me compose and arrange. The bass completes my songs, either as a rhythm or as a solo on my fretless bass.
How important is music for you?
Music has a very important place in my life, not only as a musician but also as a music lover. I listen to a huge range of different artists, from classical to metal, jazz, rock, pop and ambient, and it’s also my favorite creative expression.
Please present us your solo discography in a few words.
My solo discography is quite extensive, with almost 42 releases (albums or EPs) to date. I worked in a more pop and new age style at the start of my career, with a clear metal/rock instrumental turn in 2017. Since then, I’ve put out a lot of productions, some very metal-oriented, others more progressive; I love mixing my many influences. I try to make guitar-driven instrumental music that’s not demonstrative, but above all musical and reflects my emotions.
With which bands/artists have you collaborated until now? How did it feel playing with Misanthrope and Max Enix?
I played with Misanthrope in the late 90s and early 2000s, which was a real professionalization for me, an extraordinary encounter with exceptional moments such as the recording of the “Immortel” album at Fredman studio (Gothenburg, Sweden) and a European tour with the band SEPTICFLESH. With Max Enix, the “Far From Home” double album was recorded between 2021 and 2022 and was a real musical challenge, not to mention all the fabulous guests on the album. It was a real honor to do this project.
How do you feel now that your new album, “Starseeds IV”, is out?
Well, I can’t wait to get down to work on my next album. I’m composing a number of things, and I’ll see what direction my next tracks take me in.
Please present us your “Starseeds” quadrology.
The four albums that make up the Starseeds tetralogy are an exploration of all the galaxies that host starseeds in music, an imaginary and exciting intergalactic voyage. My music is modern progressive metal, personal and experimental.
How much different does “Starseeds IV” sound compared to the three previous “Starseeds” albums?
Quite simply, it’s the last of them. It’s also, I think, my most accomplished album in terms of sound production and creativity.
How would you define your music style? Which are your main music influences?
I’d say it’s progressive music, sometimes rock, sometimes metal, with lots of jazz, new-age, electronic and even symphonic elements. I try not to limit myself to any particular style, and I explore whatever territory seems interesting to me.
Which feelings of yours do you try to express through your songs?
I like feelings of power, depth, sadness, open-mindedness, the journey, nostalgia, love too, and I try as best I can to transpose them into my music.
How difficult is it to compose instrumental music with feeling and atmosphere?
I don’t know if it’s more difficult, but it forces you to deploy a wide range of instruments and musical ideas, to flesh out structures, harmonies and melodies to make the listener want to continue the journey.
How is a song of Xavier Boscher usually composed?
It’s very variable, some can be truly epic pieces that run over 6-7 minutes, others are shorter, depending on what I want to express.
You are also a painter. Tell us about this activity of yours. What about the cover painting of “Starseeds IV”?
I love colors, and painting came to me to create unique and original album covers that perfectly illustrate my music. These are abstract pieces, and I love giving viewers and listeners the choice to let their imagination run wild and picture what the music and the canvas remind them of.
Are you going to give any live shows to support the release of your new album?
At the moment I have no plans, as putting together a live project takes a lot of time, which I don’t have.
Which is your favorite motto?
“Love and music are the two wings of the soul” (Hector Berlioz)
What do you think of A.I. in music?
I think it can be a great tool to help create, and there’s no risk of A.I. replacing creative musicians. Audiences need to feel something human, and A.I. can come close, but it will never be human. So if we need help with an arrangement thanks to A.I. when we lack skills, yes, but if A.I. replaces artists, no.
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