Jeff Pierre is driving transformation in a disconnected digital music landscape through his modern take on Vodou music
With our world being so centred around instant-gratification and big data, creating somewhat of a numbers game within the creative disciplines; we very much need artists like Jeff Pierre delivering a truly progressive perspective to our over digitized global music culture. In bringing traditional Haitian Vodou and folklore drumming kicking and screaming into the 21st century, he’s also acting as a prime proponent of some much needed intellectual stimulation and human connection.
Songwriter Profile: Jeff Pierre
“Numbers are the new God” – Jeff Pierre
Coming from humble beginnings in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, Jeff Pierre was lucky to have a very early introduction to Vodou culture and music – in Haitian Creole, ‘Vodou’ designates a specific style of dance and drumming. His mother was an artist herself, frequently performing in shows when Jeff was as young as 3 years old. It was actually around that age when his first encounter with traditional Haitian drums from his mother’s group really got his attention. From there he kept listening to the music they were playing on Haitian radio at the time, motivating him to play the drums as a child, before becoming later acquainted with music production.
“I started playing around with a demo of FL Studio from a friend and I never stopped. It was just pure fun and I could do it all day. In terms of lyrics I started writing because I wanted to impress my girlfriend at the time because she didn’t know that I could sing.”
Jeff got into music production initially because he was simply fascinated by how electronic music was made. Then after a traditional songwriting session and hearing his recorded vocals, he realized there was potential there that was definitely worth exploring.
With Jeff’s biggest influences being traditional Haitian artists like Florencia Pierre, Eddy Azor, and major ensembles such as RAM, BOUKMAN EKSPERYANS and ENARTS drummers; in his words he likes any Vodou or folklore drumming “when it is well respected and practiced.” Although Jeff takes inspiration from traditional music, as well as life’s simple pleasures like the flowers in Portland, fresh air in Canada (where he now resides), a beautiful performance anywhere, or trip back home; a big part of his art now is putting Haitian drumming on the map in a way he is proud of.
“For example, a big part of me drumming the way I do is because I wanted to showcase Haitian drumming in a new light, and I felt like it needed to be more respected.”
And his mission to bring a newfound respect back to the sonic arts doesn’t stop there, he’s on a self-proposed fully fledged quest to steer our music cultures (and even societies in general) away from instant-gratification, unappreciation, and corrupted values. Jeff has a lot to say about the not-so-meaningful aspects of modern (digital) culture, with a whole host of much less superficial values he’d like to spread…we absolutely love that!
“The biggest challenge to me right now is seeing how the world has changed to instant gratification. We don’t always appreciate those who are doing the real work and our values as a society are all over the place. It’s just a lot of distractions and it feels like we live in a society where only numbers matter.”
Jeff’s music is certainly not short of any energy or positive vibes, with his 2021 remix of Kompavana delivering weighty basslines with Haitian and latin melodies perfect for a salsa or Konpa session with a bit of umph. Konpa Party released earlier this year has much of the same vibe, a vivacious Konpa dance fest that would bring out the boldest smiles and dance moves in anyone. The fusion of modern electronic sounds with traditional Haitian drumming in his 2021 album Journey is certainly to be appreciated by purists and EDM lovers alike – making for some pretty wholesome dance music. And Jeff’s voice is as encapsulating as the syncopated drumming that makes up much of his catalog, with his latest single iBO Blessing a prime example – he gives the drums somewhat of a break in this cinematic number, with his captivating vocals still as hard-hitting as ever. If pure Haitian drumming is your thing though, you’ll definitely want to check out his 2018 album Drums of Haiti, which is a rhythmic masterpiece of percussive passion.
Jeff tells SoundSight Mag one of the biggest achievements in his career so far is just seeing that his fans get it, and “understand and feel the intention behind his music.”, bringing authenticity and human connection back to the forefront of our numbers-driven music culture so eloquently. Spoken like a true creative, he also shows his appreciation for the moments of intellectual stimulation he gets from being the songwriter that he is.
“Being around all types of amazing artists, sharing ideas, talking about life and different perspectives, for me that’s gold.”
Being independent goes a long way in allowing Jeff to really be authentic and stay unique, seeing himself as a figurehead in bringing his understanding of the drums and traditional Haitian culture into a modern music context. As already mentioned his primary mission has always been to show Haitian drumming in a new light that can be admired and respected by the younger generations.
“I think my music is different because of my background in traditional Haitian culture and my understanding of the drums. Being independent feels open and it helps me stay unique, not having any pressure to be a certain way.”
Staying consistent in his drive to be genuine, spreading positivity in his music, and of course pioneering traditional Haitian music into the 21st century; he’s currently working on a Haitian Drumming Archive aimed “as a way to preserve and share the culture.” He is also working on projects with other artists that he’s excited to present, as well as continuing to work towards his main goal of staying authentic and giving fans great live performances.
We ended our insightful chat with Jeff with him translating one of his most poignant set of lyrics from Haitian Creole into English; and we’ll leave you with that as a perfect representation of his values and message!
Nou pa ka chita pou nap tann se moun kap vin fè chanjman pou nou. Si nou wè yon pwoblèm se nou ki pou chanjel.
