Benoît Pioulard is the artistic alter ego of American singer songwriter Thomas Meluch, who, despite the quality of his musical endeavours, still remains relatively unknown. Based in Portland, Oregon, he always goes around carrying a one-track tape recorder he uses to sample all the sounds that surround him. He then uses these samples to create dreamy songs that are always wrapped in a hazy whir of nature and tape decay.
A closer look at his work (three albums between 2006 and 2010) reveals a sensibility and craftsmanship that are rare in such a young artist. Meluch manages to build unique environments that stay true to his folk roots, while at the same time playing with programmed beats and loops.
On his latest album, Lasted, besides his usual mix of guitar and samples, Meluch lets his voice take on a more prominent role in the songs. The vocal numbers are interspersed with instrumental interludes, some pretty immediate, some more abstract, but all imaginative and personal.
Benoît Pioulard – Tack & Tower
As a bonus, see what Oregon-based Small Sails did with Pioulard’s “Kids Are Getting Younger”, taken from the Enge EP (2005, Moodgadget).
Benoît Pioulard – Kids Are Getting Younger (Small Sails Remix)
You can find out more about Benoît Pioulard / Thomas Meluch on his official site or MySpace. All his music is available online on 
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BENOÎT PIOULARD – LASTED (Folktronica/Experimental – US) | Entertainment Blogs
April 7, 2011 at 11:33 pm (UTC 1)
[...] Continue reading » umstrum||music You can also visit Blogkent.net for Travel Guide Posted in Umstrum | Tags: BENOÎT, Folktronica/Experimental, LASTED, PIOULARD [...]
CIRC – THE NICE DAD (Experimental/Electronica – France)
April 7, 2011 at 11:46 pm (UTC 1)
[...] with computers but always seeks to provoke emotions. His songs, which may remind you of Four Tet or Benoît Pioulard, are sometimes bright and shiny, sometimes dark and experimental, but always [...]
VICTOR BERMON – ARRIVING AT NIGHT (Electronica/Jazz – Australia)
June 18, 2011 at 12:10 pm (UTC 1)
[...] over two years ago but it never really got the attention it deserves. In the vein of Prefuse 73, Benoît Pioulard and Four Tet, Bermon’s jazz-infused instrumental beats pervade the 13 tracks of his [...]