Elessar

Elessar is a French group associated with orchestral indie music, combining pop and folk elements with classical instrumentation. The line-up includes Victoire Oberkampf on lead vocals; Romain Olivieri on piano and backing vocals; Nicolas Molac on acoustic guitar and backing vocals; Steven Barret on bass; Edward Vizard on drums; Ægine Seigneurin and Elise De-Bendelac on violins; Elsa Seger on viola; Céline Lepicard on cello; Clément Charpentier-Leroy on French horn; Gautier Demollière on trombone; and Pierre Lesmarie on bass saxhorn.

Style and influences

The group’s sound is built around acoustic instruments and a blend of orchestral textures with indie songwriting. Its music draws on the atmosphere of Sigur Rós, Arcade Fire and Hjaltalín, while Romain Olivieri also cites Ludovico Einaudi and Yann Tiersen among the influences behind the project.

Background

Elessar develops from a project first imagined by Romain Olivieri. He initially considers making instrumental music alone, then begins adding original songs after meeting singer Marion Briatte. Over time the line-up changes, with Victoire Oberkampf later taking over lead vocals. The band is based in Paris, France, and is working on live performances and a debut indie album titled Sun We Rise.