Priori Explores New Sonic Horizons with “This But More” Album Release on NAFF
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Canadian electronic music producer Francis Latreille, better known as Priori, is set to release his highly anticipated third album This But More on May 24th via NAFF. Known for his innovative approach to electronic music, Priori ventures into new territory with this album, blending electroacoustic compositions with ambient and dubby techno elements. The first singles, “Learn To Fly” and “Segue,” offer a glimpse into the richly textured soundscapes that define the album, showcasing both its rhythmic energy and serene atmospheres.
The creation of This But More spanned from September 2023 to March 2024, during which Priori immersed himself in archival recordings while experimenting with new ideas. The album, as described by Priori, reflects a journey of healing—capturing the intricate process of navigating through life’s highs and lows, its uncertainties, and moments of beauty. Throughout this creative period, themes such as protection, decay, sleep, and recovery naturally surfaced, giving the album a deeply contemplative and introspective character.
Collaboration played a pivotal role in bringing This But More to life. Priori worked closely with a range of talented artists, including Devon Hansen, who contributed a series of “Suggested Stories” to enrich the album’s narrative. Musically, Priori teamed up with James K, Ben Bondy, Sabolá, Adam Feingold, and Jesse Osborne-Lanthier, who added their distinct touch with diverse instrumentation like violin, guitar, and various software instruments. These collaborations infused the album with a unique sonic palette that blends electronic and acoustic elements, further enhancing its immersive quality.
Visual artistry also plays a crucial role in This But More. The album’s striking visual elements were crafted by Jesse Osborne Lanthier, who designed the main and single artworks, and Ulysse De Lezenne, who created a special jewel piece connected to the album’s story. Priori considers this project his most ambitious to date, extending his spirit of exploration into every aspect of the album, from sound to visuals. The second single, “Wake,” featuring his first vocal collaboration with Jamie Krasner (James K), highlights this commitment to pushing creative boundaries, resulting in an album that invites listeners into a dreamlike, introspective world.
Priori’s creative process for This But More is deeply rooted in self-reflection and intuition. He meticulously questioned how each element of the music served the album’s overarching purpose, allowing for moments of clarity and focus during swimming sessions that punctuated his studio work. This approach is evident in the meditative quality of the music, which invites listeners to engage with it on a deeper, more contemplative level. Drawing inspiration from literary figures like Gene Wolfe, Ursula K. Le Guin, and China Miéville, as well as the mythic beauty of nature and the evocative worlds of video game creators like Hidetaka Miyazaki and Yoko Taro, Priori has crafted an album that stands as a testament to his growth as an artist and his dedication to creating a multidimensional experience for his audience.
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