Editorial Concept by Olivier Duport and Alan Marzo
Published by FLEE Project

The songs of Louisiana’s Francophone and Creole heritage have long flowed through its wetlands and bayous like living rivers of memory—carrying echoes of African rhythms, Native American chants, French ballads, and Caribbean cadences. This deeply syncretic soundscape is neither fixed in time nor confined to one identity. Rather, it is in constant transformation—bearing witness to the migrations, resistances, and reinventions that have shaped life in this complex region for centuries. Pasé Bél Tan: Francophonies and Creolities in Louisiana is the latest chapter in this unfolding story.

Conceived as a double offering—a vinyl record and a bilingual book—it honors Louisiana’s plural musical heritage by pairing archival field recordings with contemporary compositions and reflections. Artists and scholars, both local and international, are invited to respond to these sounds and their histories, creating a resonant dialogue across generations and geographies. The project serves not only as an act of preservation but also as an invitation: to listen, to reflect, and to reckon with the cultural entanglements that have shaped the region’s unique sonic identity. This ambitious release marks the seventh entry in the FLEE series (FLEE007)—a platform known for weaving together visual art, critical research, and musical exploration in ways that challenge conventional boundaries.

The book is a 272-page bilingual (French/English) publication that seeks to encapsulate the far-reaching implications of Louisiana’s musical heritage within both Louisianan and American society. It explores how this culture has shaped—and been shaped by—its surroundings. With contributions from many key figures of the scene—musicians, researchers, club owners, and other vital witnesses—it aims to present the intricate and singular relationship that exists between Louisiana and its music.

Artistic Direction by Guillaume Ettlinger and FLEE Project

Contributors include Warren K. Kimball, Cedric Watson, Sid “El Sido” Williams, Sara Le Menestrel, Barry Jean Ancelet, Zachary Richard, Johnathan “Rabwa Faroush” Myers, Drake LeBlanc, Gwendolen von Einsiedel, Cryril Cryril, Chimère FM, Tanz Mein Herz, Radio Hito, Yama Warashi, _thesmoothcat, Herandu, Madteo, Deafkids, NAPPYNAPPA, and JUU

5.5 x 8.5 inches
272 pages
Paperback
2025