Fleau
by Trisha Bleau

CS: Please share with us how your group formed and any changes it went through after forming.

Rod: Fleau got its start in the winter of 1998. I started the group with a local Belmont University student. We were both drawn to the European genre of music called Trip-hop. We auditioned for a female lead vocalist and were unsuccessful in finding a vocalist that shared our same vision. This left us at a crossroads; and so he left to pursue other opportunities, and I decided to carry on the vision under the band name, Fleau.

Marisol: I moved from Brooklyn, NY to Nashville, TN in the year 2000 to pursue music in the Christian industry. I did not know what I would be doing; all I know is that I wanted to sing. J I met Rod while visiting Nashville in 1999. In October of 2000, he approached me to audition for Fleau after he had seen me perform with a mutual friend. He shared his vision for the band, and I was excited about where he was planning to go with Fleau. After auditioning twice, I was asked to be a partner in the group. It's been a wonderful experience, thus far. The Lord has been stretching us and preparing us for many wonderful things. The other members are hired out. We hope to secure permanent members in the near future.

CS: What is the main focus in your ministry? Teens? The lost? The hurting? Why did you decide up on this as a focus?

Fleau: We write songs with a spiritual message that will take Trip-hop to the masses. Our focus is to reach as many people as we possibly can. This encompasses all groups: the young and old, the lost, the hurting, the saved. We want to share with everyone the hope that we have through Jesus Christ. It is important for us to go to those places where other bands may not want to enter: the bars, the clubs, etc

CS: What does your groups name mean? Where did you come up with it?

Rod: When we started the band we were looking for a unique name. We were looking for a word that best described our sound and we found the word "fleau." We decided to use the French pronunciation of this French word (fleau) to represent the word "flow."

CS: Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten? The future?

Rod: I see myself winning a Grammy and having my first platinum selling record. With this success, I would like to give more time and energy in advancing the Kingdom.

Marisol: In five years I see myself having success in this crazy world of music, married, and owning a brownstone in Brooklyn Heights J. (All New Yorkers can agree to that!) In the meantime, I look forward to where the Lord is directing me, and how He will use me to further the Kingdom.

CS: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change your group?

We believe that is always a concern. Pride is an issue we all must face, and it takes prayer and obedience to continually humble ourselves daily and not fall in the traps that come with fame. We are grateful for friends and family who are here to remind me what my main goal is - to give honor and glory to God.

CS: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?

Marisol: I find it important to develop a connection with the audience prior to the performance. I make it a point to go out to the people and introduce myself, and chitchat for a moment. This actually helps me connect with them as I perform. After a performance, we go out and talk to different people and begin to develop relationships in that way. We send out emails to invite them to future shows, and we genuinely hope to see them again, soon.

CS: Do you write your own music? Where do you get ideas for your music?

Rod: Yes, we write our own music. A lot of ideas come from life experiences and receiving revelation from God.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

Rod: Our style of music stems from a European base that combines hip-hop influences with jazz-inflected vocals and ethereal keyboards.

CS: Who, or what, are your biggest musical influences?

Rod: My biggest musical influences are Stevie Wonder; British bands like the Beatles, Portishead, Radiohead, and Massive Attack, just to name a few. My hip-hop influences stem from pioneers like Run DMC, KRS One, Eric B and Rakim.

Marisol: I have many favorites, all of whom have influenced me; but if I had to choose, I would say Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, and Keith Green have been some of my biggest influences.

CS: Any plans to sign with a major Label in the near future?

Fleau: We have been in contact with several labels, and have some things on the table. It's all prayer and waiting from here on out. J

CS: Do you have any advice to give to the youth of our world?

Fleau: Trust God!! That's terribly important. Have faith in His ways; He is always looking out for our best. Surround yourselves with friends who will encourage you and who will pray with you. Beware of what you are filling your life with; it may not all be good for you. Fill your lives with things that are positive and pleasing to God. Do not condemn yourselves if you fail, because we all sin and fall short of His glory; but rejoice in knowing that He has given us grace, and pick yourselves up and turn away from the wrongdoing. Love! Love! Love! Love your friends, family, and your enemies. Give to your community in time, offerings, etc.