One Week with Kalupto
For six days, Calypso Larrazet-Llop, aka KALUPTO, a young independent singer-songwriter living in Paris, opened the doors of her musical world to me. Between intense rehearsals, recording sessions and three intimate concerts, this story follows the daily life of an artist in full bloom during a very busy week. From the intimacy of her creative process to the energy of her live performances, I tried to capture both the passion that drives this singular artist and the more trivial moments of her daily life.
Calypso, KALUPTO's composer, with her musical partner Victor, in his studio. The two artists are rehearsing for their upcoming concert at La Boule Noire, in 2 days' time.
The recording studio is a maid's room belonging to Victor's grandmother.
The next day, at the same time and place (and after a new haircut for Calypso), the two artists get together for a final rehearsal.
Calypso writes and performs the songs, and also plays the piano. Victor handles arrangements, backing vocals and guitar.
That same evening, the two artists rent a professional studio in the 10th arrondissement to work on the final touches before the concert.
La Boule Noire, Paris; Calypso and Victor arrive early at the venue to do sound checks before the concert, and discuss lighting and set design with the stage managers.
Thierry Ququ, their manager since 2023. He represents several bands and artists from the Paris independent scene.
Thierry et Calypso discuss in the dressing room.
KALUPTO on stage. They perform previously unreleased compositions such as 'Free Us Now' and 'Now It's Gone'.
Calypso's sister (center).
KALUPTO in concert at the Barge du Crous in front of a student audience.
Rehearsals for KALUPTO's third and final concert at the Hasard Ludique. Calypso will be accompanied on stage by three backing singers (from left to right in photo 2: Jeanne, Louise and Zara), performing acoustic versions of her songs.
The singers rehearse in Calypso's apartment (photo 1) and then at her mother's home (photos 2, 3 and 4).
The setlist for the show.
Calypso and her backing singers are getting ready for the concert.
The intimate concert takes place in front of an audience of around 100.
Calypso and Thierry after the show.
Calypso in conversation with artist Marianne Perrudin and her friend Eliza.