Bop Alloy — Paris Recap & EU Tour Interview
After 9 years away, Bop Alloy returned to Europe with their new album Masters of the Artistry, presented in Paris by A66. The show marked the final stop of a short but impactful EU tour, bringing their sound back to a city that has consistently shown them love.
We caught up with them to talk about touring, the new album, and what’s next.
Photo: Lee - Roy
EU Tour
Q: How has this EU tour felt for you?
Substantial: Overall, it was dope. Short but a lot of fun.
Marcus D: Refreshing. Coming back after 9 years made me realized I shouldn’t wait that long again.
Q: Does the final stop in Paris feel different?
Substantial: No doubt. Every stop had a unique feel, but Paris definitely felt like the finale.
Marcus D: Paris has always shown love. This time was no different.
Q: Do you feel more energy at the beginning or end of a tour?
Substantial: Usually, I'm more physically tired by the end of the tour, but we've also had time to refine our set. The beginning sometimes feels like the first day of school. You don't know how many new or old faces you'll see, and new songs are like new outfits. You're trying new things to see what works and feels right.
Marcus D: It depends, but this time it was toward the end.
Touring Life
Q: Touring looks fun from the outside… what’s the reality?
Substantial: It can be fun and is, but it's a lot of work. A lot more admin work than people realize. Budgeting, communication, making travel accommodations, scheduling in a way that makes sense, but allows time to rest and regroup. Sometimes, there are major last-minute changes that often result in financial and time loss. Comes with the territory.
Marcus D: It’s fun, but physically and mentally exhausting. And now with a 2-year-old son, saying goodbye at the airport is harder.
Europe vs US
Q: What feels different in Europe compared to the US?
Substantial: The food, scenery, and people.
Marcus D: People aren't in as much of a hurry. Things feel more relaxed overall.
Q: Is there something about the audience or lifestyle here that stands out?
Substantial: People in Europe seem a bit more lax in comparison.
Marcus D: Energetic during the show, and polite at the merch table.
Tokyo & Future
Q: Stan, I heard you might be moving to Tokyo, what’s pulling you there?
Substantial: Education for the kids, a change of environment, and business opportunities.
Q: Now that you’ll both be in the same city, does that change how you work together?
Substantial: Definitely. More chances to create together in the same space.
Q: Does that mean more music coming soon? 👀
Substantial: Time will tell 😉
New Album — Masters of the Artistry
Q: This album took around two years. What changed from the beginning to the final version?
Substantial: A feature or two we had in mind, but honestly, not much.
Marcus D: Productionwise, the arrangements and elements in my beats. They started out as rough outlines we tracked vocals to. After we laid the vox and I got time to sit with it, the ideas got more fleshed out. I added live instrumentation, scratches, extra vocals, filtered sections, vocal drop-outs, sound effects etc.
Q: Was there a moment when you felt like “okay, now it’s really coming together”?
Both: Around the second round of sessions.
Q: Any creative disagreements?
Substantial: None that comes to mind. Our process is usually pretty smooth.
Marcus D: Nah, not that I can think of. We respect each other's opinions and we listen.
Being a Musician
Q: What do people not see about this life?
Substantial: The sacrifice—time away from family, the physical toll, and the stress behind the scenes.
Marcus D: The boring parts and the parts that people don't see. The practice, repetition, and failure required to make memorable music. Basically the opposite of what it takes to create content.
Q: What still makes it all worth it for you?
Substantial: Seeing how the music impacts people, especially in difficult times.
Marcus D: In my vacuum it's the aha moment when all the pieces fit together. Out in the world, it's when someone tells me the music saved their life...stopped them from doing something irreversible. Firefighters, doctors, EMTs are in the life-saving business; we generally don't look at musicians in that way, but music can be medicine for the soul.
Advice / Reflection
Q: Advice for young artists?
Substantial: It’s a marathon. Stay dedicated and keep learning.
Marcus D: Find your niche.
Q: What do people get wrong about music careers?
Substantial: They confuse fame with success.
Marcus D: That it's a way to make quick money. That it's lucrative at all lol.
Q: What would you tell your younger self?
Substantial: Keep going, but prioritize your health.
Marcus D: Nothing. I'm cool with my life...butterfly effect.
Last
Q: If Nujabes could hear this album, what do you think he’d say?
Substantial: I honestly don't know.
Marcus D: I have no idea.
Q: What have you been listening to lately?
Substantial: To Whom It May Concern by Jill Scott
Marcus D: Stuff from my collection. Late 70s jazz/fusion. Same thing as always.
Q: Where would you like to tour next?
Substantial: Africa, South America, Australia
Marcus D: Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan, China, USA.
Further reading:
Marcus D was also recently featured in Star Wax Magazine — read the interview