With her warm, velvety voice and a style that merges desire, melancholy, and French elegance, Vendredi sur Mer has carved out a world entirely her own. Albums like Premiers émois and Métamorphose showcased her ability to turn vulnerability into poetry—songs whispered like secrets to the listener’s ear. Now, with the album Malabar Princess, which includes “Arrêter le temps”, she returns to an even more stripped-down, essential form—joined by celebrated pianist Sofiane Pamart—to deliver a tender breath of a song that feels outside of time.

Written in just twenty minutes at Adrien Gallo’s studio, the track came to life with the natural ease of someone who’s loved without a schedule. When we sat down to talk with Vendredi, she shared the inspiration behind this enduring kind of love—a connection that survives even in the absence of time or physical presence. Sofiane’s contribution, she says, was nothing short of magical: “He translated every word into music.” The result is the only track on her new album, Malabar Princess, composed entirely of voice and piano. And it’s in that simplicity that the emotional weight of the entire album is anchored—a project that, according to Vendredi, takes her back to the emotional landscapes of her Swiss childhood.

Throughout our conversation, Vendredi sur Mer is thoughtful, honest, and serene. We spoke about this new chapter in her music, her return to her roots, the influence of visual art on her creative process, and her ongoing need to tell stories from a deeply personal place. 

Vendredi sur Mer, first of all, thank you so much for your time.

“Arrêter le temps” is such a deeply emotional piece. Can you tell us how this song came to life and what inspired its creation?

This is one of the latest songs I wrote for the album. I wrote it in twenty minutes at Adrien Gallo’s studio. That was probably the easiest one for me to do because I really love doing sad songs, ahah. I wanted to speak about a relationship that never ends, even if time passes without seeing each other. 

Sofiane Pamart is one of today’s most influential contemporary pianists. What was it like working with him? What new dimension did he bring to your music that you hadn’t explored before?

I met Sofiane a year ago, we were both part of the jury for a music award show. I was in love with Sofiane’s work, so it made all the sense in the world for me to ask him to play the piano on Arrêter le temps. It’s funny because he told me that most of the time he doesn’t work on tracks that have already been produced, but that he would do it for this one. Then the first time I listened to the song, I was quite in shock about what he was able to make, I feel like he literally translated the lyrics into notes. 

The song feels incredibly intimate—almost like an open letter. Did you experience any particular vulnerability while writing or recording it?

Well, it's always emotionally challenging to write an album, and this song was a really important text for me. 

You just released your album “Malabar Princess.” How does this track fit into the emotional journey or narrative of the full record?

This is the only solo piano & voice track on the album - pure and emotional - and it was important for me to have this type of song on the album, as I did in my previous ones. I always want to have a more intimate song that focuses on a unique story.

You’ve mentioned that this album is a return to your Swiss roots. How did the landscapes of your childhood influence the songwriting and overall sound?

Well, every album I make reflects a part of my life. For this one, I felt the need to return to my roots—the place where I grew up.

The landscapes there played a huge role in shaping the atmosphere of the album. I grew up watching nature change with the seasons, and I often miss the calm and depth of the mountains when I’m in Paris. That feeling really guided the creation of this album—it was the thread that tied everything together.

Your previous albums, “Premiers émois” and “Métamorphose,” showcased very different sides of you. Where does “Malabar Princess” place you emotionally and artistically?

This third album feels like a fusion of the different sides of me and the music I create. I approached it with a peaceful mind and a clear vision of what I wanted to express—both in terms of message and musical influences.

As artists, we’re constantly evolving; each project is a new journey. But the experiences from my previous albums definitely guided me here. With Malabar Princess, I wanted to show myself—not as a character, but as someone as close as possible to my true self.

You started your creative path as a photographer. In what ways does that visual background shape your approach to writing and producing music?

Visuals have always played a big role in how I approach music—they’re something I imagine as I create. That was especially true for this album, which was deeply inspired by my childhood surroundings and memories.

I started thinking about the visual direction early on in the process. Everyone on my creative team are also close friends—people I feel totally comfortable with. I wanted both the music and the visual world around it to feel simple and joyful, and that’s why I chose to work with people I truly love.

Throughout your career, you’ve explored themes like desire, nostalgia, and identity. Which of these feels the most present in your work today?

I would say nostalgia—but not in a melancholic way.

Are there any artistic dreams you’ve yet to realize? Any dream collaborations, places you’d like to perform, or new formats you want to try?

I feel lucky that my music reaches people in different countries, and I really love playing in new cities. I hope I’ll keep traveling the world with my music and discovering new places and audiences.

As for dream collaborations—Lorde is at the top of my list. I’ve been inspired by her music and her journey for a long time.

Finally, what comes next for you? What do you hope listeners will take away from this new chapter in your artistic story?

I’ll be performing this year, which I’m really excited about.

More than anything, I hope this new music connects with people and that they truly enjoy it. I’m also really curious to hear their feedback—it’s always so special to see how others experience something that started so personally.

FOLLOW VENDREDI SUR MER: INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY

‍

Photographed by Écoute Chérie