Three Questions With Sébastien Tellier

Next up in the 3Qs series is musician, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Sébastien Tellier! He talks about his favorite synths and more down below.

Without further ado...

Sébastien Tellier.

Synth History: What are your top three synths of all time?

Sébastien Tellier: My top three synths are the Yamaha CS-80, the Yamaha CP-80, and the Prophet-5 Rev 3.

These are instruments I’ve used for a long time, and they form real foundations of my writing and sonic universe, especially on my latest album, Kiss the Beast.

The CS-80 feels almost alive to me. Its expressiveness is unmatched — it’s more like having a conversation with the instrument than simply playing notes.

The CP-80 is my main piano, particularly on La Ritournelle. It has a very distinctive attack, slightly nostalgic, that immediately brings a strong emotional color.

The Prophet-5 Rev 3 is the kind of synth that reminds you why you fell in love with synths in the first place. You put your hands on it, play three chords, and it already sounds like a record. It’s simple, direct, and it makes you want to write instantly, without overthinking.

Synth History: What is inspiring you the most right now?

Sébastien Tellier: What inspires me the most right now is late ’70s / early ’80s Japanese jazz fusion.

There’s a great sense of freedom in that music, a very natural boldness in sound, always in service of groove and melody. Synthesizers are treated as real instruments, with elegance and spontaneity.

Synth History: What is one tip for overcoming writer’s block?

Sébastien Tellier: For me, chaos and randomness are the best cures for writer’s block.

You have to accept losing control and let accidents happen. That’s often where the most sincere ideas come from.

Synth History Exclusive.

Photo provided by Sébastien Tellier.

Conducted by Danz.