“We are open to all types of styles.”

So, what's exactly "Akout," describe it in a few words for the novice ones?

G.P.: It's an association abiding by the law 1901.  It was founded with an aim to promote the local artists and music.  One of our goals is also to promote the island, incite people to better understand it and to present it under various and different cultural aspects through its artists.  We want to help and offer them the opportunity to step on an international stage such as the Mainland France, Canada, United States, and Japan or in several other places across the world.  We are currently working on this.  To sum up, Akout highlights the local music on the website to spread it over the island and beyond its borders.      

Why have you chosen the name "Akout" as a torch-bearer for this musical portal?

G.P.: We go round the question for several weeks, then one day, the name Akout just pop up.  Akout which means listen in French seems obvious to pass on the message: "Listen to Réunion Island!" 

It's clear and simple.       

What are the strengths of the website?

G.P.:  We stressed on the professionalism of this portal.  First of all, be able to combine a pleasant design with an intuitive navigation.  The essential part of the website remains undoubtedly promoting the artists via a directory, a true showcase of the talents of the local musicians.  Each artist has his own page along with clips, videos or free downloads of Mp3.  Other highlights include: dates of events and concerts found in the section of "Events," to enable one to know about the venues of each band and the section "Game" where one can play to win Cds, concerts tickets and so on...And of course, our web radio, a magnificent tool to broadcast local music to a mass of people across the world.        

How should a Réunionese artist proceed to promote his music on the website?

G.P.:  He simply has to make a request via email and send us the information that he wishes to appear on the website (Biography, photos, cd, layout, videos...).  

Do you have any selection criteria?

G.P.:  The first criterion is irrevocable: be an artist who live in Réunion Island or outside the department.  The second one is much more subjective, since it appeals to the listening skill and we believe we have a good ear for music.  To meet our requirements of promoting the local music, we should present talented artists.  All unaccomplished project which are too shaky or simply bad are rejected.  There is no need to release an album to be featured on akout.com, the young talents are welcome.  We are open to all types of styles.  Sometimes we need to decide, we do this in the interest of the artists and the musical milieu.  Today, there are already about a hundred or so referenced artists and every week, there are new ones who are added to the list.      

Can we expect to have a local radio station, Akout?

G.P.:  If there is a generous donor who pays for the equipment, given the huge price, so why not (laugh).  But, the high-speed internet access is spread across the island.  There is no reason to deviate from our basic tool: the digital medium.  It allows us to be able to be both on the island and throughout the world!      

Any forthcoming exciting projects for the year 2008?

G.P. : Yes, indeed there are very exciting projects for the year 2008, the latest one : create a counterpart of Akout Réunion for the Mauritian artists.  I am currently in negotiation with the professionals from the sister island to develop this project.  For this, as it has been done here, we must forge links with sponsors, local artists, producers, medias and other key players in the cultural milieu.  The project is setting up slowly but surely.  It would shortly spring up.     

Why Mauritius ?

G.P.: Because the Mauritian artists badly need to be brought in the spotlight.  I must admit that I have lots of fun to get involved in this project.  The Mauritian artists have also lots of potential and probably facing even more difficulties to be known.  The value which the association brings to the Territory of Réunion Island, aimed to spread across all of the Indian Ocean.   

The Mauritians will have the pleasure to meet you soon then?

G.P.:  Yes absolutely.  Above all, I must confess: I've come to Mauritius only once and that was in transit for Mainland France.  An opportunity for me to combine business with pleasure.  (smile).  

Will there be new sections on the website soon?

G.P.:  Yes indeed.  We've just uploaded a forum "Akout" on the website to provide a space for dialogue on music in Réunion Island.  This will allow one to question the artists, to talk about their favourite songs, to provide testimonials and information...and to rant on as well!  The goal is to create a community over the Reunionese music whether among the public or between the public and the artists or with the professionals of the field.   

Interview conducted by Johanna Contat