Halibab Matador

Halibab Matador expands on debut album with “Souvenirs (Deluxe)” and a vinyl drop

Following the release of his debut EP “Souvenirs”, Halibab Matador returns with a deluxe edition featuring five new instrumental tracks. Blending elements of folk, lo-fi, hip-hop, and jazz, these additions bring a fresh intimacy and emotional depth to the project. Each track enriches the sonic palette, expanding the album’s range while seamlessly tying the collection together.  

These additions for “Souvenirs” expand the emotional depth and sonic richness of the original project, offering a more meditative and immersive listening experience. The new tracks begin with “Iris” a spontaneous, emotionally-charged track where Florian Hernandez’s soaring guitar meets Jeremy Dumont’s tender piano.

Track by Track

1 · Souvenirs
“Souvenirs” captures the rush of happy memories—moments with family, friends, and loved ones flashing by like film reels. Upbeat percussion mirrors the pace of passing time, while a gentle, melancholic melody underscores nostalgia. Originally conceived over five years ago and inspired by artists like Mount Kimbie and James Blake, this track has long held a special place in Halibab’s heart. It channels that bittersweet feeling of looking back—joy and melancholy intertwined.

2 · Blue Eyes
“Blue Eyes” radiates sunlight and warmth. This upbeat, guitar-driven piece draws from influences such as King Krule, Tom Misch, and Conor Albert. Accompanied by friends Léa Kadian on bass and Jeremy Dumont on Rhodes, Halibab builds a soundscape full of brightness and movement. Vocal harmonies, recorded spontaneously on his phone, add intimacy to the track’s joyful and nostalgic energy.

3 · For You
A spontaneous, one-hour creation inspired by Archy Marshall’s A New Place 2 Drown. “For You” fuses jazz and hip-hop elements in an atmospheric, electronic framework. Halibab intentionally left the song untouched after its first take, preserving its raw authenticity and immediacy—a snapshot of unfiltered inspiration.

4 · Ocean/Sea
A heartfelt love letter set to music. “Ocean/Sea” evokes gratitude and affection through its flowing rhythms and gentle groove—an instrumental that feels like a warm embrace. Written after a seaside trip with his partner, the track features contributions from Léa Kadian (bass) and Jeremy Dumont (keys). Influenced by D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel),” it captures both serenity and soulful warmth.

5 · Interlude (feat. Roseau)
This interlude features British artist Roseau interpreting a poem by Erin Hanson about individuality and courage. It reflects on the societal pressures to conform and the beauty of carving your own path. The piece serves as a meditative pause, encouraging listeners to follow their hearts and embrace authenticity.

6 · Mmoths
Named after one of Halibab’s musical inspirations, “Mmoths” unfolds gradually—a study in subtlety and build. Rain sounds, gentle guitar, Yvan Murenzi’s soft, mumble-like vocals, and Brice Clausse’s soulful saxophone create a textured, melancholic atmosphere. The outro, featuring a snippet of conversation between friends at a Belgian festival, preserves the project’s spontaneous and human essence.

7 · Skyline
Originally inspired by FKJ’s track of the same name, “Skyline” merges hip-hop and jazz into a fluid, groove-filled journey. Featuring Tim de Fontaine on synthesizer and Jeremy Dumont on Rhodes, it showcases Halibab’s love for improvisation and organic collaboration. The track pays homage to the beat-driven sound of artists like J Dilla, Kiefer, and Moonchild.

8 · Jara
A contemplative interlude built around simple melodic layers and warm textures, “Jara” acts as a moment of stillness within the album. Its title evokes a sense of grounding—reflective and quietly emotive, like a fleeting memory suspended in sound.

9 · Lili
Dedicated to his partner, “Lili” embodies light, freedom, and gratitude. The interplay of Léa Kadian’s bass, Stacy de Bruges’ vocal harmonies, and Tim de Fontaine’s gentle piano gives the song a comforting glow. It celebrates love and the joy of shared moments—a warm, tender chapter in the album’s emotional journey.

10 · White Pages
Written with his former flatmate Tim, “White Pages” is steeped in nostalgia. The two guitarists began with a simple chord loop that evolved into a serene, reflective finale for the original Souvenirs album. Its reversed outro mirrors the feeling of a flashback, symbolizing memory and the cyclical nature of life. A perfect closing statement for the 2023 release—and now a bridge to the Deluxe edition.

NEW TRACKS:

11 · Iris
“Iris” came together in just two hours, on the same day as Halibab’s first solo live show—opening for Erick the Architect. The adrenaline and emotion of that night are woven into every note. Featuring Florian Hernandez on guitar and Jeremy Dumont on piano, the track bursts with spontaneity and soul. A snapshot of presence and creative magic, “Iris” is both electrifying and deeply intimate.

12 · Gone
“Gone” is a serene ode to innocence and home, born in the quiet stillness of Halibab’s family house in Braine-l’Alleud. The blend of strummed guitar, laid-back hip-hop rhythms, and ambient nature sounds—birds, rustling leaves—creates a tranquil, nostalgic soundscape. It feels like a daydream of childhood summers, tender and timeless.

13 · Gini Melo
Inspired by a journey through Indonesia, “Gini Melo” channels the rhythm of the ocean and the peace of travel. The song combines emotive guitar, playful marimba, and nostalgic piano lines, evoking a gentle melancholy and gratitude. Field recordings of waves and voices captured on Halibab’s phone bring authenticity and vivid texture to this musical postcard from afar.

14 · Rue du Pilori
Recorded entirely on his phone at his girlfriend’s parents’ countryside home, “Rue du Pilori” captures the raw, unpolished beauty of real life. The track is filled with the ambient warmth of flowing water, crackling firewood, and distant laughter—sounds of comfort and connection. It’s a sonic photograph of peace, presence, and simplicity.

15 · Eyes On You (Bonus)
A collaboration with longtime friend Baudouin Willemart, “Eyes On You” closes the Deluxe Edition with playfulness and freedom. Created eight years ago with no plan or pressure, the track reflects the innocence of pure experimentation—just two friends exploring sound for the joy of it. A fitting end to a project built on emotion, spontaneity, and authenticity.