“We wanted to create a platform that would bring together [printed] editions with music,” say Red Lebanese’s founders. “An independent publishing house married to a music label.” Compelled to bridge this creative gap, visual artist Pablo Jomaron and musician Quentin Leroy (AKA Mad Rey) launched Red Lebanese in 2012, along with its music production arm slash laboratory, Studio X8.
The story of Red Lebanese traces back to the founders’ early years, where they bonded as childhood friends over a shared love of graffiti, art, and hip-hop. Over a decade later, this sense of kinship continues to inform how Red Lebanese operates, with Jomaron and Leroy producing and distributing work created by close friends and collaborators.
With a focus on physical media, the duo has released numerous books and zines, from the likes of duo Hanabi (of which Jomaron is a part of, alongside Ben Dorado); Amsterdam-based photographer Yamandú Roos; and Paris-based artist Hedi Nabil.
Additionally, Red Lebanese has released cassette tapes and vinyls from international musicians including Morrocan producer Fayçal Latafi, Rio de Janeiro rapper Adriano Bico, and Bordeaux MC Prosper.
Furthering a convergence of art, music, and design, an event will be held in Los Angeles between 3rd-6th October, focused on the release of the book Hanabi Vol. 1 and supported by Carhartt WIP. Combining a host of archival work and photography, Hanabi Vol. 1 explores a variety of themes from personal history to rap and the writing of Jean Genet. In anticipation of the event, Jomaron and Mad Rey have created a mix, which includes chopped ‘n’ screwed rhythms from Lime G,, as well as synthwave sounds from Prosper and Buntlax. Accompanying this is an interview with the founders, who discuss the importance of organic connection, how Paris ignites creativity, and healing through botany.
Can you tell us about the origins of Red Lebanese? What led to you and your friend Thomas Brun launching it in 2012?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: We met in high school – we were childhood friends driven by graffiti, art, and hip-hop in general. After a bookbinding and self-publishing workshop at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts-de-Paris, we learned the techniques for making books. From then on, we knew how to compile our photos into booklets or ‘fanzines’ to share with friends. At the same time, we wanted to create a platform that would bring together [printed] editions with music. An independent publishing house married to a music label. And so, Red Lebanese was born.
Where is the label based right now ?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: The label is based in Montreuil (93100), but we are from Paris 18th and Paris 20th.
Is there a philosophy behind the label’s name?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: We were looking for an impactful name and smoked a lot. Also Quentin has family in Lebanon.
Red Lebanese’s catalog features hip-hop, pop, and electronic projects, from musicians like Fayçal Latafi and Adriano Bico. What are the criteria for choosing an artist to work with?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: There have been organic encounters, which have led to friendships and a desire of sharing, as well as artistic collaborations. We work together to physically produce and distribute our friends' projects, without too many resources – hence the releases on audio cassette or vinyl format. Mad Rey (aka Quentin Leroy) set up Studio X8 (the label's music studio) in 2014, and the idea was to create a ‘laboratory’ space for meetings and production. So generally, Quentin makes the sounds and Pablo does the artwork.
How involved are you with the development of the artists you work with?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: We are 100% involved with discussions, production, distribution, and promotion, as well as events, such as exhibitions, book releases and music release parties.
What exciting projects do you currently have in the pipeline?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: After releasing 3 EPs in 2023, we are currently working on an LP by Mad Rey (aka Quentin Leroy) scheduled for October 2024.
What is the driving force of your creativity? And what or who inspires your work generally?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: Our strength comes from our friendships, our discipline, and the fact that we have produced almost everything by hand since the beginning – and that we love it.
What is your view on the value of music today? In what way does the abundance of music change our perception of it?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: We question it on a daily basis, both from the point of view of the medium and its distribution, which is why we remain attached to the physical medium.
Do you think there is still a need for labels as institutions in today’s music market?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: Yes, the label always has a role, because it constitutes a collective enabling the work of an artist to be supported. An artist often needs an outside perspective to continue.
Is there a link between your Carhartt WIP Radio mix and the Hanabi Vol. 1 book you just released on Red Lebanese?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: Yes, of course we share similar tastes, we have fun mixing our references together with music from everywhere.
Who are three upcoming producers that you feel need more attention?
Growing up, what music were you exposed to? What influenced you?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: A lot of everything… everything bouncin’. French rap, US rap, funk, rock, dance, flamenco, afrobeat, and jazz. We used to hang out at the first Dilla parties at the age of 18 or 19 at La Bellevilloise in Paris. We went to secret techno parties, but also to clubs to listen to underground pioneers like Mr G, Omar S and Jeff Mills.
Which albums have you rediscovered lately, and what makes them special?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: Hard to answer. Massive Attack’s Blue Lines: classic sound, classic tunes, timeless mood.
If you were to predict the sound of tomorrow, what would it be?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: It looks like music is reinvented daily, so it's hard to say. All genres would become even more mixed in with each other.
How does living in Paris shape the atmosphere of your music?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: Paris is energetically intense – you can meet the whole world and it stimulates creativity at every moment. That’s good! But sometimes it rains for months, so you have to stay motivated and remain focused to move forward with your work.
What is your favorite Instagram account and why?
Red Lebanese/Studio X8: La nature et ses secrets, because it offers information on how to heal yourself with plants and flowers that you can find everywhere around you.
