Song Exploder: “Pour Cyril” by How to Dress Well

Song Exploder is a podcast where musicians deconstruct their songs and tell the stories behind how they were made. In the past, it’s explored tracks from The Postal Service to The Microphones, and even House of Cards composer, Jeff Beal. In the newest episode, musician, creator, and host Hrishikesh Hirway and Tom Krell offer an in-depth look inside How to Dress Well’s “Pour Cyril.”

In an interview with Belgian filmmakers the Dardenne brothers, talking about the kinds of stories they tell, Luc Dardenne says, “Human suffering; that interests us very much.” It also interests Tom Krell, a songwriter and producer who goes by the name How to Dress Well. After seeing one of the Dardenne brothers’ films, The Kid With a Bike, he was inspired to make the song “Pour Cyril.” In this episode of Song Exploder, he’ll dig deep into where that inspiration led him, from transformations within the song, to within the film, and within himself. Buy “Pour Cyril” on iTunes, and check out the brand new live orchestral version of the song on Soundcloud.

Image courtesy of Song Exploder

Referenced in this episode:

“The Kid with a Bike,” directed by Jean-Pierre & Luc Dardenne

Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73, 2nd movement

“Special,” by Janet Jackson

“Beau Travail,” directed by Claire Denis

For more, check out Song Exploder on Facebook and Twitter: @SongExploder

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