We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Le Poodle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Le Poodle below.

Alright, Le Poodle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

This plagued me earlier in my career and, ironically, hindered me from starting at first because I began music at an age that would be considered “late” in the game around 25 years old. It is laughable now because at 25 you are such a baby. However, the only examples we had in the industry were prodigy children (we now know more about how toxic the industry was/is and what unfortunate experiences these young stars went through).

I’ve technically always been musical since I was very young even if I had a different interest every week. I was still involved at one point in dance, music lessons, going through my dad’s music collection, making playlists and burning CDs for my crushes, and obsessively downloading music once Limewire hit the streets.

Looking back, I probably would not change anything because I am more mature and the industry and the nightlife that parallels being a musical artist did not eat me alive. It just took me longer to get to where I wanted because I had to work an adult job and life shit. But I am a lot more assertive and in control of my career now… just had to marinate a bit.

Le Poodle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am in the middle of transitioning to a full-time career in music with performing, writing/singing, and DJ-ing. I am most proud of my work ethic and determination to make this happen for myself. Recently, I just toured Europe as a DJ and will be playing a live set at a festival at H0l0 in NYC, followed by III Points Music Festival in Miami in October. I’ve done several scores for short films and dance performances. I’ve been producing music now for almost 10 years and have been genre-bending the entire time. I think that has been translating in my DJ sets, which people have told me I have unique selections and mixes. For me, music and going to shows or events with music has been such a source of healing and escape for me. I’d love to be able to continue to connect with my community and world sonically.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My creative career has evolved tremendously. I was enrolled in a public high school with an art program and studied visual arts for 4 years and was at the point where I could have gone to an art institute in New York for college, but I got a bit burnt out from having to produce so much “intentional” work at a young age. If anyone has gone through art school juries you know we couldn’t just show our art, we had to have a whole purpose and research why we were creating what we were. It took the fun out of doing art just because. I grew up in a Caribbean household that highly valued education and financial security and so naturally I chose a non-creative career that gave me that. But the itch to be creative never really went away and this past year in particular I went through a lot of trauma, loss, and grief, that completely changed my outlook on what I want and need in life. I did not think this would ever be a possibility, but I am grateful for the opportunities and chances that peers, venues, and other events have given me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Hands-down being able to have a shared, collective experience with those in the room. The “you had to be there” moments that cannot be replaced. We all were present and felt the same thing. Especially, if it happened while my music was playing. It’s like wow, I wrote this feeling so emotional in my bedroom, and the fact that people can still relate is so beautiful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bit.ly/m/Le_Poodle
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_poodle/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliefoucauld/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/43DqPCwF7fTJmLOENvevg7?si=Hvi1oSSLTMCT1f_hhXvOKQ

Image Credits

Yajaira Sattui (@imyajaira)
Janae Hernandez (@plantpsyche)