He has channeled these influences into his project, Aurus. A visually and sonically captivating work, Aurus combines an unusual fusion of Creole and English lyrics, grounded in maloya, one of Réunion’s two main musical styles. For Bastien, the project represents an opportunity to introduce the island’s traditional culture to the wider world, where anything is possible.
Aurus first emerged in 2019, and Bastien is already working on new material. However, the project is fully encapsulated in the album Chimera from 2021, which draws from his childhood and adolescence on the Indian Ocean island. The album also delves into themes such as transhumanism, communication, and freedom. Musically, it evokes the work of Peter Gabriel, Woodkid, and James Blake. Alongside the music, Aurus is a visual experience, as Bastien has always believed in the importance of the show. Influenced by icons like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Björk, he collaborates with creative visual artists and designers, often from Réunion, to craft his costumes, graphics, and stage design. If you can’t make it to the Indian Ocean, let a piece of this exotic island come to you in Ostrava!