Ethereal Melodies
Image by Fred Gervais

French-Canadian singer-songwriter Margaux Sauvé has captured fans worldwide with the beautiful sound of her melancholic, ethereal pop music. Get to know the woman behind the mystical voice of Ghostly Kisses in an interview with Apple Sharma, ahead of her Darkroom Tour 2025 at BEYON Al Dana Amphitheatre Desert Garden on February 23.

FACT: When did your musical journey start and what has been your biggest influence?
MS: I started writing songs while studying psychology at university in Quebec City, Canada. In my second year, every time I sat down to study, I felt an irresistible urge to play the piano or pick up my violin. Eventually, that led me to start singing and writing my first songs.
One of my biggest influences was London Grammar, especially when they released their first album in 2014. Hannah Reid’s voice opened a new door for me; I realised that my own voice could be just as valid. I’ve never had a particularly strong or powerful voice and for a long time, I struggled with confidence. Whenever I tried to sing as a child, people would always say, “Louder!” but I couldn’t, and it made me feel inadequate. Hearing Hannah’s voice helped me embrace my own vocal style and understand that being different is actually a strength.

FACT: Your artistic moniker, Ghostly Kisses, was inspired by a William Faulkner poem. What significance does this name hold for you and how does it reflect your musical style? 
MS: When I started writing songs, I wanted an artist name that would embody a persona reflecting both the sound and qualities of my voice, as well as the nostalgic, romantic and dreamy essence of the project. A friend introduced me to William Faulkner’s poem ‘Une ballade des dames perdues’, where the line ‘They brush my lips with ghostly kisses’ stood out to me. It felt like the perfect name, nothing else could have captured the spirit of my music more fittingly.

FACT: You describe your music as ethereal pop. What inspires you to create such dreamy music?
MS: I’ve always been drawn to music that feels immersive, emotional and almost otherworldly. I think the ethereal quality in my songs comes from a mix of different influences; melancholic melodies, soft yet expressive vocals and atmospheric instrumentations that create a sense of floating or dreaming. I naturally gravitate towards introspective and nostalgic themes and I try to translate those emotions into sound.
A lot of my inspiration comes from personal experiences, memories and deep emotions but also from the way certain places, books or even films make me feel. I love the idea of music being a space where listeners can totally escape, reflect and lose themselves, even if just for a moment. That’s what I hope to create with Ghostly Kisses; a world where people can immerse themselves and connect with their own emotions.

FACT: What is your creative process for writing your songs? What comes first – the music or the lyrics?
MS: Music comes to me all the time, so whenever I have a melody idea, I immediately record it on my phone’s Dictaphone. I’ve learnt that even the most naive, spontaneous idea can lead to a great song, so I try to capture everything the moment it pops into my head.
Every Ghostly Kisses song is co-written by Louis-Étienne and me. We usually start with the music; either I send him a demo or he shares an instrumental or a melody idea with me, and we develop it together. Sometimes, a few words come out naturally while singing and if they fit the mood, we might keep them. But most of the time, the lyrics take shape once we have a clearer sense of the music itself.

FACT: You work closely with your partner, Louis-Étienne Santais. How does your personal relationship influence your collaborative process and the music you produce?
MS: I think the fact that we’re so close allows us to create in a completely open and judgment-free way. I feel totally confident with Louis-Étienne, which pushes me to try anything that comes to mind, even the silliest ideas, because I trust him and his instincts. This transparency helps us be honest with each other and refine our music without hesitation.
Our personal relationship also allows us to explore deeper layers of meaning in our songs. Louis-Étienne is my soulmate, he knows my deepest fears and secrets, which lets us go further emotionally when we create together. We’re also very honest with each other; if something isn’t working, we don’t sugar-coat it. That honesty is essential to making the best music we can.

FACT: You’ve been to Bahrain a few times now. What do you most enjoy about performing here and what can fans expect at your upcoming concert this month? Any special message for Bahrain fans? 
MS: Bahrain holds a very special place in our hearts. It was one of the first places where people truly connected with our music and bought tickets to see us live, which means so much to us. The fans here are incredibly respectful, they listen so attentively during the songs and then show their enthusiasm at just the right moments. It creates such a beautiful atmosphere and we absolutely love performing in Bahrain.
For our upcoming concert, fans can expect an intimate and emotional performance designed to immerse them in an ethereal atmosphere. We strive to create a space where they can dive into the world of Ghostly Kisses, allowing themselves to be absorbed by the music and the emotions it evokes. It’s a moment where feelings surface, where people can go deep into their own thoughts and where the experience becomes truly powerful. We can’t wait to share this moment, thank you Bahrain for your love and support – it truly means the world to us!

FACT: What’s in store for 2025? Are there any new projects in the pipeline that we can look forward to? 
MS: In 2025, Louis-Étienne and I will mainly be focussing on writing new music. We already have a few ideas brewing but we want to take the time to truly dive deep into the next chapter of Ghostly Kisses and explore new creative directions. Aside from that, we’re still shaping our plans, but one thing is certain, we’ll be so happy when we get the chance to return to Bahrain again.

FUN FACTS

  • Who’s your favourite artist?
    Frou Frou (Imogen Heap)
  • What’s your dream collaboration?
    Greg Gonzalez (CAS), Tom Odell, Aurora
  • What’s your favourite city to perform in?
    That’s a tough one, there are so many! Some of our most memorable shows so far have been in Bahrain, Paris, London, Berlin, San Francisco, Cairo, Montréal, Seoul, Istanbul, Dubai… Each of these cities has a unique energy, and we love visiting them as well.
  • Which tour/concert has been your biggest so far?
    Our last Darkroom Tour in September and October 2024; we toured for five weeks in MENA and Asia.
  • What’s your other big love/passion apart from music?
    Photography

GO: VISIT GHOSTLYKISSESMUSIC.COM OR FOLLOW @GHOSTLYKISSES ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.