Out the Box: Léna C

For our next Out The Box feature we welcome one of our own Hebden Bridge cartel by way of Léna C!

Growing up in a family of traditional musicians in her birthplace, Brittany, Léna C. has shaped a DJ career across the Channel in Manchester over the last many years. Léna’s mixes and compositions exude her eclectic influences mixing electronic and traditional sounds from all around the world. She holds a regular show on Melodic Distraction entitled ‘Ecléctico’ and recently accompanied the MD crew to play at their stage for this year’s We Out Here Festival. She also recently provided a live mix for MAJ (My Analogue Journal) channel on YouTube which resulted in her being booked to play for JAzz X in Romania of course, she provides sounds on home turf too with appearances at Band On The Wall, Nelson’s, Gotwood, Green Island & The Talleyrand!

Oh and if that wasn’t impressive enough she also released her debut E.P. ‘Promenade’ on vinyl via our friends at Sprechen!

Follow Léna on Instagram.

Léna C

Any books/publications you have recently read?

Aside from music, I love photography which I have been doing as a hobby for a very long time! So anything that is photo related, whether it be a book, an exhibition, or a documentary, is something that I will definitely try to check out. I recently purchased a beautiful book called ‘L’Opéra du Monde’ (The Opera of the World) by the incredibly talented French photographer Christine Spengler. She primarily worked as a war photographer and has documented all the major conflicts since the 70s. In the first part of the book, one can discover her powerful black-and-white war photographs for which she’s won many prizes.

Christine Spengler – L’Opera Du Monde

But the second half is dedicated to the other side of her work which is her collage pictures where she frames a black and white photo with a mixture of flower petals, jewellery, fabric, seashells, and anything colourful that will contrast with the black and white element. The end result is so unique and beautiful! Christine Spengler is definitely a very inspirational woman for me.

Christine Spengler – ‘L’Opéra du Monde’

Are there any films watched you’d like to share with our audience?

There are so many because I love films! I recently watched an Iranian film called ‘Hit the Road’ released in 2021. It’s one of those films that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. The little boy in the film is so cute and such a good actor! Highly recommend it!

Places to visit/go on walks?

I live in beautiful Yorkshire, God’s Own Country they say! (it is the title of another very good film which I also highly recommend!) So I’m lucky to be surrounded by beautiful nature all year long! I love the Moors for their vast hills renowned for their dramatic scenery. Fog and mist can frequently roll in, creating an atmospheric and mystical ambience. The moorland near Hebden Bridge and Haworth served as the backdrop for Emily Brontë’s novel “Wuthering Heights” which inspired Kate Bush’s 1978 song.

How about places to eat?

I love Nelson’s in Hebden Bridge because not only do they serve divine vegan food but it is also a very good place for a drink especially if you’re into wine. They have DJs playing almost every weekend and I occasionally play there myself! It’s just a great spot in the valley!

Nelsons, No.1 Vegan restaurant and Bar in Hebden Bridge

Ways to spend a Sunday?

Approaching Stoodley Pike from Edge End Moor

Whether I’m recovering from a late Saturday DJ set or not, I always try to do my yoga routine. I started yoga at the beginning of covid and I’ve managed to stick to it since then! Then I usually go out for a walk either at Hardcastle Crags, Widdop Reservoir, Stoodley Pike or by the canal to Todmorden. There are so many lovely walks near where I live, we are spoiled for choice!

Hardcastle Crags