Bon Voyage's Chinese Connection

Bon Voyage Organizations performs at Modern Sky Lab in Bejing, June 21, 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Why BVO and how it came so far

The name Bon Voyage is a cross-over between 'bonjour', a French equivalent of 'Hello', and the English, 'voyage'. As a living example of cultural exchange, Durand makes such an idea the feature of the band's name.

"I wanted to find the cliché word that was French; but at the same time, could be easily understood by foreigners," he said. "And also I've got all the ideas about traveling, so it came really logically. I was working in Paris and I just thought 'Bon Voyage'."

But why 'Organization'? "So my idea was like, Bon Voyage is an organization, let people figure out by themselves what it means and what kind of organization it is," Durand said.

As an all-around and dynamic musician, Durand not only works in BVO, he also worked for many world-known artists as either an arranger, a musician or a producer at the studio.

He said his experience in other bands also helped BVO in return.

"I met many musicians and I got them involved in the process of making my music. And it's mainly working with people that I love. And getting them to do things that I want them to do. Not working under the constraint of doing other artists' albums."

Durand said that, no matter what music his band is going to play, and no matter who's leaving and who's staying, it is always important to make sure the band members feel like a family.

"The band is not a stiff line-up. The line-up is always changing. There is a core of three musicians that are always the same. But other people are mainly coming and going because they have a lot of work elsewhere, with other artists."

Even though artists are coming and going, it will not stop the team from holding a Paris concert in July and issuing a new record in September.

BVO is now working on another new album, which Durand guarantees will have a bigger ensemble.

"I just want to leave with records that I am proud of," he says, speaking the mindset and dream shared among BVO members, and as an engine allowing the energetic team to foster.

Tang Yuefan, Wu Jiahao also contributed to the story.