Pierre Englebert
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Pierre Englebert

Claremont, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2020

Claremont, California, United States
Established on Jan, 2020
Solo Pop Rock

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Music

Press


"PopRock Record"

“Englebert knows his way around a tune, cast in a variety of styles. Over the course of three albums released since the beginning of 2020 he’s consistently turned out some lovely hooks. The latest is Wait, What?, an album that is constantly shifting between silly and serious, from the tender to the tendentious. Stand out tracks for me include the loping hook monster “In the Zoom Breakout Room” and the extremely brief but still delightful “Long Story Short.” “Virgin No More” is also a striking piano ballad instrumental. There are clearly many influences behind the album but the nods to Queen are clear and I’d add the Alan Parsons Projects at times. From previous releases, check out the ELO-ish “Self-Pity Party” and the sweet “When Carson Palmer Lived With Us” from Well.” - Poprock Record ~ Songs with a hook


"Claremont Music Guide: Winter 2022 Issue"

“Pierre Englebert ... is a prolific one-man-band in Not a Moment too Soon. In November 2021, he released his third album Wait, What? featuring songs like “Claremont, California”, “Dating after 50”, “God, I Need a Drink!” and “In the Zoom Breakout Room.” While listening on Spotify, I couldn’t help but smile as I listened to whimsical lyrics like “God I need a drink!.....make it a Pomona Queen,” or “He walked into the door and I was already bored.” … With all the lyrics and complex, pop-like music created and produced by Pierre - himself - it’s hard not to be smitten by his music tracks that are influenced by epic bands such as Queen, Pink Floyd, Peter Frampton, and ELO - to name a few.” - Miss Claremont


"‘Wait, What?’ Pomona professor’s latest album is a treatise on life and love"

“Arresting, unexpected and deeply funny, [the] lyrics set the tone for … the album and the musical journey on which it takes its listeners … witty and entertaining album … contains songs that are deeply personal as well as deeply smart and humorous … The variety of songs include “Claremont, California” — both a love letter and historical account of Claremont — and “A Manly Man I Am,” a criticism of those that oppose freedom of gender and sexual expression coupled with an affirmation of the beauty of love, no matter who it is between (and in all of this, a truly delightful Stan Lee joke) … attention to musical detail shines in the tracklist … When listening to the album — which features more classical instruments, complex chord structures and melodies than his previous work — listeners can definitely notice the added nuance and texture. Englebert has also taken more creative risks with this album … The album also functions as a cross-section of Englebert’s work as a politics professor, his research into African politics and his music. Songs like “In the Zoom Breakout Room” chronicle an emerging Zoom romance, inspired by Englebert’s observations of student interactions during online school. “Yo, Boy!” is a song about the horrors of war, inspired by Englebert’s research on civil wars in Africa.” - The Student Life


"Pierre Englebert shows making music has no age limit"

“elegantly arranged pop music full of sophisticated chord changes and voicings... [Englebert’s albums] abound with sophisticated pop, sinewy vocal melodies, complex arrangements and interestingly layered production choices. Fans of Neil Finn and Crowded House, XTC, Barenaked Ladies or Jellyfish may find some familiar touchstones here.” - The Claremont Courier


"Political Scientist Turned Songwriter: Pierre Englebert Brings Humor and Heart to the Stage"

With four albums under his belt since 2020, Pierre has become a recognized and respected songwriter. ... Pierre is not only a talented musician but also a respected academic. He holds a professorship in political science at the Claremont Colleges and has extensive experience in the field, having taught at several prestigious universities across the country. He is a recognized expert on the politics of globalization, international organizations, and the development of democracy, and has contributed greatly to public policy debates in these areas. ... In his concerts, Pierre switches effortlessly between guitar and piano accompaniment, and takes his audience on an emotional journey through his songs. Whether it’s a hilarious moment or a touching piece that brings tears to the eyes, Pierre’s live performances are always a mesmerizing experience. ... Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the talent and passion of Pierre Englebert. - Pasadena Now


Discography

Conspiracy (single, 2023)

Love, Loss, and Chickens (Album, 9 songs, 2022)

Wait, What? (Album, 12 songs, 2021)

Well, (Album, 8 songs, 2020)

Back to Plan A (Album, 9 songs, 2020)

Photos

Bio

After four albums under the name Not a Moment too Soon, political science professor Pierre Englebert released his latest one--Things Could Be Worse--under his own name in October 2023.  As poprockrecord.com puts it, “Englebert knows his way around a tune, cast in a variety of styles… he’s consistently turned out some lovely hooks… constantly shifting between silly and serious, from the tender to the tendentious.”  Pomona College music professor and composer Thomas Flaherty adds: Pierre’s songs “Brim with humor, warmth, and good will … [with] catchy, inventive melodies propelled by natural, compelling harmonies… [and] reward many repeated hearings.”  In concert, Pierre alternates between guitar and piano accompaniment, and takes his audience from hilarious moments to touching pieces that can bring tears to your eyes. “Miss Claremont” writes: “By far my favorite local musician … an exceptional pianist and guitarist and a prolific lyricist. I enjoy his live performances … which always makes me laugh …it's easy to be mesmerized.”


Band Members