Functions: Artist, Producer
Ages: 38
Currently Residing: Paris, France
Currently Listening to: A lot of different things, experimental stuff, jazz, soundtracks etc
Nouvelle Vague is probably one of the most visually and sonically beautiful bands I've ever seen. If you haven't heard of them I suggest you pick up their new CD, Nouvelle Vague II - Bande A Part. They take vintage punk rock and new wave and make it all their own with a Bossa Nova/Caribbean twist. What comes out is a sexy and moody blend of some really phenomenal songs that are sometimes covered up by their celebrity. I especially love their rendition of "Killing Moon" by Echo and the Bunnymen.
Nouvelle Vague is comprised mainly of Mr. Marc Collin and a slew of the most talented and stunning singers ever to hit my eyes and ears. Collin works very hard at keeping his youth alive as well as providing a whole new mixture of nostalgia and cultural resonance.
How long have you all been creating music? What was the first glint
in your eye that this is what
you wanted to do (music)?
I played in a band when I was around 15 years old and this was the time I decided to keep doing this all my life!
How did the concept for Nouvelle come about and why did you decide on the Bossa Nova style? Was it intentional using the covers?
The main idea is to prove that the post punk bands have written some amazing songs, very inspiring, that could have been written by very good songwriters like Jobim, for example.
Why cover that genre and time period?
Because these bands aren’t so often covered and also of course because it’s my youth!
How did you go about finding the right vocalists?
I just called my friends in Paris, as I worked for a long time now I know a lot of good singers here.
Do you tour often and have you toured U.S. ground?
We did two American tours, one in 2005 and we have just finished the second one. We have also played several times in New York and LA we will maybe do another tour in Spring.
What have been your influences? What have been your challenges?
Experimental music, soundtracks, avant garde, pop, Caribbean and brazilian music etc...the challenge is to reinvent the tracks
How did Kwaidan come about?
It comes from a beautiful Japanese movie, it’s my label and I have signed very interesting artists.
You've done a lot of soundtrack work, how does this creation process differ from the NV's project?
There are less freedoms because you've got to work with a director, producer, etc. but sometimes it’s very inspiring to work watching images!
You and Oliver have known each other for a while and have collaborated on some things in the past...how dynamic is your relationship when creating music...is it a more organic process?
It depends...he used to be my favourite guitar player and that’s why I called him for Nouvelle Vague but I did most of the tracks on the second album by myself, actually. I'm not working with him anymore!
What
does the future hold for Nouvelle Vague?
We will probably release a last album, a DVD for the live sides and I hope a lot of gigs everywhere in the world.
When was the last time you were in a fight?
A real one ? Don’t remember...when I was a kid, but I have to fight everyday in theory for a lot of things with my label.
For more on Nouvelle Vague, please visit their website and say hello on their MySpace.