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View Full Version : Alizée : "En France, c'est difficile de grandir" [article ozap.com 04.04.2010]


CFHollister
04-04-2010, 07:42 AM
This is a surprisingly insightful article (based on what I can extract with even my poor french skills)... one that I think should be earmarked as a priority for translation. Topics include Alizée's perceptions of the music industry in France and insights into her career decisions.


Original Article (link) (http://www.ozap.com/actu/interview-alizee-album-enfant-siecle-eurovision/332810)
Deux ans après "Psychédélices", son troisième album qui n'a pas rencontré le succès escompté, Alizée est de retour. L'ancienne protégée de Mylène Farmer, révélée par le carton international "Moi... Lolita", a désormais dix ans de carrière, et dévoile un nouvel opus aux influences rétro et électro. Baptisé "Une enfant du siècle", l'album est sorti ce lundi, précédé du single "Les Collines (Never Leave You)".

A l'occasion de la sortie de l'album, Alizée a répondu aux questions d'Ozap. Elle en dit plus sur cet album que certains considèrent comme branché ou bobo, et sur ce qui l'a poussée à collaborer avec le groupe Institubes. Inspirée par ce qui se passe à l'étranger, Alizée avoue qu'elle n'est plus très touchée par ce que proposent les artistes français aujourd'hui. Elle fait également part de son expérience et de sa perception de l'évolution de l'industrie musicale ces dix dernières années, et révèle aussi qu'elle ne participerait pas à l'Eurovision si on le lui proposait. Entretien.

« Je suis bien dans mes baskets »
Ozap : Ton nouvel album s'appelle "Une enfant du siècle". Pourquoi ce titre ?
Alizée : Ah Ah. Déjà je pense que je suis une enfant du siècle, je me sens bien dans ma vie, bien dans ce siècle. Je suis bien dans mes baskets. Et en même temps, cet enfant du siècle, ce n'est pas seulement moi, ça peut être aussi - comme cet album est différent, concept - ça peut être Edie Sedgwick. C'est un personnage qui revient souvent dans mes chansons, ça peut être tous les jeunes mannequins de l'époque, ça peut être ma fille qui est née en 2005, et aussi toutes les personnes qui écouteront cet album, et aussi mes fans puisqu'on est un peu de la même génération.

C'est un album un peu rétro pourtant...n'est-ce pas un peu contradictoire?
Je suis un peu dans ce siècle-là. On me demande souvent "Quel siècle?". Finalement ce n'est peut être pas seulement un siècle.

Tu es nostalgique de ce qui s'est passé avant ?
Je suis née en 84, tous les sons, toute la musique des années 80, c'est vraiment les premières notes de musique que j'ai pu entendre donc oui, je suis vraiment nostalgique de cette époque-là. Après il y a le bon son et le mauvais son des années 80, comme pour toutes les époques et toutes les musiques. Mais je trouve qu'il y a de bons trucs. Je pense que la musique c'est un peu comme la mode, c'est une boucle, on revient toujours à un moment ou un autre aux années 70, aux années 80, et là pour le coup, c'est les années 80.

« En France, c'est difficile de grandir »
Alizée
Quelles ont été tes influences pour cet album ? Tu écoutes beaucoup ce qui se passe à l'étranger ?
Oui. J'écoute plus que ce qui se passe ailleurs qu'en France. Tout simplement parce que peut-être qu'il y a moins de personnes qui me touchent maintenant qu'avant. Avant en France, il y a Gainsbourg qui m'a beaucoup marquée, Berger, Goldman aussi. Là j'arrive moins à trouver des personnes qui me touchent. A l'étranger, c'est compliqué aussi. Il y a beaucoup de choses qui se font. Après, ce sont peut-être des exemples de carrières plutôt que des références musicales. Mes références c'est plus du Blondie, du Moroder. Mais je suis aussi fan de Gorillaz. Des exemples de carrières comme Madonna ou plus récemment Lily Allen. J'aime leur façon de gérer leur taf et en même temps, c'est compliqué en France, on ne peut pas avoir ce genre de carrière, ou si quelqu'un l'a c'est que son public est vraiment ouvert. J'ai l'impression qu'en France, c'est compliqué de changer de musique, de changer de style, de grandir aussi, c'est dur. Quand les gens sont habitués à entendre quelque chose, ou à voir quelque chose, ils sont vite déstabilisés ou pour le coup, lassés.

Tu as l'impression que la variété française a du mal à se renouveler ?
Oui et ça reste très variété. on est beaucoup de jeunes, on ne sait pas qui sera encore là dans 10 ans. Après il y a le R&B qui a pris une grand place en France. il y a aussi des jeunes comme Amel Bent, qui a la cul entre deux chaises, avec ses racines. Tout ce qu'elle aime c'est vraiment R&B. En même temps c'est une chanteuse qui pourrait faire un album purement variété, donc c'est quand même l'exemple. Après, variétés comme France Gall ou toutes ces personnes, c'est vrai qu'il y a moins. Est-ce que ça plaît moins ? Est ce que les jeunes sont moins fans de ça ? Peut-être aussi. Peut-être que les gens sont moins habitués à la variété et pour le coup moi j'essaye de faire un album de variétés mais juste avec des sons qui viennent de l'électro. Je n'ai pas l'impression que mes mélodies soient tellement perchées que les gens ne comprennent pas. Ce sont quand même des mélodies accrocheuses et j'ai essayé de garder mon style, parce que c'est important.

« Ce n'est pas comme si j'avais fait un album hip-hop ! »
C'est un album-concept dans un milieu qui ne va pas bien du tout aujourd'hui, en France particulièrement. Ce n'est pas difficile d'avoir la confiance d'une maison de disques pour un projet un peu différent ?
En fait c'est différent car je suis en licence chez Sony, donc j'ai quand même le contrôle de mon projet. Après, je ne vais pas aller le donner moi-même aux radios, à la télé. Mais j'ai le contrôle du projet et avec Jean-René d'Institubes, on essaye d'assurer la cohérence du projet, aussi bien avant qu'après la sortie de l'album. Puis on essaye de l'amener aux gens, car c'est ça qui est important, c'est que les gens le reçoivent bien et aiment. Après, combien de bons albums sont sortis mais auxquels les gens n'ont pas accroché ou qu'ils n'ont pas suivi... C'est peut-être parce qu'il n'a pas bien été amené aux gens. Et peut-être que ce qui s'est passé dans les magazines et tout ça, ça n'a pas donné envie aux gens d'acheter l'album.

Si on prend l'exemple de Kylie Minogue qui, elle aussi, à un moment, a décidé de prendre les choses en main, de sortir un album rock etc.. finalement ça n'a pas marché et trois ans plus tard elle revenait avec un album diso et un mini short doré et ça a cartonné. Tu n'as pas peur toi de devoir faire ça un jour ?
De revenir avec des shorts ? (rires) En même temps je n'ai pas l'impression que cet album soit très loin de "Moi... Lolita" ou de mes premiers titres. Je n'ai pas l'impression que ce soit l'opposé. C'est juste 10 ans après. Ce n'est pas comme si j'avais fait un album hip-hop. L'electro c'est pas loin des années 80, les années 80 c'est pas loin de Mylène, Mylène c'est pas loin de "Lolita" et "Lolita" c'est pas loin de moi quoi. Donc voilà.

Un album hip-hop un jour alors ?
Pourquoi pas, mais uniquement avec Jay-Z alors. C'est tout ! (rires)

« On peut vendre des disques sans passer en radio »
Comment ça se passe au niveau de l'accueil radio des titres?
Alors ça c'est un truc auquel je ne réfléchis pas. Je ne me pose pas la question. On me tient au courant, mais après il y a des question de formats... c'est la France quoi, on le sait. En même temps j'ai l'impression qu'on peut vendre des disques sans forcément passer à la radio parce qu'il y a internet tout simplement, et que c'est un des plus gros médias, si ce n'est le plus gros. Avec internet on peut vendre des disques. Je sais que c'est contradictoire, parce qu'avec les téléchargements, on tue les artistes. Mais je pense qu'il faut se servir d'internet comme moyen de communication et de visibilité quand on a quelque chose à dire, à sortir, à vendre.

Justement, le "buzz" qui entourait la sortie, avec le teaser "Limelight"... Tu as participé à son élaboration ?
Oui bien sûr. J'aime ça et j'ai toujours aimé ce qui est ordinateurs, internet, tout ça... C'est important de savoir ce qui se passe. J'ai un Twitter, j'ai un Facebook, j'ai un blog et je poste de mon téléphone portable, de mon iPhone... Ca m'arrive de poster des trucs quand je suis en studio, pour informer les gens et les fans. et j'ai une base de fans très active sur internet et je me sers de ça pour communiquer avec eux. Avant, je recevais des lettres, mais ce n'est pas possible de répondre à toutes les lettres. J'essaie de faire des photos dédicacées de temps en temps, mais ça prend 24 heures sur 24 si on veut faire tout le monde. Donc c'est vrai qu'internet ça m'ouvre des portes et des choses qui étaient compliquées à faire avant.

« Les gens s'en foutent que le piratage tue les artistes »
Alizée
En tant qu'enfant née au siècle dernier, comment vis-tu la numérisation de la musique, le fait qu'il n'y a plus les pochettes, plus les boîtes etc... ?
C'est dur à dire, mais moi je le vis bien en temps que public. J'achète tous mes disques sur iTunes, parce que je les mets directement sur mon téléphone et voilà. Après, par exemple les albums de Madonna ou tout ce qui est sorti sur Michael Jackson, j'ai acheté parce que c'est des objets. Quand l'album est vendu différemment sous forme d'objet ou de collector, là j'achète. Mais quand c'est le CD comme ça, non. Enfin, je l'achète, mais sur iTunes, je ne le télécharge pas illégalement.

Le fait que des gens puissent aller sur ta page iTunes et prennent le titre 3, le titre 7 et c'est tout... ça ne remet pas en cause l'intégrité de l'album ?
Oui forcément, un petit peu, mais en même temps on donne le choix aux gens donc après c'est compliqué. Ma fille qui a 5 ans ne sait pas ce que c'est un CD. Quand elle voit un CD elle pense que c'est un DVD parce que depuis qu'elle est née elle met des DVD pour regarder des films. Et pour écouter de la musique, elle sait que c'est sur l'ordinateur de maman ou le téléphone de maman, ou sur l'iPod de papa. Elle ne sait pas qu'on peut écouter de la musique sur un CD. Pourtant j'ai des CD à la maison, mais voilà, il faut vire avec son temps et essayer de faire en sorte que les gens continuent à acheter sur iTunes parce que ça représente quand même des ventes.

Savoir que tu risques de vendre autant d'albums en France qu'en import en Angleterre par exemple, à cause de la crise du disque chez nous, ça t'inspire quoi ?
Je me dis que je ne suis pas la seule, donc c'est un peu rassurant. En même temps on verra bien.. Après il faut vendre la musique différemment. C'est pour ça que j'ai fait une boite collector avec des vinyles, un livre..puis il y aura les concerts. ce n'est pas comme sinon avait rien d'autre. C'est horrible car ça tue les artistes, mais je comprends les jeunes de 14 ans, qui ont tant d'argent de poche par semaine. Ils peuvent garder leur argent et avoir un truc gratuit... Ils ne vont pas se priver. C'est trop tard. C'est compliqué d'expliquer aux gens que ça peut tuer les artistes. Ils s'en foutent, pour eux c'est gratuit. J'essaie de me mettre à la place de tout le monde, de l'artiste, des jeunes, et pas seulement des jeunes. C'est compliqué, déjà que c'est la crise pour tout le monde. Le peu de trucs qu'ils peuvent avoir gratuit, ils vont le prendre. Et c'est normal. On ne peut pas leur en vouloir.

"La Ferme", ça dépasse les limites du ridicule
Tu as déjà 10 ans de carrière. Comment tu perçois l'évolution de l'industrie du disque, de la promo... ?
Là ça va, mais sur "Psychédélices", j'ai été étonnée. J'ai fait autant d'interviews pour le web que pour la presse. C'était tout nouveau pour moi car sur les deux premiers albums, on se servait pas d'internet, pas autant en tout cas. Je trouve que ça évolue comme c'était prévu.

Et en termes de télé, le fait qu'il n'y a plus d'émission de variétés... ?
Je trouve ça vraiment bête. En même temps, la télé-réalité a pris une place tellement énorme que les gens s'en foutent de regarder des chanteurs chanter leur chanson. ils veulent des histoires... La télé, ce n'est plus comme c'était avant. Maintenant c'est pour regarder la vie des gens. Il n'y a que des reportages sur la galère des gens ou des émissions sur ce qui est la mode maintenant : la déco et la cuisine, voilà. En espérant que ce soit un effet de mode et que la mode revienne à la chanson. Mais c'est compliqué de trouver des émissions où on peut chanter.

Tu es cliente de ce genre de programmes déco, cuisine... ?
Déco moins, cuisine oui. j'ai regardé Top Chef, je trouve ça bien. En même temps j'ai 25 ans, donc je pense que je suis la cible. Je regarde Nouvelle Star... Bon, je ne regarde pas La Ferme, parce que ça dépasse les limites du ridicule. Mais je regarde, oui. Enquête Exclusive, tout ça... En même temps il n'y a que ça à la télé.

« L'Eurovision ? Ce n'est pas mon truc »
Et à l'international, comment ça se passe ? Toujours aussi bien au Mexique ?
Oui, le précédent album est sorti là-bas, j'ai fait une tournée, j'ai fait des stades, des trucs un peu improbables, j'ai tourné dans une telenovela et l'album sort au Mexique le même jour qu'en France. En Russie aussi. Et après apparemment il y a peut-être le Pérou, l'Argentine... mais ça c'est lié forcément. C'est l'Amérique Latine donc c'est tout dans le même sac. J'ai fait un concert en Russie aussi... C'est une chance de chanter en français dans d'autres pays. Et j'ai fait une chanson en espagnol, puisque là bas je ne chante qu'en français, les interviews sont en français, donc c'était un petit clin d'oeil à mes fans mexicains.

L'année dernière, Patricia Kaas avait été choisie pour représenter la France à l'Eurovison, grâce à son rayonnement international. Si on te l'avait proposé, ça t'aurait tenté ?
Non, c'est pas trop mon truc. C'est une énorme responsabilité de représenter un pays. Déjà, quand je vais au Mexique, les gens me disent que je représente la France alors que ce que je fais ce n'est pas forcément la France, c'est juste la langue qui fait ça. Donc non, ce n'est pas un truc qui me brancherait.

AfriqueDuSud
04-04-2010, 08:07 AM
I second this, any help would be appreciated. I ran it through a translator and it certainly raised eyebrows at a few spots.

ALS
04-04-2010, 08:57 AM
Smart women. She realized that the music industry has moved on from brick and mortar stores to online and the Internet.

She is using the Internet to keep and build on her loyal fan base as being priority one. Alizée also realized that most of her new fans found her on the Internet over the last five years or so. If I remember the band Metallica was one of the first to jump big time on to the Internet to promote their music and stay in touch with their fans a few years ago.

I was thinking about what she was up to and came to the conclusion that she knows she will never make it big. So instead she is going for a steady income and constant work.

Pretty much like the people you see in the back ground in television shows and movies. They are never the top billing but they are constantly working and making a nice living even though they are not the stars of show or movie.

There are a lot of people in the music industry we don't know about that have gone down this road and been successful over the years. There are a whole lot of country music artists that work this angle. $100K-$200K a year selling Cd's and doing small concert venues. Thing is they have been doing this for 20 years and done well for themselves. One thing about country music is the fans are very loyal and not here today gone tomorrow when someone new comes along.

If they live well with in their means then they don't need the big money to finance a big life style.

Also one thing Alizée has going for her is she is down to earth and extremely nice. That in it's self goes a long way to keeping fans in your corner for the long term.

sumi1
04-04-2010, 10:22 AM
I used Google Translator and must say that this interview is one of the best in recent times. No crap questions like about Mylene Farmer and Lilly's past. It should be high up in the list of to be translated articles. Merci Beacoup for posting CFHollister.

Criss_pl
04-04-2010, 11:40 AM
Well. I must admit that google translator does it very well with French-English, so until normal translation will be available it's a very good equivalent. Interview is quite long, so its translation will be work-consuming, but its content is worth doing it, as it's veery interesting.

Fenris
04-04-2010, 02:21 PM
I'm currently working on a translation over there at AF, but it will take some time...

http://www.alizee-forum.com/showthread.php?24528-Web-Articles-2010/page3

sumi1
04-04-2010, 03:02 PM
Merci Beaucoup Fenris!!! We can wait :)

Fall06
04-04-2010, 03:18 PM
En tant qu'enfant née au siècle dernier, comment vis-tu la numérisation de la musique, le fait qu'il n'y a plus les pochettes, plus les boîtes etc... ?
C'est dur à dire, mais moi je le vis bien en temps que public. J'achète tous mes disques sur iTunes, parce que je les mets directement sur mon téléphone et voilà. Après, par exemple les albums de Madonna ou tout ce qui est sorti sur Michael Jackson, j'ai acheté parce que c'est des objets. Quand l'album est vendu différemment sous forme d'objet ou de collector, là j'achète. Mais quand c'est le CD comme ça, non. Enfin, je l'achète, mais sur iTunes, je ne le télécharge pas illégalement.
Gosh I love this woman :D:wub::D
If I get the chance, I'm thinking of giving her one of my most precious MJ items. My 80s Thriller cassette tape, with the original case included. :cool:

EDIT this:
http://i566.photobucket.com/albums/ss107/Fall06/Random%20Stuff/th_MerciLilly.jpg (http://s566.photobucket.com/albums/ss107/Fall06/Random%20Stuff/?action=view&current=MerciLilly.jpg)

ALS
04-04-2010, 03:43 PM
= Fall06; 158244] Gosh I love this woman: D: wub:: D
If I get the chance, I'm thinking of giving one of my Her Most Precious J. items. My 80s Thriller cassette tape, with the original box included

I have MJ's Thriller and Madonna Like a Virgin on vinyl.

Deepwaters
04-04-2010, 04:18 PM
Translation to follow shortly.

Fenris
04-04-2010, 05:53 PM
Ok, here is my crappy translation:

Alizée: "In France, it is difficult to grow up"

Two years after "Psychédélices", its third album which did not meet the expected success, Alizée is back.
The ancient protégée of Mylène Farmer, discovered by the international Hit Moi...Lolita, henceforth has ten years of carreer, and reveals a new opus influenced by styles retro and electro.
Babtized "Une enfant du siècle", the album went out on Monday, beeing preceded by the single Les Collines (Never Leave You)".

On the occasion of the come out of the album, Alizée answered the questions of Ozap. She tells more about this album, which some people consider as trendy or bohemian,
and which encouraged her to collaborate with the group Institubes. Inspired by what takes place abroad, Alizée confesses that she is not very affected any more by what the French artists offer today.
She also announces her experience and her perception of the evolution of the music industry in these ten last years, and also reveals that she would not participate in the Eurovision contest if this would be offered to her. Enter.

Ozap: Your new album is called "A child of the century". Why this title?
Alizée: Ah Ah. Already I think that I am a child of the century, I feel well in my life, good in this century. "Je suis bien dans mes baskets." (maybe i feel well in my shoes?).
And at the same time, this child of the century, it is not only me, this could be also - as this album is different, concept - Edie Sedgwick.
It is a character who often comes back in my songs, this could be all young models of the epoch, this can be my daughter who is born in 2005, and also all persons who will listen to this album, and also my fans since they are somewhat of the same generation.

It is an album a bit retro however, ain't that a bit contradictory?
I am a little bit in this century. I am often asked "What century?". Finally it is is possibly not only one century.

You are nostalgic of what took place before?
I am born in 84, all sounds, all music of the eighties, they are really the first music notes which I could hear, therefore yes, I am really nostalgic of this epoch. After all there are good sounds and bad sounds of the eighties, as for all epochs and all musics. But I find that there was good stuff. I think that music it is a bit like fashion, it's a loop, things always come back one moment or another, from the seventies, eighties, and this time, it is the eighties.

What were your influences for this album? Do you listen much to what takes place abroad?
Yes. I listen more to what takes place elsewhere then in France. Perhaps simply because there are fewer persons who touch me now than before.
In former times in France, there was Gainsbourg who influenced me a lot, Shepherd, Goldman also.
Now i'm less successful in finding persons who touch me. Abroad, it is also complicated. There are many things which are produced. Then, there are perhaps more examples of careers rather than musical references. My references are more of Blondie, of Moroder. But I am also fan of Gorillaz. The examples of careers as Madonna or more recently Lily Allen. I like the way they manage their work and at the same time, it is complicated in France, it is not possible to have this type of career, or if somebody has it it is the question if his public is open for it.
I have the impression that in France, it is complicated to change music, to change style, also to grow up, it is hard. When people are accustomed to hear something, or to see something, they are quickly disturbed or this time, bored.

You have the impression that the "variété française" finds it difficult to renew itself?
Yes and this remains very "variété". There are many young people, they do not know who will still be there in 10 years. There is R&B which took big a big place in France. Also there are young people like Amel Bent, who sits between two chairs, considering her roots. All what she really likes it is R&B.
At the same time she is a singer who could make an album purely "variété" (consisting of different styles), therefore it is nevertheless an example. Then, varieties as France Gall or all these persons, it's true that you find them less. Is this less liked? Are the young people less inclined to become fans of that? Perhaps too. Perhaps people are less accustomed to variety, and this time I try to make an album of varieties but only with sounds which derive from electro. I do not have the impression that my melodies are so aloof that people do not understand. These are nevertheless popular melodies and I tried to keep my style, because it is important.

It is a concept-album in an environment which does not go well at all these days, particulary in France. Ain't it difficult to have the confidence of a record label for a projekt which is a bit different?
In fact it is different because I am licensed to Sony, but I have nevertheless control of my project.
I am not going to go to give it myself to radios, to television. But I have the control of the project and with Jean - René of Institubes, we try to assure the coherence of the work, as well before and after the release of the album. Then we try to publish it, because this is important that people accept it and like it. Then, how many good albums were published but which did not stick with people or were not followed... It is perhaps because they were not published well. And perhaps that what happened in magazines and all this stuff, this did not encourage people to buy the album.

Let's take the example of Kylie Minogue who also, at one moment, decided to take things in her own hands, to publish an rock album etc. Finally this did not sell and three years later she returned with a diso album and tiny gold shorts and this was a hit. Are you not afraid you too have to do this one day?
To return with shorts? (laughs). At the same time I do not have the impression that this album is very far from "Moi... Lolita" or my first titles. I do not have the impression that this is the opposite. It is just 10 years later. It is not as though I had made an hip-hop album. Electro it is not far from the eighties, the eighties are not far from Mylène, Mylène it is not far from "Lolita" and "Lolita" it is not far from me. So voilà.

An hip-hop album one day then?
Why not, but only with Jay-Z then. That's all! (laughs)

How about the reception of the titles in the radio?
Well, this it is a topic i do not think about. I don't ask myself this question. I am kept informed, but there is the question of formats, it's France here, as everybody knows. At the same time I have the impression that it is possible to sell discs without necessarily to be on the radio, simply because there is the Internet, and because it's one of the biggest media, if it is not the biggest.
With Internet it is possible to sell discs. I know that it is contradictory, because due to downloads, artists are killed. But I think that it is necessary to use the Internet as a medium of communication and a way of visibility when you have something to say, to publish, to sell.

For the buzz which surrounded the teaser " Limelight "... You participated in it's development?
Yes of course. I like it and I always liked computers, Internet, all this... It is important to know what happens. I have Twitter, I have Facebook, I have a blog and I post from my mobile phone, my iPhone... It's useful to post things when i'm in the studio, to inform people and fans. And I have a very active fan base in the Internet and I use this to communicate with them.
Before, I received letters, but it is not possible to answer all letters. I tried to make dedicated photos from time to time, but this takes 24h a day if you want to do it for everyone. Therefore it's true that the Internet opens doors and possibilities for me which were complicated to do before.

As a child born in the last century, how did you perceive the digitalization of music, the fact that there are no more covers and boxes etc?
It is hard to say, but I saw this positive at the time as the public (?). I buy all my discs on iTunes, because I put them directly on my telephone and voilà. Then, for example the albums of Madonna or all that came from Michael Jackson, I bought them for the objects (CD's?). When the album is sold differently in form of an object or a collectors edition, I buy it. But if it's just a CD and that's it, no. Finally, I buy it, but on iTunes, I do not download it illegally.

The fact that people could go on your iTunes page and take title 3, title 7 and that's all does not call into question the integrity of the album?
Yes, a little bit forced, but at the same time it gives people the choice and therefore it is complicated. My daughter who is 5 years old does not know what a CD is.
When she sees a CD she thinks that it is a DVD because since she was born she takes a DVD to watch films. And to listen to music, she knows that it is on mom's computer or mom's telephone, or on daddy's iPod. She does not know that it is possible to listen to music on a CD. Although I have CD's at home, but voilà one has to go with time and try to make sure that people continue buying on iTunes because this nevertheless represents sales.

Knowing that you risk selling as many albums in France as are imported to England for example, due to the crisis of the CD here, does this inspire you?
I tell myself that I am not the only one, therefore it is a bit reassuring. We will see in time.. then it is necessary to sell music differently. Therefore I made a collectors box with vinyls, a book, afterwards there will be concerts. It is not like there is nothing else. It is horrible because this kills the artists, but I understand the 14-year-old young people, with only so much money to spend for a week.
They can keep their money and have free stuff... They have nothing to lose. It is too late. It is complicated to explain to people that this can kill artists. They do it, for them it is free. I try to put myself in the position of everyone, of the artist, the young people, and not only the young people. It is complicated, already a crisis for everyone. The few things which they can have free, they are going to take them. And it is normal. It is not possible to bear a grudge against them.

You had already a career of 10 years. How do you perceive the evolution of the CD-industry, of promotion?
There it's ok, but for "Psychédélices", I was surprised. I made as many interviews for the web as for the press. It was very new for me because for the first two albums, they used no Internet, not as much anyway. I find that this evolves as it was envisaged.

And in terms of television, the fact that there are no more varieties-programms?
I really find this stupid. At the same time, the television-reality got huge where people did watch singers singing their songs. They want stories... The television, it is not the same as it was before. Now it's about watching people lifes. There is only coverage coping with drudgery of people or programmes for what is fashion now: Decoration and kitchen, voilà. By hoping that this effects mode and that fashion returns to the song (?). But it is complicated to find programmes where it is possible to sing.

Are you a customer of this type of programmes, deco, kitchen?
Deco less, kitchen yes. I watch Top Chef, I like it. At the same time I am 25 years old, therefore I think I belong to the target group. I watch Nouvelle Star... OK, I do not watch La Ferme, because this exceeds the borders of the ridiculous. But i watch, yes. Enquête Exclusive, all this... At the same time there is nothing else on TV.

And worldwide, how is it going? Matters are always well in Mexico?
Yes, the previous album was published there, I made a tour, I made stadiums, i did some unlikely stuff, I participated in a telenovela and the album is published in Mexico the same day as in France. In Russia also. And afterwards apparantly there will be perhaps Peru, Argentina but this linked compulsory. It is Latin America therefore everything is in the same bag. I made a concert in Russia also...
It is a chance to sing in French in other countries. And I made a song in Spanish, since over there I sing only in French, interviews are in French, therefore it was a small wink to my Mexican fans.

Last year, Patricia Kaas had been chosen to represent France at Eurovison, thanks to her international radiance. If it had been offered to you, would it have attracted you?
No, it is not my thing. It is a huge responsibility to represent a country. When I go to Mexico, people already tell me that I represent France while what I do it is not necessarily France, it is just the language which is doing this. Therefore no, this is not something which would appeal to me.

Deepwaters
04-04-2010, 06:02 PM
Two years after "PSYCHÉDÉLICES", her third album which was not as successful as hoped, Alizée is back. The former protegée of Mylène Farmer, launched by the international hit "Moi ... Lolita" now has a ten year career, and unveils a new album with retro influences and electro. Called "Une enfant du siecle," the album was released on Monday, preceded by the single "Les Collines (Never Leave You)."

To mark the release of the album, Alizée responded to questions of Ozap. She talks more about this album that some consider to be a major branching out, and what led her to collaborate with the Institubes. Inspired by what happens abroad, Alizée admits she is not much affected by what French artists offer today. She also shared her experience and her perception of the evolution of the music industry over the past decade, and reveals that she will not participate in Eurovision if it was offered.

"I'm happy in my shoes" [This is a French idiom; can someone help me with it?]

Ozap: Your new album is called "A Child of the Century". Why this title?

Alizée: Ah Ah. Already I think I am a child of the century, I feel good in my life, in this century. I'm happy in my sneakers. And at the same time, this child of the century, it's not just me, it can also be - as this album is different, a concept - it can be Edie Sedgwick. It is a recurring character in my songs, it could be all young models at the time, it could be my daughter who was born in 2005, and also everyone who listens to this album, and also my fans since one is a bit of the same generation.

It's an album a bit retro but ... is not it a bit contradictory?

I am a bit in that century. I am often asked "What century?". Finally, it is perhaps not just one century.

You're nostalgic for what happened before?

I was born in '84, all 80s sounds, all 80s music was really the first notes of music I heard so yes, I'm really nostalgic for that time. Then there's the good and bad 80's sound, as for all ages and all music. But I find that there is good stuff. I think music is like fashion, it is a loop, it always comes down to one point or another in the 70s to the 80s, and for once there is the 80s.

"In France, it is difficult to grow"
Alizee

What were your influences for this album? You listen to much of what is happening overseas?

Yes. I listen more elsewhere than what happens in France. Maybe just because there are fewer people who touch me now than before. Before in France, there was Gainsbourg and I was greatly marked, Berger, Goldman too. Here I come to find fewer people who touch me. Abroad, it is complicated too. There are lots of things happening. Maybe it's examples of careers rather than musical references. My reference is more Blondie, Moroder. But I'm also a fan of Gorillaz. Examples of careers such as Madonna and more recently Lily Allen. I like the way they manage their taf [?] and at the same time, it is complicated in France, we can not have that kind of career, or if someone has it then the public is really open to it. I have the impression that in France it is difficult to change music, change style, to grow, too, is hard. When people are accustomed to hear something or see something, they are quickly distracted or become tired.

You feel that the French variety is hard to renew?

Yes and it remain very diverse. It is a lot of young people, one does not know who will still be there in 10 years. Then there is R & B which has taken a large role in France. There are also young people like Amel Bent, who has put her backside between two chairs. All she loves is really R & B. At the same time a singer could make an album purely variety, so it's still a possibility. Then varieties such as France Gall or all of these people, it's true that there are fewer. Is it dying out? Are young people less fans of that? Perhaps. Perhaps people are less accustomed to variety and this time I'm trying to do a variety, but just with sounds coming from electro. I do not think my songs are so pitched that people do not understand. They are still catchy and I tried to keep my style, because it's important.

"It's not like I made a hip-hop album! "

It is a concept album in an environment that isn't at all good today, particularly in France. It is not difficult to have confidence in a label for a project that's a little unusual?

In fact it's different because I am licensed to Sony, so I still control my project. After that, I'm not going to give myself to the radio, or on TV. But I have control of the project and with Jean-René Institubes, we try to ensure the coherence of the project, both before and after the release of the album. Next we try to bring it to people, because that's what is important is that people receive it well and like it. Thnk of how many good albums came out that have not caught on with people or that they do not follow ... Perhaps because it has not been brought to the people. And maybe what happened in magazines and stuff, it did not make people want to buy the album.

If we take the example of Kylie Minogue, who also at one point, decided to take matters in hand, to release a rock album etc. .. finally it did not work and three years later she returned with an album and a mini short gold and it worked. Are not you afraid you have to do it one day?

To return with shorts? (Laughs) At the same time I do not feel that this album is very far from "Moi ... Lolita" or my first songs. I do not feel that this is the opposite. It's just 10 years later. It's not as if I had a hip-hop album. Electro is not far from the 80s, the 80s is not far from Mylene, Mylene is not far from "Lolita" and "Lolita" is not far from me or anything. So there.

A hip-hop album one day then?

Why not, but only with Jay-Z. That's all! (Laughs)

"We can sell records without radio"

What happens when the songs are played on the radio?

Well, this is something which I do not think about. I do not ask. I keep informed, but then there is the question of formats ... This is France, you know. At the same time I feel we can sell records without having to go to radio simply because there is the internet, and that is one of the biggest media, if not the largest . With the internet we can sell records. I know this is contradictory, because of the downloads, killing the artists. But I think we need to use the Internet as a means of communication and visibility when it has something to say, to go out and sell.

Precisely, the buzz surrounding the release, with the teaser "Limelight" ... You have participated in its preparation?

Yes of course. I like that and I always liked what computers, the internet, all that ... It is important to know what happens. I have a Twitter, I have a Facebook, I have a blog and I post from my cell phone, my iPhone ... Sometimes I post stuff when I'm in the studio, to inform people and the fans. And I have a very active fan base on the internet and I use it to communicate with them. Before, I received letters, but it is not possible to answer all letters. I try to do signed photos from time to time, but it takes a 24/7 operation if we want to do everyone. So it is true that the Internet opens doors and things that were complicated to do before.

"People do not care that piracy is killing the artists"
Alizee

As a child born in the last century, how do you handle the digitization of music, the fact that there are more pockets, more boxes etc. ... ?

It's hard to say, but I see the public moving with the times. I buy all my albums on iTunes, because I put them directly on my phone and voila. For example albums by Madonna or anything that came out by Michael Jackson, I bought it as a collectors item. When the album is sold differently as a collector's item, then I buy it. But when it's just the CD, no. I buy it, but on iTunes, I do not download illegally.

The fact that people can go to your iTunes page and download title 3, Title 7 and that's all ... does it not call into question the integrity of the album?

Yes obviously, a little bit, but at the same time we give people the choice so it's complicated. My daughter who was 5 years does not know what a CD is. When she sees a CD she thinks it's a DVD because since she was born she has used DVDs for watching movies. And to listen to music, she knows that it's on mom's computer or mom's phone or dad's iPod. She does not know we can listen to music on a CD. Yet I have CDs at home, but one must move with the times and try to ensure that people continue to buy from iTunes because it is still sales.

To know that you might sell as many albums in France than in England for example import, because of the shortage of disks, does that concern you?

I tell myself I am not the only one, so it is somewhat reassuring. At the same time we'll see .. After you have to sell the music differently. That's why I made a box with a vinyl collector's record, a book .. then there will be concerts. It's not as if I had nothing else. It's horrible because it kills the artists, but I understand the 14 year olds, who have only so much pocket money per week. They can keep their money and have something free ... They will not be without. It's too late. It's complicated to explain to people that it can kill artists. They do not care, for them is free. I try to put myself in place of others across the world, the artists, the young, and not just young people. It's complicated, it's already a crisis for everyone. The little things they can have free, they'll take. And this is normal. Cannot blame them.

"The Firm", that is beyond ridiculous

You have already a 10-year career. How do you perceive the evolution of the music industry, of promotion?

So it goes, but with "Psychédélices" I was surprised. I made as many interviews for the web for the press. It was all new to me because with the first two albums, we used no internet, not much anyway. I think it evolves as foreseen.

And in terms of television, the fact that there are no more variety shows ... ?

I find that really stupid. At the same time, reality TV has taken such a huge place so that people do not care to watch singers sing their songs. They want stories ... TV is no longer like it was before. Now it's for watching people's lives. There are reports about people on their boats or issues about what is in fashion now: the decor and the kitchen, voilá. Hopefully this is a fad and singing will come back into fashion. But it is difficult to find programs where you can sing.

You're a customer of such home and kitchen programs ... ?

Home not so much, kitchen yes. I watched Top Chef, I think it's great. At the same time I'm 25, so I think I am the target. I look at New Star ... Well, I do not watch The Firm, because it's beyond ridiculous. But I watch, yes. Exclusive Survey, all that ... At the same time it's the only thing on TV.

"Eurovision? This is not my thing "

And internationally, how does it go? Still as good in Mexico?

Yes, the previous album was issued over there, I toured, I did things on stage, some unlikely stuff, I played in a soap opera and the album was released in Mexico the same day as France. In Russia, too. And then apparently maybe in Peru, Argentina ... but it is necessarily linked. It's all Latin America so it's all in the same bag. I did a concert in Russia, too ... It's a chance to sing in French in other countries. And I made a song in Spanish, since over there I sing in French, the interviews are in French, so it was a little nod to my Mexican fans.

Last year, Patricia Kaas was chosen to represent France at Eurovision, with its international influence. If you had been asked, would you have done it?

No, it's not my thing. This is a huge responsibility to represent a country. Already, when I go to Mexico, people tell me I represent France but I do not necessarily represent France, it's just the language that does that. So no, this is not something I'm into.

VVVACCPLPNLY
04-04-2010, 06:30 PM
The translation work as really good, thanks! I liked this interview very much, it made me feel like she really is as smart as she seems! Oh, and Alizée+Jay-z=one very happy VVV! But it was wierd to read Alizée finally talking intimately about her daughter, but still cool!

sumi1
04-04-2010, 07:01 PM
It is a concept-album in an environment which does not go well at all these days, particulary in France. Ain't it difficult to have the confidence of a record label for a projekt which is a bit different?
In fact it is different because I am licensed to Sony, but I have nevertheless control of my project.
I am not going to go to give it myself to radios, to television. But I have the control of the project and with Jean - René of Institubes, we try to assure the coherence of the work, as well before and after the release of the album.

I could not understand what she meant by the sentence in bold. Also, what is this Eurovision thing? Help guys!

Edit:

And yes, thank you very much Fenris and Deepwaters for translation :)

VVVACCPLPNLY
04-04-2010, 07:04 PM
I think she literally meant she is not taking the album to the tv/radio stations herself. I could be dead wrong, though.

Bigdan
04-04-2010, 07:38 PM
I could not understand what she meant by the sentence in bold. Also, what is this Eurovision thing? Help guys!
[b]



she means that she did a lot on production, but not as far as give, herself, the CD to the radios or television....




you don't know what Eurovision is? Pfff.....:rolleyes:



Well, actually, you don't miss a lot ...:D

It an European song contest . ABBA was revealed by it. But right now it is more and more ridiculous every year....


.

Merci Alizée
04-04-2010, 07:43 PM
she means that she did a lot on production, but not as far as give, herself, the CD to the radios or television....

you don't know what Eurovision is? Pfff.....:rolleyes:

Well, actually, you don't miss a lot ...:D

It an European song contest . ABBA was revealed by it. But right now it is more and more ridiculous every year....

And it was being said from the start of the year that Alizée would represent France in the contest, but she refused. :(

VVVACCPLPNLY
04-04-2010, 08:02 PM
Oh! So it's a little less stupid than American Idol.

Merci Alizée
04-04-2010, 08:06 PM
Oh! So it's a little less stupid than American Idol.

Much better than that, I guess.

Bigdan
04-04-2010, 08:41 PM
Much better than that, I guess.


It's different. It's not a singer contest, but a song contest.

It's about discovering a song ( and sometimes a new singer, but not necessarily, Patricia Kaas is a confirmed singer, for exemple...).

It cames from song contests from the 50's... and its a competition among countries... But, once again, a majority of people see it as totally has-been...



.

Merci Alizée
04-04-2010, 08:46 PM
It's different. It's not a singer contest, but a song contest.

It's about discovering a song ( and sometimes a new singer, but not necessarily, Patricia Kaas is a confirmed singer, for exemple...).

It cames from song contests from the 50's... and its a competition among countries... But, once again, a majority of people see it as totally has-been...



.

That's why Alizée had to represent France there. It's an international contest and Alizée believed that she should not participate because it's a big thing to represent country there and should be left to those with more international exposure, I mean those who are listened more internationally. She didn't considered her Mexican popularity to be enough for that. That's what I interpreted from the interview.

AfriqueDuSud
04-05-2010, 02:03 AM
Hey thanks for the translations guys. I will read it in detail and process carefully.

CFHollister
04-06-2010, 05:14 AM
Thanks Deepwaters (and Fenris) for the translation of this article. It's a truly great article. Actually, this is probably the first interview since 1H Avec Alizée in 2003 where I really felt I gained real insight into Alizée. Celebrity media interviews are generally (sadly) pretty shallow affairs and rarely really allow the interviewee to express themselves or go into any detail about their thought processes. This was one of the exceptions, and very much reinforced my belief that Alizée is very much going about her career with a lot of thought and intelligence... trying to balance the difficult competing forces of raising a family, being successful in a difficult industry in the midst of continuing change and evolving metrics of success, and retaining her own identity and style (while also protecting her intimate identity from public view). It also confirms a great deal about Alizée, post-Mylène, which I was only able to guess at before. I think this interview answers a lot of important questions and I feel it is going to be one of my frequent points of reference.

As a side note, as poor as my french is, I'm very pleased that my french was good enough before reading the translation to have accurately gotten most of the main ideas out of the article myself. I'm making progress :)

Roman
04-09-2010, 02:21 AM
Thanks Deepwaters (and Fenris) for the translation of this article. It's a truly great article. Actually, this is probably the first interview since 1H Avec Alizée in 2003 where I really felt I gained real insight into Alizée. Celebrity media interviews are generally (sadly) pretty shallow affairs and rarely really allow the interviewee to express themselves or go into any detail about their thought processes. This was one of the exceptions, and very much reinforced my belief that Alizée is very much going about her career with a lot of thought and intelligence... trying to balance the difficult competing forces of raising a family, being successful in a difficult industry in the midst of continuing change and evolving metrics of success, and retaining her own identity and style (while also protecting her intimate identity from public view). It also confirms a great deal about Alizée, post-Mylène, which I was only able to guess at before. I think this interview answers a lot of important questions and I feel it is going to be one of my frequent points of reference.

As a side note, as poor as my french is, I'm very pleased that my french was good enough before reading the translation to have accurately gotten most of the main ideas out of the article myself. I'm making progress :)

For even more insight into Alizée with as candid an interview as you're ever going to get, check out the Technikart magazine interview released January 4th if my notes do not fool me.

CFHollister
04-09-2010, 07:02 AM
For even more insight into Alizée with as candid an interview as you're ever going to get, check out the Technikart magazine interview released January 4th if my notes do not fool me.

Forgive my laziness, but do you have a link?

Sir Wood
04-09-2010, 11:50 PM
Forgive my laziness, but do you have a link?

Here you go, http://alizeeamerica.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5291 ;)

MYGOGT
04-10-2010, 12:20 AM
Thanks to you folks that do these translations. I can only hope that one day I can read these articles in their native language. The only way I can contribute is to help keep the site alive so I became a willing subscriber. Again thanks to you translators, and to those who have the time to locate these gems.

Aaronius31
04-10-2010, 12:58 AM
At first I didn't know where these translations came from, but I soon realized that it was the guys that hold this forum together and truly contribute to it in a great way. So hey thanks Translators:D