Chances are most of the French singers you know, sing in English. In recent years, more and more singers in France are sticking with their native tongue. We are seeing a return of French Pop, more electronic and more personal. Clara Luciani is one of those rising stars.
Perhaps her face is familiar to you as Clara is not an anonymous girl at all. After being part of the band La Femme, she teamed up with Max Sokolinski to form Hologram, but now, she decided to go solo carving out her own musical identity. Following her critically acclaimed EP last year, she also introduced her new sound while opening for some great names like Benjamin Biolay as well as Juliette Armanet.
We first caught up with Clara last summer, but for some unknown reason the interview never comes out. But, anyway, we decided to catch her again in Paris a few days before the release of her first upcoming record Sainte Victoire via Initial (Universal). Her voice is sweet, her lyrics personal paired up with a sensual sound.
Why you decided to call your album “Sainte Victoire”?
Mainly because its where I’m from. This part of France is me. But also, I really admire the word “Sainte” as you know I’m fascinated with all these kind of divas and “madonnas” so I wanted to reference that. And then, “Victoire” is like a victory for me to finally release this album. Its been a long work and progress and proud of it!
Which producers did you team up with on the album?
Mostly Benjamin Lebeau from The Shoes, SAGE and Yuksek came to help produce some up-tempo and disco songs. He helps us a lot to create a different atmosphere as you can listen to some classic French songs as well as some dancing tracks.
Why did you decide to cover “The Bay” by Metronomy?
It’s was a last minute decision. This song represents a kind of sensual freedom for me.
Now that the album is coming out, you have this weight lifted off your shoulders.
Oh yes! I’m so happy to share it. For the past couple of months, I’ve been singing a song from the album before its release and people were like “we don’t know it yet but hope to listen to it soon” and now it’s done! And it’s just as exciting to go back on the road promoting this album!
Clara Luciani shot on 35mm by Elodie Tann with Text by Ivica Mamedy
