So French so chic live
Mélanie Pain is best known as the lead vocalist of Nouvelle Vague who seduced millions around the world with her breathy renditions of 80s pop. Now the talented chanteuse turns her musical charms to a solo career with her impressive debut LP, My Name.
Mixing electric guitars, heavy drums and brass against Mélanie’s intimate vocals has created a compelling and unique sound, as in the dramatic duet Helsinki sung with Julien Doré. It’s a song Mélanie is particularly proud of, not only for the prospect to collaborate with one of France’s favourite artist, but also for the story it tells about two lovers living separate lives, one in Helsinki and the other in Paris.
If the aching and inexorable feel of the song reminds the listener of Nick Cave, that’s probably because Mélanie is a big fan. She’s also influenced by Harry Nilsson, with a lovingly nostalgic version of the lullaby Little Cowboy featured as the sole cover on the LP. Where her own songwriting is concerned, however, her hero is Leonard Cohen. “It’s all about taking your time to tell a story and play around with the words and music,” she says, as in her sly song about a burnt out relationship, Cigarette.
My Name has been produced by Marc Collin, the musical genius behind the success of Nouvelle Vague, and Villeneuve who wrote most of the songs. As well as Julien Doré, Mélanie also perform a duet with the Norwegian folk star, Thomas Dybdahl.
Sample a few titles from Melanie Pain debut LP in exclusivity here
Melanie received a standing ovation at her Wellington performance last week. read more
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